I Personally, Really Enjoy Eating Fruit. And The ...

I personally, really enjoy eating fruit. And the older I get, the more I learn about the advantages of including a healthy portion of fruit in my diet. For example, did you know that one cup of strawberries gives you 140% of your daily recommended vitamin C. Strawberries. That beats broccoli and spinach. (Eat a strawberry). And tastes a whole lot better. Not to mention strawberries are a huge source of fiber. Yes, I have reached the age where I have to actually worry about such things as fiber.

How about an apple? An apple a day keeps the doctor away, right? (Take a bite of an apple) A medium apple is about 70 calories, and contains no fat, no sodium, and no cholesterol. All while giving you 20% of your daily recommended fiber intake. (Take another bite) Sure beats Metamucil. Right?

Or how about one of my favorites. The banana. (Begin eating a banana, and eat throughout section on bananas) You know, research has shown that two bananas provide enough energy for a 90 minute strenuous workout session. Just two bananas. When you compare the banana to the apple. The banana has four times the protein, and five times the vitamin A and iron.

But did you know that a banana does not grow on a tree. In fact, it is an herb. Rather than growing on trees, it is actually a fruit-bearing flower stalk that is tightly wrapped in leaves. In fact, you can eat the bloom, the flower, but then you would obviously not get any bananas.

The banana is actually a cousin to the spice, ginger. Listen to some of these things the banana helps with:

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken 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.

Just think about it. Have you ever seen a depressed monkey? Of course not.

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

Speaking of strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40% Anybody want one now?

Constipation: Including bananas in the diet can help. . .never mind.

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

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.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Smoking & Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, and B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

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.

And if that doesn’t do it for you, how about this. Want a quick shine on our shoes? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe. Then polish with a dry cloth.

Bananas, an amazing fruit. . .or herb. Now, I can bet that you know more about bananas than you did before, or at the very least more than you thought you would learn during an Easter service. Right? So let me ask you, are you ready to go raise some bananas?

Because, and stay with me, this is where it all gets tied back together, this is how I think we have traditionally studied the fruit of the Spirit. Sermon series. Bible studies. Sunday School lessons on the fruit of the Spirit do what? They examine the fruit.

So one week they will look at love. The next week joy. The following week peace. The fruit of the spirit. Good. . .even great qualities to have in your life. So we study the qualities.

We pick up the fruit, and we examine it. We look at its appearance. We explore the meat. We taste it. We note its color. We really begin to understand what the fruit is. Just like we can really know what a banana, or an apple, or a strawberry is. But studying the fruit, does not tell you how to produce it.