20 Reasons Why You Need More Bananas
Bananas are often taken for granted—present everywhere in supermarkets and frequently overlooked due to their familiarity. They’re available year-round thanks to steady imports, making them one of the most affordable and dependable fruits. However, beyond their convenience, bananas offer incredible benefits, extending well beyond the fruit itself to the peel. Embracing the whole banana promotes zero waste and uncovers its full potential.
Despite some conflicting or confusing information about bananas and their effects on individuals, there's no need to fear this versatile fruit. Bananas can enhance your diet in numerous ways, from smoothies and baked goods to eco-friendly applications that boost health.
Writing this article rekindled my appreciation for bananas and reinforced their value as a home staple.
Banana peels, often discarded, are a nutritional powerhouse. They contain proteins, carbohydrates, and essential minerals. Rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids, banana peels offer impressive antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. By utilizing the entire banana, you not only minimize waste but also harness its full potential as a sustainable and health-promoting option.
Banana Benefits:
1. Rich In Fiber. Bananas can help with constipation due to their high fiber content (although there have been opposing claims!). They are also great to eat after experiencing diarrhea as they can help replace electrolytes.
2. Heart & Bone Health. Bananas are high in Potassium which maintains proper heart function and regulates your blood pressure. Eating bananas can counter act the effects of a high sodium diet. Potassium also suppresses calcium excretion in the urine preventing painful kidney stones and helps preserve your bones.
3. Ease Digestion. Bananas are rich in pectin which helps aid digestion. They are also a natural anti-acid. They are known for coating the lining of the stomach against corrosive acids.
4. Powerhouse of Nutrients. Bananas are a good option to eat prior to a workout as they provide energy and are able to sustain your blood sugar. They are also able to protect against muscle cramps.
5. Can be a Mood Stabilizer. Due to the high levels of tryptophan that are converted in serotonin (a happy-mood brain neurotransmitter) bananas can help you feel better.
6. Skin Support. Place the inside of a banana peel against your skin, it does wonders! The peel has a strong moisturizing and soothing effect. It has also been said that banana peel can also rid of warts when treating for about a week. You can also smash a banana with brown sugar for a natural skin scrub!
7. Plant food. Soak your banana peels in water for 1-3 days and use that water to sparingly fertilize your plants or garden. Read more about this before you try it!
8. Whiter Teeth. Rub the inside of the banana peel against your teeth and see whiter teeth. This is not a proven or studied method, and you can read more here.
9. Ripen Avocados. Because bananas release ethylene they trigger ripening in avocados, simply place a banana in the same bag as avocados and check until they are ready.
10. Share with your Pet. Bananas are fruits that our furry babies can also enjoy! You can mash up a banana and add it to your dog's food.
Make this with Banana’s:
11. Banana Bread. Delicious for breakfast or other mid-day snacks. There are so many different recipes available for you all over the web, and these recipes are always great to make with overripe bananas.
12. Banana Cake. Banana cake is a healthier option for birthdays or any other celebrations. Banana cake pairs excellently with cream cheese based icing. Also great to make with overripe bananas.
13. Banana Ice-Cream. There are various options for sugar, gluten & dairy free ice-cream recipes available. Perfect for dessert and a cold boost of energy!
14. Banana Smoothie. There are thousands of smoothie recipes, and bananas always make a great addition in taste & consistency. A personal favorite is one banana, 1 cup of orange juice and one cup of frozen berry mix!
15. Chocolate Dipped Bananas. These are a summer favorites and easy to make. Just dip bananas into melted chocolate and freeze. YUM!
16. Banana French Toast. Simply add banana as a topping to your french toast paired with with peanut butter and chocolate and enjoy!
17. Banana Pancakes/Waffles. Easy, slice some banana to your favorite pancake recipe or top your waffles with this delicious fruit!
18. Banana Fruit Bowl. One of my favorite ways to pair banana is with strawberries, greek yogurt, granola and honey.
19. Banana Oatmeal. For a quick breakfast just add some banana and peanut butter to your oats.
20. Peanut Butter + Bananas make for a power mid-day snack filling as a full meal.
There you have it, so many reasons to add bananas to your grocery list on every trip to the store. This is a little healthy habit that is specific, attainable, and realistic. After reading all about this, bananas taste even better!
There are these and so many more ways to eat bananas that you can find on the internet! It is a versatile ingredient. Keep your body healthy and your wallet full with this delicious, nutritious, and affordable fruit.
Disclaimer
Welcome to A Swell Space! I'm sharing what I've learned through my own experiences and research. I'm not a doctor, therapist, or professional expert, so please don't take my content as professional advice. Always check with a healthcare provider or other professional before making important decisions about your health, finances, or life.
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