Bananas are a versatile, popular fruit packed with vitamins, minerals and health benefits!
Bananas are a starchy fruit that vary in size, color, and taste. They’re also one of the largest fruits grown! Bananas may be red, purple, brown, yellow or green. There are also “baby” bananas, and plantains that are frequently used for cooking.
Bananas have a leathery outer peel covering the edible flesh of the fruit. They’re the perfect convenience food for on-the-go and great for pre or post-workout due to the nutrient content and starches. Bananas are incredibly creamy, starchy, and sweet!
Health Benefits of Bananas:
Bananas have been shown to provide cardiovascular benefits from the potassium and fiber. They also have anti-cancer benefits, improve digestion and heal stomach ulcers by providing the fiber pectin. They help neutralize stomach acid, aid in bone health, vision health, and even kidney health.
Bananas are also ideal for active individuals and athletes looking for a higher calorie fruit with electrolytes, carbohydrates, and convenience.
Nutrient Breakdown of Bananas:
*Per 1 medium banana
- Fiber | 3g
- Carbohydrates | 27g
- Vitamin B6 | 25% DV
- Manganese | 16% DV
- Vitamin C | 13.6% DV
- Potassium | 12% DV
- Biotin | 10% DV
- Copper | 10% DV
- Magnesium | 8% DV
How To Use:
Use bananas as you would any other fresh fruit. Try them freshly sliced on oatmeal, yogurt, porridge or smoothie bowls. They’re also great frozen in smoothies and desserts. Ripe bananas are also awesome for baked goods like banana bread. Bananas are also fantastic for vegan and dairy-free baking to use as an egg replacement!
Recipes:
Frozen Superfood Bananas With Raw Chocolate Sauce
NS Recommends:
Have too many ripe bananas? Simply peel the bananas, lay evenly on a cookie sheet or flat surface and freeze overnight. Then take each individual frozen banana and store in a freezer gallon size bag for later. They’re great for smoothies!
Note:
If you have a latex allergy, bananas are one of those fruits (as are kiwis and avocados) that contain compounds that are associated with a latex-fruit syndrome, a cross-reaction. If you have a latex allergy, be mindful and cautious when eating these fruits you may have a reaction such as itchy throat/mouth/nose/ears, hives, or stomach issues.