Bodybuilders know that it takes more than just lifting weights to build muscle, it also takes a proper healthy diet. What foods they put into their bodies are going to play a big part in how those muscles are developed. One of the best natural foods that bodybuilders use is the banana, which offers a quick energy boost, is high in potassium, and contain plenty of carbohydrates which are the body's main source of energy.

The banana is often misunderstood. In some cultures, like in China and India, people will cook with the banana tree leaf, which they can obtain from the banana tree the same way that the fruit is used. In other parts of the world, the banana plant (such as the red banana tree of Sumatra), is only used for decoration.

But for the rest of us just concerned with its positive health benefits, bananas make for a good post-exercise snack. During long exercises and weightlifting routines, your body can lose vitamins and minerals and the banana replaces these nutrients as well as giving you the energy you need, as well as being easy to digest. For bodybuilding, the potassium is essential for helping the body's muscles to contract properly during exercise and reduces cramping up. In addition, bananas are a good source of vitamin B6. A lack of B6 in a diet can cause weakness, irritability and insomnia, so bananas can help keep your body stable.

So if you're working out, and you're going to have a healthy shake afterwards, don't forget to add a banana, because there's nothing but goodness being added to your body.