Banana and mood swing

Banana contains an amino-acid called tyrosine which builds and helps to increase dopamine levels – a chemical that boosts a positive mood.

Bananas are a tasty and convenient snack, and bananas help depression. A medium-sized banana contains approximately 11 milligrams of it. Tryptophan, an amino acid which is a building block to creating mood-boosting serotonin, that balances mood and daily functioning.

Serotonin is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter (a type of chemical that sends messages between neurons in the brain). Tryptophan also helps in improving sleep and regulates intake of food.

Bananas are also rich B vitamins, which the body uses in times of stress to ease the nervous system. Folate or vitamin B9 in banana capable of fighting depression by releasing serotonin. Banana are also a rich source of Vitamin C and potassium, which boosts nerve and muscle health.
Banana and mood swing

Functions of serotonin

Bananas are a powerhouse of nutritional value. They contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Many people experiencing depression report they feel much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin melatonin. Inadequate serotonin can cause depression, anxiety and insomnia. Serotonin regulates mood, sleep, anxiety and helps to relieve depression.

In the central nervous system, 5-HT pathways modulate behaviors, eating, and sleep, whereas, in the gut, they are involved in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility. Fruits, vegetables, and seeds are major sources of 5-HT. In recent years, the number of studies on the content of 5-HT in plants has increased, greatly encouraged by the discovery of melatonin, which stimulates the late vegetative growth of different tissue sections.

5-HT appeared to be prevalent in the green fruit of the Musa genus (that is, prata banana, and other species), containing about 7100–21,000 ng/g of fresh weight, followed by a significant decrease during ripening. Higher concentrations were found in banana peels compared to the pulp.

Depression affects the brain chemistry, and in particular it reduces your serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which acts like a happiness inducing ingredient – happy in the sense of mellow and content, not high and buzzy (that’s dopamine).
Functions of serotonin

Serotonin and banana

Bioactive amines such as putrescine, spermidine and serotonin have been identified in high concentration from banana.

Two major effects attributed to serotonin are skeletal muscle vasodilation with flushing and both intracranial and extracranial vasoconstriction.

Serotonin is a chemical which has a marked effect on the excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach under the influence of inflammatory processes in it, namely; gastric ulcer, gastritis etc.

In such condition when banana is given with milk, the acid is neutralized by the action of milk and the further secretion is prevented by the action of serotonin.

Serotonin and dopamine in banana act directly in controlling the release of some hormones and in regulating the circadian rhythm of sleep and appetite.

Bananas are also one of the best natural sources of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is very important for the production of serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter which released by the brain.

Serotonin prevents depression and generally has a calming positive effect on the body and mind.

Other foods such as cottage cheese, granola, oat flakes, salmon, turkey, kiwi, pineapple and flower seeds, also contain high serotonin.
Serotonin and banana