Benefits of Bananas, Risks and Tips

The banana is food genius. It comes in its own sealed, portable container and is one of the healthiest foods on the planet. One banana has about 100 calories, is loaded with potassium (400 mg) and fiber (3 g) while containing no fat. The very popular yellow banana of Cavendish is the banana we see in grocery stores. Plantains, finger bananas, and red bananas are also popular.

Health Benefits 

Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.
Bananas contain tryptophan and 30% of your day’s vitamin B6, which helps the brain produce mellowing serotonin. Tryptophan and B6 will help you get through the day with less stress. Tryptophan also helps to relieve depression and anxiety.

Controls high blood pressure.
The potassium in bananas helps to keep your blood pressure levels down.

Keeps blood sugar levels steady.
The vitamin B6 in bananas helps even out blood sugar levels, helping you to avoid blood-glucose highs and lows.

Boosts your workouts.
The natural sugars in bananas give you long-lasting energy, while the potassium helps keep you alert and prevent muscle fatigue.

Eases teething pain.
Offer your baby a frozen banana (peeled, of course). The banana thaws quickly as your baby chews on it, and the cool fruit soothes the gums.

Combats sleeplessness.
Tryptophan, the same amino acid that eases stress, can also help induce sleepiness. Have one before bed for better shut-eye.

Health Risks

Allergic reaction.
If you are latexsensitive, bananas may also trigger an allergic reaction.

Eating Tips
• Puree frozen ripe slices in a food processor or blender for instant ice cream.
• Mash and stir into whole wheat pancake batter.
• Fry slightly underripe quarters in oil and cumin as a side dish for pork chops.

Buying Tips
• Avoid bananas with brown spots that seem very soft.
• Choose fruit that is firm and free of bruises. Most have a soft texture when ripe. Best eating quality has been reached when the solid yellow skin color is speckled with brown.
• Bananas with green tips or with practically no yellow color have not developed their full flavor.
• Bananas are overripe when they have a strong odor.

Storing Tips
• To further ripen bananas, leave at room temperature for a couple of days.
• Once ripe, you can store them in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. The peel may turn brown in the refrigerator, but the fruit will not change.