FertilehealthyAiming for success, not perfection…

One of my favorite fruits has got to be bananas.  I eat of a lot of them!

There’s been this misconception among dieters that bananas are “fattening”, because of the high sugar content.  That’s just nonsense!  They’re nutritional powerhouses and filled with valuable soluble fiber, which slows down the absorption of the unrefined glucose, fructose and sucrose.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout, which makes it the #1 fruit for the world’s leading athletes.

But providing us with energy isn’t the only way a banana can help us keep fit.  It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression:  According to a recent survey taken amongst people who suffer from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax and improve your mood.

PMS:  Forget the pills – eat a banana.  The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia:  High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood pressure:  Bananas are high in potassium, yet low in salt, making them perfect to control blood pressure.

Brain power:  Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making you more alert. 

Constipation:  Because of the high fiber content, bananas can help restore normal bowel function without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers:  One of the quickest ways to cure a hangover is to drink a banana smoothie. 

Heartburn:  Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning sickness:  Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites:  Many people find rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin amazingly effective at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves:  Bananas are high in B vitamins that calm the nervous system.

Ulcers:  The banana is useful in alleviating discomfort from intestinal disorders because of its smoothness and soft texture.  It neatralized over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control:  Many cultures see bananas as a cooling fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers.

Tobacco use:  Bananas can help those trying to stop smoking.  The vitamins B6 and B12, along with the high levels of potassium and magnesium, can help the body cope with nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Stress:  Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance.  When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels.  These can be topped up with a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes:  According to research in the New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by stroke by as much as 40%.

Warts:  Many people have found that warts disappear when a piece of banana skin is placed on the wart and taped securely.  I should really try that!

Shoe shine:  Rub the shoe with the inside of the banana skin and polish with a dry cloth.  I haven’t tried this one!

Compared to an apple, a banana contains four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorous and five times the iron and vitamin A.  As mentioned, it is rich in potassium. 

So, bananas really are useful fruit to eat daily.  Kids love them too!

I always slice a banana or two into my morning oatmeal, along with a teaspoon of honey and a tablespoon of ground flax seeds.

And needless to say, no green smoothie is complete without bananas! 

I’ve found that they freeze really well -  just peel and place between sheets of wax paper in the freezer.

You can also make these wonderful desserts:

Fig & Banana Sundae

½ cup fresh figs (or dried figs soaked overnight in 100% pure apple juice)

4-8 frozen ripe bananas

1 cup chopped pecan nuts

Blend the figs until smooth and spoon about 1 cm into individual glasses.  Blend the bananas until frothy and spoon onto the figs.  Add a layer of chopped pecans.  Repeat layers until the glass is full.  Top with nuts and keep frozen until needed.

Baked Banana Pudding

6-8 bananas, sliced

2 tbsp raw honey

2 tbsp sultanas

2 tsp cinnamon

Mix all the ingredients together and transfer to an ovenproof dish.  Bake at 180°C (355°F) for 30-40 minutes.

Fruit and Nut Ice Cream

1 pineapple

3 bananas

¼ cup raw honey

3 handfuls of cashews

1/3 cup water

Blend everything together really well until smooth, then pour into containers and freeze.  When are ready to have some, allow it to melt a little then pop it back into the processor.  You can also add mangoes or any desired fruit.

Have you had a banana today?