The incredible nutritional benefits of bananas make them an excellent source of food as part of a balanced diet.
As with apples and dates, bananas are not only very popular but are consumed by people all over the world providing a low cost, delicious and nutritious food.
The thick protective skin prevents insects and foreign pollutants from entry and all you have to do is just peel and eat.
In addition bananas are a healthy alternative to eating chocolates, sweets and crisps making them an ideal treat to have between main meals or as a pre or post workout snack.
So What Is A Banana?
The banana is an African name that is derived from an Arabic word `banan’ meaning `finger’.
In botanical terms the banana tree, as it is often referred to, is in fact a large herbaceous plant or herb with a large stem rather than a trunk and the fruit that grows from this plant is actually a berry.
Believed to have originated in Southeast Asia the perennial plant grows in a warm climate, along with a unique characteristic of being non-seasonal, which means it is available throughout the year. The Cavendish, named after Musa Cavendishii, is the most common variety and the most widely exported.
Health Benefits
Bananas are rich in fibre which is important for digestive health. The incredible nutritional content of this fruit helps to satisfy hunger and provide a source of potassium, magnesium as well as vitamin B and vitamin C.
The average banana consists of approximately 100 calories and although eating them can make one feel full there is a very little fat content in this fruit due to the composition being made up of mainly carbohydrates and water.
The above combination of rich fibre, low calories and high carbohydrate content provide all the energy required for an intense workout in the gym or fitness activity.
Bananas contain a protein called tryptophan which the body converts to serotonin. This chemical plays a variety of roles in the body but is generally known to promote happiness and wellbeing.
The incredible nutritional benefits of bananas have been known to moderate blood sugar levels in healthy individuals.
However, as with many things, it is important to make the choice to have a balanced diet and sensible lifestyle. Be smart when setting goals.
Finally adopting moderation and control, whilst avoiding extremes, is the key factor to achieving your overall holistic wellbeing.
KEEP IT SIMPLE RECIPES –
BANANA & MANGO FRUIT SMOOTHIE
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 1 small mango (or any fruit of your choice)
- 1-2 tbsp honey
- 500ml milk (orange juice can be substituted for milk)
- Ground nutmeg (optional)
Method
Peel and chop the banana.
Peel and chop the mango (if fresh mangoes are not available then one can use mango pulp or any fruit of your choice – as always the key is simplicity).
Put all the ingredients into a blender and then process until thick and smooth.
Sprinkle a little nutmeg on top.
NOTE: It is always advisable to consume on the day of preparation.