Whether in the morning, afternoon, or evening, it’s always a good time for such a delicious treat when you crave something sweet or want to feel satisfied and have a healthy snack.
There are countless ways to eat them: cooked, raw, in smoothies, or even ice cream… and many more recipes to try! But there’s so much more to them than just being a fresh dessert.
If you’re a huge banana fan like us and would like to learn what actually makes this fruit so special, keep reading!
It’s time to discover all the health and nutritional benefits they have to offer.
A Nutritious Snack
Do you get cramps at night? Eat a banana! We’ve all heard our grannies mention how life-saving this fruit is at least once… And they were quite right!Bananas are well known for being a rich, if not one of the best, natural sources of potassium.
But did you know this isn’t the only mineral they have to offer?
In fact, this tropical fruit contains some of the most vital phytonutrients the human body needs to carry out its physiological processes, including vitamins, phenolic compounds, and a long variety of minerals, such as:
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Iron
- Phosphorus
- Sodium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- And many more!
As you can see, there's no question that this fruit is the perfect combination of flavour, texture, and nutrition! But believe it or not, what comes next might take you by surprise.
The Importance Of The Peel
Sometimes the best isn’t on the inside. And look, we’re not taking the pulp's nutritional value for granted. It’s a rich source of essential nutrients and other components, like phenolics and carotenoids. However, a study by the Institute of Chemical Technology in India has shown that the banana peel has a greater concentration of phytochemicals in relation to the pulp. In other words, we could say that the peel is more nutritious than the fruit itself.We know how unfair it sounds. How can the sourest, most unpleasant-flavoured part of the banana be more beneficial than the banana itself? Well, we’re not here to question Mother Nature’s decisions, but we can certainly give you solutions, so keep the faith!
Did you know that banana peels are essential in many cultures worldwide? From fried dishes to elaborate desserts, there are many ways to use the peels you would most likely throw away.
In fact, roasted banana peels enhance the sweet flavour of the pulp! Come on! Here you have 10 banana peel recipes to try at home to maximise the benefits our favourite fruit offers.
Health Treatments with Bananas
Thanks to the wide variety of phytonutrients bananas contain, specialists highlighted two key features: their antioxidant and ace-inhibiting capabilities. In practical terms, these two properties can be of great help for the following medical conditions:1. Chronic Degenerative Disorders
Thanks to their high content of phytochemicals, bananas have stronger antioxidant power than other fruits, berries, herbs, or vegetables. This capacity increases with time, meaning that the more mature the fruit, the more antioxidant effects it’ll provide. Interesting fact: Specialists have linked this property to the reduction and prevention of degenerative disorders caused by oxidative DNA damage.
2. Cardiovascular Conditions
Did you know this tropical fruit plays a vital role in managing diabetes and other related diseases? Its hypertensive properties reduce high blood pressure, prevent potential heart failure, and even boost insulin resistance. A recent study analysed a group of adults suffering from obesity and type-2 diabetes and determined that by eating at least two bananas a week, their overall health significantly improved, resulting in:
- Drop blood pressure.
- Increased insulin resistance
- Weight loss
Final Thoughts
There aren't many foods we could eat every single day and never get bored of, but this tropical fruit is definitely on that list.Whether it’s for their sweet taste, soft texture, or creaminess, there’s always a good reason to add bananas to your smoothies, pancakes, ice cream, or desserts. And now you have many more excuses!
So, next time someone asks why bananas have such an important place in your kitchen, just say: “I’m taking care of your health in the most delicious way!”
