Let's Go Banana's!

One banana packs a potassium punch of at least 450 mg. At more than 20 percent of your necessary daily value, that's a lot of the vital mineral. But the banana's reputation as a potassium powerhouse is a bit overblown. Many other common foods--such as beans, potatoes and halibut--contain much more potassium. Of course, that doesn't mean bananas aren't generally healthy. In fact, they're one of the healthiest fruits around.

• Bananas are full of vitamin B6, which wards off fatigue and insomnia.
  
• The serotonin and norepinephrine that occur naturally in bananas help to combat depression.
  
• Because bananas are high in fiber, they keep the digestive tract healthy and regular.
  
• While they're high in potassium, bananas are very low in sodium--making them a perfect food to prevent high blood pressure and stroke.