it's a hard knock life

A few nights ago I was getting ready for a Hornets game when all of the sudden I got a cramp in my left foot! Now, usually if I get a muscle cramp I’d just stretch it out and it would be fine (most of the time anyway). How exactly do you stretch out your foot? I tried everything…stretching my toes, walking on it, and extending my foot every which way it would go. It was awful and nothing was working. That’s when my roommate told me to eat a banana. Amazing! 10 minutes later…no more foot cramp. Sometimes my roommate is so smart…sometimes.

Today I got an email from a friend on how useful bananas are. I went to the store after work and bought a whole bunch of them! I hope these are true…

Depression According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Blood Pressure This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Heartburn Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Mosquito bites Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Ulcers The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Stress Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.