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by Dr. Damayanthi Piyadasa Perera

I am writing this article in response to Lionel J Seneviratne's letter (DN, Reader's Mail of 8th January) inviting comments on the subject of Serotonin and depression. I recapture briefly below what was stated in Mr. Seneviratne's article for the benefit of the readers who may have missed his letter to the Reader's Mail.

In his article Mr. Seneviratne states that he was mildly depressed in the mornings from his teens and after reading an article in the Sun newspaper many years ago that banana contains serotonin which is an antidepressant, he started eating bananas (Plantain) daily, especially in the mornings.

According to him, in a year's time he was cured of his depression and he has not been depressed since. Of course, he mentions that he continues to eat bananas daily.

Serotonin is a neurochemical/neurotransmitter (a chemical that helps to exchange signals between brain cells) that effects mood and personality. Low levels of serotonin are believed to cause mood disorders and depression. Therefore serotonin is the chemical that is targeted by the new antidepressant drug Prozac (which is popularly known as the 'Happy Pill' in the West) and the other similar products such as Zoloft, Paxil etc.

By raising the levels of Serotonin in the brain, the medication can improve a person's mood. Antidepressant drugs such as Prozac are known to relieve depression within a couple of weeks. However, just like all other drugs, antidepressants may also have some side effects.

In recent years it has been observed that food has much to do with health and illness.

There is mounting evidence that a diet containing generous amounts of fruit and vegetables may be protective against certain chronic degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart disease, cataract etc. Similarly, certain foods are known to enhance mood and alleviate mild depression. Two such foods are St. John's Wort (a herb) and banana.

Bananas and plantains contain serotonin and dopamine, which are biogenic (produced by living organisms) amines. Serotonin and dopamine produced by the body are known to influence mood and appetite.

However, biogenic amines found in food are inactivated by the enzyme monoamine oxidase found in the lining of the digestive tract. It is also known that serotonin does not pass the blood-brain barrier to any significant degree and therefore it must be produced within the brain itself from precursors that gain access to the brain. Nevertheless, banana is a good source of vitamin B-6, which is needed to make serotonin in the body.

According to Mr. Seneviratne's article it appears that after he started eating bananas it took about a year for his mild depression/mood disorder to be cured. It is possible that eating bananas/ plantains regularly may help to improve mood through the increased production of serotonin in the body considering that banana is a good source of vitamin B-6 which is a precursor for the synthesis of serotonin in the body.

However, it is important to note that a direct 'cause and effect' cannot be attributed to the relief of depression in this case.

Above mentioned are some of the less known attributes of banana. Banana is an unusual fruit because it contains starch when the fruit is in raw stage. On ripening the starch is converted to sugars and the ripe banana/plantain contain a mixture of glucose, fructose and sucrose. Ripe banana is a good source of energy and well digested.

The sugar content of the banana increases with ripening and therefore the diabetic people should avoid over ripe bananas. However, banana is not taboo for diabetic people and they are allowed banana (or any fruit) within limits.

They should chose banana that has a slight touch of green colour at the tips. Fibre in banana provides bulk to the stools and help in regular bowel movement. In Sri Lanka, banana is one of the least expensive fruits in the market today and it is equally popular amongst the rich and the poor and the young and the old. Thumbs up for the 'Humble Banana' but a word of caution is necessary.

Don't go bananas over bananas! Any food or drink in excess can exert undesirable effects on certain health conditions. Include fruit and vegetables as a part of a balanced diet. The World Health Organization recommends including at least five portions of fruit and vegetable a day in a bid to prevent chronic, degenerative diseases.

Note: If you think that you are suffering from a mood disorder or depression it is important to seek medical advice.

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