benefits of bananas

Benefits of Bananas

Benefits of Bananas

Dear Readers, 

I’ve recently been pondering the benefits of bananas; a fruit which really is unlike any other, what with it’s funny peeling techniques, and it’s star role in comedy pranks, this is undeniably a stand alone act. Oh and the ways you can eat it- have it in a curry, eat it as is, make it into bread, put it on toast, cereal, yoghurt,  make it into a smoothie, or ice cream or cake; really anything goes. Then there’s how you can prepare it- boiled, blended, baked, roasted, fried, raw, barbecued (a personal favourite). Diverse is definitely it’s middle name. So now we know how easy it is to incorporate these beauties into our diets, fingers crossed the benefits of bananas can make us feel good too. 

Lets kick the benefits of bananas off by discussing their calming yet energising properties. Many a time I have advised those experiencing anxiety to ‘eat a banana or two.’ But on the same thread I also know its favoured among athletes as a great way to reenergise. So how is it that it can do both? Well, Bananas have three different types of natural sugars, Glucose, Fructose and Sucrose. Glucose and Fructose provide that instantaneous energy boost we are craving when reaching for a sweet treat, whilst Sucrose drip feeds us energy over a longer period of time, meaning when the boost dwindles Sucrose is there with the back up.  It’s a wonder with all that sugar that we’re not bouncing off the walls, but handily the banana is full of Vitamin B6 and Potassium. Vitamin B6 helps regulate those sugar levels in the blood as well as have a calming effect on the nervous system, whilst Potassium does, well, everything really. Potassium is an essential mineral found in the body; it’s found within all cells of the body and is very important in regulating water and mineral balance, as well as protecting against high blood pressure, supporting nerve function, and reducing acid in the stomach. And finally, (yes there’s still more), we have the great little bonus that bananas also contain a substance called tryptophan; This converts into that more commonly know feel good hormone, serotonin; helping us get happy, happy, happy.

So that’s calming, energising, regulating and happifying! Wow, the benefits of bananas are endless! I don’t know about you but that’s certainly got me grabbing for a banana. But before I sign off don’t  forget if you don’t manage to eat them all before they go off then don’t throw them away, just shove them in the freezer until your ready to make your next batch of banana bread (see recipe below). 

VYM xx

[yumprint-recipe id=’14’][yumprint-recipe id=’19’]

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