The Beauty of Bananas

Banana’s are by far one of the most nutritional and healing fruits on the planet. They’re delicious, rich, creamy, and sweet and can be enjoyed by everyone from babies to the elderly. They’re also readily available and can be incorporated into so many recipes.

Bananas are packed with vitamins such as vitamins C, and B6, plus minerals like potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese, and biotin. Banana’s have a high water content, approximately 75%, so they’re an ideal electrolyte food. They contain about 100 – 120 calories each and have very little protein and almost no fat.

A medium banana has about 3.5 grams of fiber, 14 grams of sugar, and 25 grams of total carbs. Insulin levels and blood sugars can be affected by carbohydrates. Going by the glycemic index, slow-releasing carbs can keep stabilizing your blood sugars. For example, fully ripe bananas have a glycemic index of 51. Any foods below 55 are considered okay to eat. A green banana has a GI index of 42, and a banana with brown spots has a GI index of 48. So the GI index is reflective of how ripe the fruit is. Unripe bananas have their problems — although some people enjoy them, they can cause constipation and other issues, so eating a rip one is far more beneficial.

Bananas provide fuel for our brains. Our brain cells need glucose to function optimally. Being that our brains cannot store glucose, we have to continually eat healthy foods that replenish this supply. Bananas have approximately 2.6 grams of fiber which slows the breakdown and release of its fructose into our bloodstream. Our body utilizes fruit sugars gradually so a banana is a great way to get a steady stream of healthy sugar for brain fuel. One banana will supply you with 25% of your daily dose of fiber, this includes a good mix of soluble and insoluble fibers, which is beneficial for good digestion.

The potassium in bananas is essential for cardiovascular health. A medium-sized banana contains a mega-dose of 400 mg plus of potassium, so they can help maintain normal blood pressure and heart function. Bananas enhance brain function. Vitamin B6 has been known to improve cognitive function and memory.

Bananas also contain protease inhibitors and powerful antibiotic and anti-fungal compounds which can halt viruses in their tracks. This makes bananas extremely beneficial for chronic conditions like shingles, Parkinson’s, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, MS, and Epstein-Barr.

Feeling grumpy? Then a large banana may be all you need to change your mood with 12 milligrams each of the amino acids tyrosine and tryptophan. These amino acids are used by our bodies to make the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin which can put you in that happy place. They also promote better sleep and regulate the sleep-wake cycle.

Bananas are so versatile. You can eat them alone or make a scrumptious recipe with them. They’re dairy-free and hypo-allergenic. I like to put a few in my smoothies every morning. You can freeze them and make thick and rich ice creams or puddings, or bake them in loaves, cookies, or muffins. Bananas are an excellent healing and nourishing food that should be included in your daily diet.