Nutritional value, harm and benefits of bananas for the body. Can bananas be harmful to your health? Myths and truth about the harmful properties of bananas How can you eat bananas

The benefits and harms of bananas have been debated for a long time, because they come to us green and are artificially ripened before being sent to stores. While opponents of bananas talk about their usefulness, small children, pregnant women and the elderly enjoy eating the fruit.

The bananas we are used to eating are sweet dessert varieties and can be eaten fresh. There are also types that cannot be used without heat treatment - they are called plantens. In their homeland, they are consumed as vegetables, stewed, fried and made into soups, much like we use potatoes.

Banana - fruit or berry

Bananas are commonly mistaken for fruits. Structurally, the wild banana fruit consists of a dense peel, a layer of pulp and seeds from which bananas are grown. There are no seeds in dessert varieties. If you look closely, you can see the black specks that remain from the seeds. Therefore, based on botanical definitions, banana is a berry.

Composition and calorie content of bananas

The composition of green and yellow bananas differs, as does the calorie content. Green bananas are higher in calories due to their starch content. As the fruit ripens, it turns into sugar and the number of calories decreases.

Composition 100 gr. ripe yellow banana as a percentage of the daily value:

• vitamin B6- 18%. Prevents anemia;
• vitamin C- 15%. Strengthens the immune system;
• manganese- 13%. Participates in metabolism;
• potassium- 10%. Improves heart function;
• magnesium– 7%. Good for skin and vision.

Calorie content of bananas – 89 kcal per 100 g.

The composition of bananas is unique. The tryptophan protein, together with vitamin B6, is involved in the formation of serotonin, the hormone of joy. And the lectin protein helps fight cancer cells.

Banana strengthens memory and reduces fatigue due to potassium. It is effective in treating Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. This is an ideal remedy for the recovery of patients after a stroke.

By producing dopamine and serotonin, bananas improve your mood and relieve stress.

Vitamin A and beta-carotene in bananas improve vision and protect against the development of cataracts.

The fiber in bananas improves intestinal motility. Therefore, despite their high calorie content, bananas are used for weight loss.

Eating bananas normalizes kidney function. The study proved that women who ate bananas 2-3 times a week reduced their likelihood of developing kidney disease by 33%.

Vitamins A, C and E strengthen hair and nails, make the skin smooth and glowing, which is why bananas are so good for women. The fruits are used as a stand-alone facial treatment or mixed with other ingredients in masks.

Not many people know that bananas belong to the category of berries. They grow on a tall shrub whose leaves fit tightly together. Traditionally, bananas can be classified as a fruit, but this is partly incorrect. The fruits are often pureed and eaten in their original form, with the peel removed. Bananas are famous for their rich chemical composition, so many are interested in the benefits and harms of the fruit. Today we will look at the main aspects in more detail.

Chemical composition

1. Bananas are considered extremely nutritious and energetically valuable fruits. Ripe pulp includes natural saccharides, fiber, protein, carbohydrates, pectin, starch, esters, macro- and microelements, vitamins of various groups.
2. Sugar comes in the form of glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Dietary fiber in combination with organic acids and vitamins makes the fruit indispensable in the field of baby feeding.
3. Particularly valuable substances that bananas are rich in are magnesium and potassium. They are necessary for the full functioning of the heart muscle, brain, and vascular system. Eating 2 bananas daily will make up for the missing elements.
4. In addition to the above components, bananas contain a small proportion of fat, beta-carotene, malic acid, and choline. If we talk about vitamins, the most valuable are group B, ascorbic acid, retinol, vitamin K, PP.
5. Microelements include phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, sodium, calcium, and selenium. The amino acids found in bananas support all the vital functions of the body.

Calorie content

The energy value and direct calorie content depend on the ripeness of bananas. Green type fruits contain only 88 Kcal. Ripe bananas have a calorie content of 119-121 kcal. If you eat overripe fruits, you will saturate your body with 178 kcal.

Bananas are not considered dietary products. However, they are often included in the daily menu of people watching their figure. This feature is achieved due to the nutritional value of the products and their large chemical composition.

1. Beautiful ladies love bananas not only for their taste, but also for their ability to prolong youth. Often, tightening masks for the face and hair are prepared from fruits. The composition normalizes water balance and smoothes wrinkles. The products can prevent hair loss and make it lush.
2. Women's doctors advise pregnant girls and women who are breastfeeding to eat bananas. The composition stimulates the production of oxytocin. The hormone is responsible for the quality and quantity of breast milk, and also forms the nervous system of the fetus.
3. Also, pregnant girls do not have to worry about a lack of vitamins if they eat bananas throughout the pregnancy. It is especially useful to consume fruits in the early stages to cope with nausea during toxicosis and improve digestion. Banana is a hypoallergenic product, so you can safely include it in your diet without worrying about your baby’s health.
4. In addition to the above qualities, banana relieves muscle spasms and lower back pain during PMS and menstruation itself. The fruit replenishes the lack of hemoglobin, which is washed out with the blood on critical days.
5. The general valuable qualities of the fruits lie in their ability to raise morale and mood. Thanks to this, ladies who regularly face stress will be able to survive negative situations without mental consequences. Being on a diet, girls do not have to worry about the onset of uncontrollable hunger; a banana will satisfy it.

Benefits of bananas for men

1. Ripe yellow fruits can also benefit the stronger half of humanity. Regular consumption of bananas improves the quality of sperm, increasing their “hotness”. As a result, it is easier for a couple to conceive a child.
2. Tryptophan, which is part of the composition, supports the functioning of the male genital organs, increases potency and attraction to women.
3. Men who play sports need to eat at least 3 bananas per day to maintain physical activity. You will also be able to recover quickly after your workout.
4. The fruits help build muscle mass when combined with isolated protein and amino acids (consumed separately).
5. The stronger half of the population is more susceptible to developing cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of yellow fruits eliminates this possibility, reducing the formation of blood clots, heart attack and stroke to zero.

1. Pregnant women often experience problems with the digestive system. Pregnant girls suffer from constipation or, on the contrary, diarrhea. To reduce unpleasant symptoms, you need to eat bananas in combination with other fruits.
2. Many pregnant women experience severe toxicosis, which is accompanied by vomiting, apathy, and worsening mood. A banana will give you energy and relieve the urge to vomit.
3. The expectant mother and baby need all the nutrients they need. A banana will make up for the lack of missing elements, forming the bone tissue of the fetus and supporting the woman’s nervous system.
4. It's no secret that all pregnant girls suffer from swelling of the limbs. This occurs due to poor removal of salts and accumulation of water in the internal organs. Yellow fruits normalize fluid balance, relieving limbs of stagnation.

The benefits of bananas for weight loss

1. The chemical composition of banana is completely balanced. Thanks to this, when it is consumed, the body ceases to experience a shortage of valuable elements. If you are constantly on strict diets, you begin to feel tired. This happens due to a lack of sugar, which is found in bananas.
2. To maintain all vital organs, it is necessary to organize the supply of amino acids, vitamins and dietary fiber to the body. Fiber fights constipation and helps remove toxins. It sucks out poisons and reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.
3. Weight loss is achieved by accelerating all metabolic processes and, as a result, breaking down fatty plaques. In addition, banana quickly quenches raging hunger and keeps you full for a long time.
4. It is known that banana is a high-calorie food. However, this aspect is completely covered by the beneficial qualities of the fruit. If you need to eat 300-400 grams to get enough of other fruits, then in the case of a banana 150 grams will be enough.
5. Any diet must be combined with physical activity, proper work and rest regimen. With regular exercise, the body quickly uses up calories, as a result, a person begins to feel exhausted. Banana gives strength and helps build muscles.

1. Green bananas are a vegetable variety. They are also equated with “mini” type fruits that are brought from abroad. Experts believe that fruits of this type have not yet fully formed their chemical composition. However, this aspect does not prevent the products from being beneficial.
2. So, green bananas affect blood pressure. They bring it back to normal, so the fruits can be eaten by hypo- and hypertensive patients. The product compensates for the lack of potassium, which is a serious prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
3. It is known that such a valuable element as calcium is washed out in the urine. Bananas prevent the loss of beneficial enzymes, strengthening bones and muscle tissue. The fruits prevent any diseases of the musculoskeletal system and form the skeleton of children.
4. Not many people know that bananas can be eaten with the peel on. This will tone up the motility of the intestinal tract, as well as provide serious assistance in the treatment of peptic ulcers, gastritis, diarrhea and general dehydration of the body.

The benefits and harms of dried bananas

1. During heat treatment, fresh bananas release saccharides and also increase their quantity. Therefore, dried bananas have a high calorie content, but at the same time they retain 98% of valuable substances.
2. For 100 gr. the product accounts for 345 kcal. Many people do not risk including dried fruit in their diet, but in vain. It is enough to eat 1 handful of the composition per day to saturate the body with potassium, manganese, magnesium and calcium.
3. Due to their high calorie content and high sugar content, dried fruits are contraindicated for people with any type of obesity, as well as for diabetics. However, you can treat children with bananas instead of chocolate to improve their mood and performance.
4. Dried bananas are useful for people with thin hair, peeling nails, and gray skin. The fruits restore the natural pigmentation of the epidermis, fight female and male alopecia, and whiten the nail plate (useful for smokers).
5. The hypoallergenic composition has a general strengthening and tonic effect on the body. Dried bananas are used to treat constipation, anemia, chronic gastrointestinal diseases, and weakened immunity. A large accumulation of ascorbic acid helps to resist viruses during the spread of ARVI.

1. Bananas have certain contraindications for consumption. So, they should not be eaten if there is thrombophlebitis, high blood viscosity, diabetes mellitus, obesity, or signs of ischemia.
2. Bananas rarely cause allergies, but you still shouldn’t overuse them. In addition, high calorie content can harm your figure; try to eat no more than 2 fruits per day (women), 3 fruits (men).
3. Unripe bananas contain too much starch, so they must be eaten in strictly measured doses. The element is difficult to digest, rotting in the digestive tract.
4. Green bananas can cause constipation (rare cases), bloating, and excess gas. In order not to harm your health, try not to consume unripe fruits more than 1 piece per day.
5. The harm of bananas lies in their pre-processing before transportation. Bananas are treated with pesticides, the most common of which are E230-232. Phenolic compounds allow fruits to remain fresh for a long time, but at the same time they can cause the development of cancer. Before eating, bananas should be thoroughly washed with baking soda.
6. Fruits should not be introduced into the diet of children under 1 year of age. Doctors say that the younger generation may experience bloating, diarrhea, and general bowel dysfunction. An overseas fruit can provoke the development of allergies in a still fragile body. Accumulation of vitamin K often causes anemia and jaundice in a child.

The value of bananas is due to the wide range of elements that make up the fruit. Bananas contain vitamins of different groups, amino acids, and antioxidants. In view of this, it is useful for men, women and children after 1 year to eat overseas fruits. Valuable qualities depend on the degree of ripeness of the fruit, consider the important aspects of dried and green bananas.

Video: The incredible truth about bananas

Good afternoon, our dear guests and regular blog visitors! Bananas, despite the fact that they grow far from our country, are familiar to everyone, young and old. This is a valuable food and feed crop with an interesting exotic aroma and taste with yellow, white, orange or cream pulp.

But not everyone knows complete information about this plant, so it makes sense today to cover the topic of what bananas are - the benefits and harms they have for the body.

Bananas - composition and benefits

This exotic fruit originated in the Malay Archipelago, related to the banana family. Only ripe fruits can be used for food, since unripe ones contain starch, which is difficult to digest.

The benefits of bananas for humans are explained by a certain composition. For example, despite the sweet taste, the fruits contain a lot of vitamin C, which protects against various viral infections. It also strengthens the walls of cells and blood vessels, helping to maintain youth and beauty for a long time. The list of useful substances consists of:

1. Carotene (vitamin A), which normalizes vision, improves skin elasticity, strength of nails and hair. Its benefits extend to pregnant women, as well as to the cardiovascular system. This vitamin also helps in the treatment of cancer.
2. Thiamine, or vitamin B1, involved in carbohydrate absorption. It also helps transmit nerve impulses and maintain skin health.
3. Vitamin B2, which helps heal wounds and is good for vision, as well as promoting the efficient functioning of the digestive system.
4. Vitamin PP (B3), acting on the central nervous system and brain, improving memory and concentration.
5. Pyridoxine or vitamin B6, which, in addition to benefiting the nervous system and brain, also helps produce gastric juice. This element also has a diuretic property, which is used to relieve swelling. Thanks to vitamin B6, the appearance of a substance produced in the brain, such as serotonin, is stimulated, which contributes to the emergence of positive feelings and emotions in the form of joy and pleasure.
6. Folic acid (vitamin B9), beneficial for the female body.
7. Vitamin E, which keeps the skin in good condition, filling it with elasticity and beauty.
8. Inulin is a nutrient for “good” intestinal microflora. Inulin is produced industrially from banana fruits.

But this is not the entire list of elements included in the composition - bananas also contain microelements, represented by potassium, magnesium and calcium.

The fibrous structure of the fruit allows it to be eaten by people suffering from digestive ailments - even during periods of exacerbation.

Bananas are even useful for gastritis due to the same soft starchy structure. In addition, unlike many other fruits, bananas do not contain large amounts of organic acids that irritate the stomach wall.

This fruit perfectly restores strength, thanks to the content of a large amount of sugar, which quickly enters the bloodstream. This property is successfully used by athletes at the end of competitions with just a couple of bananas.

Green banana peel normalizes blood pressure, and juice from the stems is used for epilepsy and hysteria.

Banana pulp is an excellent smoothing, softening and moisturizing agent suitable for absolutely any skin type. It is used to eliminate fine wrinkles, make the face soft and velvety, and relieve fatigue.

About calories and glycemic index

These indicators directly depend on the plant variety, varying from 65 to 150 Kcal, consisting of 90% carbohydrates, 5% proteins and the same amount of fats.

If we talk about the calorie content of one piece, then, contrary to popular belief, bananas are not the most high-calorie product - only 90-100 calories for an average banana.

Therefore, a person losing weight can easily eat them, even while on a diet. Moreover, there are banana fasting days. However, everything is good in moderation. If you eat a banana closer to the first half of the day, then why not.

Sugar in a banana is 16%, and of natural origin, consisting of fructose, glucose and sucrose. This is what allows you to almost instantly fill the body with energy and vigor.

If we talk about the glycemic index of the fetus, it is above average, equal to 60 units. But we are talking about ripe fruit. If the fruit is overripe, it has a higher GI, and a banana of early ripeness, on the contrary, will delight you with a lower glycemic index.

Bananas - types

There are a large variety of bananas in nature, offering colors from pale yellow to red, and sizes from 8 to 27 cm.

All fruits are divided into 3 main types - decorative, dessert and plantain:

• The first one cannot be eaten; they are grown for beauty, pleasing the eye with beautiful flowers. They are also used in industry to make fabrics, ropes, fishing gear and car cushions;
• Dessert and plantain are edible, the only difference is that the first does not need to be heat treated. But the second type is suitable for consumption after preliminary frying or boiling due to the small amount of sugar in the composition. The raw fruit tastes starchy and tough, reminiscent of potatoes in taste.

Each of these types has many subspecies that would be difficult to list in one article, so I’ll tell you about the commonly used ones:

There are approximately 500 varieties of bananas in the world, which are grown not only in Brazil, but also in India, Australia and the Caribbean. But, regardless of the chosen type, each of them has a lot of useful properties.

Eating bananas

These delicious fruits can be consumed in many ways. Next I want to tell you about the properties of bananas:

• Fresh consumption is preferable, which allows you to fill the body with the maximum amount of useful substances;

• The dried fruit has a high calorie content - up to 364 per 100 g, containing the entire group of vitamins B, as well as C, A, E, K and PP. Fruits are also rich in mineral elements - fluorine, selenium, iron, potassium, calcium and so on.

This allows it to be used to increase hemoglobin and improve intestinal function. And natural sugar supplies the body with energy, charging you with energy for the whole day. The immune system is strengthened and the complexion improves.

• Banana chips are deep-fried, sun-dried, or baked. The beneficial qualities of such cooking methods (with the exception of deep frying - which, of course, is harmful) do not deteriorate. So they can be consumed not only as culinary delights, but also for health purposes.

One of the main advantages of such a dish is the large amount of fiber (8.7 g), which is about a third of the daily requirement. Dietary fiber relieves constipation, reduces bad cholesterol in the blood, normalizes sugar levels, and has a preventive effect on the cardiovascular system and some types of cancer. The chips contain a lot of iron, which is useful for the process of hematopoiesis, activation of enzyme activity and providing energy. Potassium and sodium in the composition are involved in controlling blood pressure, transmitting nerve impulses, contracting muscles and maintaining water-salt balance. If you are suffering from nausea, fatigue and constipation, then you need to eat a dish every day that will relieve such unpleasant symptoms;

• With milk, bananas are good for improving the taste of dietary dishes, which is used for weight loss (for example, recipes often combine dairy products and banana). This composition is also used in sports nutrition.

A rich set of beneficial elements from milk and bananas stimulates metabolic processes, eliminates excess fat and improves the appearance of the skin. With this dish you can get rid of the feeling of hunger and at the same time cleanse the intestines and the entire body of toxins and other harmful elements. Due to the large amount of potassium in the composition, the drink is beneficial for the cardiovascular system, providing a therapeutic and preventive effect on it. Also, consuming banana and milk at the same time will keep your teeth and bones healthy;

• Banana in tandem with kefir or cottage cheese (low-calorie) is used as a dietary dish for weight loss. The benefit lies in the composition of the fruit and fermented milk product - it is low in calories, strengthens bones and helps in getting rid of excess fat;
• Bananas are cooked together with meat as a side dish, replacing, for example, potatoes. Venezuelans add the fruit to rice, and in Kuban they fry it in oil with spices. Many desserts are made from bananas, including mousses and creams.

In any form, banana perfectly satisfies hunger, fills you with energy and good mood.

Bananas for men and women

For various reasons, men are skeptical about bananas, which is completely in vain, because the male body will receive many benefits from eating this fruit:

1. The first and very important ability of the fruit is to increase potency, thanks to tryptophan (an essential acid) included in the composition. Mental balance and maintaining the health of the nervous system are within the purview of this substance. And constant stress and overexertion have a strong impact on intimate life. Regular consumption of bananas will ensure proper functioning of all organs.
2. The second, no less important function is filling with energy. This is especially true for men who work in heavy production or play sports.
3. Bananas help lower blood pressure. But the male population more often suffers from hypertension than women. The risk group in this case is age after 40 years. 1 or 2 fruits a day is enough to have a preventive or therapeutic effect.
4. And these fruits will also help you get rid of such a bad habit as smoking. When a strong desire to smoke appears, you will need to eat a quarter of a banana, which will significantly weaken it.

Women will also get a lot of benefits from eating bananas, starting with the fact that they provide taste pleasure:

• These fruits cleanse the body at the cellular level, removing toxins;
• One banana eaten a day makes the skin young and attractive, radiant with health;
• Bananas have a preventive effect against cancer, which provides carotene and vitamin B;
• The fruit can reduce headaches and prevent migraines, which women suffer from much more often than men.

Bananas have a high calorie content, especially when dried, but they still help you lose weight and shape your figure.

Pregnant women also benefit from bananas, but in moderation. And don’t forget that this fruit can lower blood pressure. Therefore, before consuming, the expectant mother should definitely consult with her gynecologist, who will adjust the amount. Read more about this link.

Bananas for children

The benefits for children are also great due to the fact that the plant is grown without requiring soil fertilization. The thick peel protects against the penetration of all kinds of pests and harmful elements.

Thanks to the rich vitamin and mineral composition, babies' bodies are provided with a full range of useful substances, strengthening the body, improving sleep and mood.

You can feed your baby bananas from the age of six months - since the fruit has a sweet taste and soft consistency, the baby is unlikely to refuse it. Start with small doses, gradually increasing the amount as needed, carefully monitoring the body's reaction to this product. If stomach upsets appear in the form of diarrhea or a rash on the body, banana feeding should be stopped and resumed after some time.

For preschool and school-age children, banana helps them concentrate better and relieve fatigue.

Daily intake of bananas

The rate of consumption of bananas during the day depends on the amount of components included in the composition, which in large quantities can harm human health. This applies to the following items:

1. Vitamin B6. It can be consumed from 2 to 4 mg per day. A medium-sized banana has 0.8 mg. Accordingly, the permissible number of fruits is no more than 5 pieces.
2. Potassium per day is 2000 mg, the average fruit contains about 700, which means you can eat 3 bananas.
3. The norm for magnesium for women is 300 mg, for men - 400, and in a banana there is 80. Based on this, ladies can consume 3 fruits a day, and gentlemen - 5.

Well, for those losing weight - 1-2 fruits, preferably in the first half or at least before 15 o'clock in the afternoon.

Having this information, you can independently plan your diet for the day without fear for your figure and health.

Video - useful in bananas

Bananas in the morning

Opinions about eating bananas for breakfast vary - some experts say that it is not very healthy, while others recommend them for weight loss.

Japanese pharmacists have developed a special diet called “Banana for Breakfast”. One of the first women in this country to try it was opera star Kumiko Mori, which helped her lose more than 7 kg in a month.

The simplicity of this way to lose weight lies in the fact that you don’t need to prepare anything in advance - the main thing is to buy bananas. You need to eat them in the morning, washed down with water without gases, and without consuming anything else. During the day you can eat anything except ice cream and alcohol, as well as confectionery. The last meal should be no later than 20.00. You can’t have a snack either, just drink plain water at room temperature.

And no matter what the opponents of this diet say, the singer still managed to lose weight on it, and quite significantly.

When are bananas contraindicated?

Due to the fact that this fruit is considered a heavy product with slow digestion, the flow of bile is difficult, causing excessive gas formation. Therefore, you need to eat bananas in small pieces and chew thoroughly.

• Experts do not recommend eating this product on an empty stomach immediately after waking up and washing it down with any liquid.
• Bananas are contraindicated for people who have suffered a stroke or heart attack.
• Varicose veins with thrombophlebitis also prohibit the consumption of bananas.
• People with low blood pressure and high stomach acidity are also not recommended to include bananas in their diet.
• In case of diabetes mellitus, the fruit can be eaten in limited quantities and after the approval of the attending physician.

Bananas - treatment

Bananas are not only a tasty and aromatic fruit, they can also cure some ailments:

• If you eat 1 fruit every day, you can get rid of depression;
• To get rid of cough, a banana is wiped, placed in a bowl with water (hot) - 1 glass for 2 fruits (with sugar), heated and wiped again;
• For constipation, it is recommended to eat about 4-5 pieces during the day;
• One banana before each meal will help get rid of stomach ulcers;
• People suffering from hypertension need to eat 1 fruit daily;
• The appearance of edema due to heart failure is an indication for regular consumption of bananas, as an addition to medications. If the swelling is small, then it can be treated without medication.

A large number of vitamins in the composition will fill you with vitality, relieving chronic fatigue and depressive conditions.

Selecting and storing bananas correctly

Bananas are not a fruit native to our land; they are imported from tropical countries. This means that you need to approach the choice of product wisely:

1. The fruit should have a streamlined, smooth shape, not ribbed.
2. A healthy fruit has a smooth, matte skin without drops of water. The drops will indicate that the sellers sprayed it with water for better preservation and appearance.
3. The peel of a ripe banana is completely yellow - a greenish color will indicate under-ripeness.
4. The presence of black dots on the surface of the fruit is allowed - this means that it is ripe. You just need to eat them right away, otherwise they will quickly spoil.
5. Bananas with black spots on the peel are not suitable for consumption - they are already rotting.
6. Do not buy bananas that have a gray surface - they are frozen.

There is a misconception that small bananas are healthy. This is not so - a high-quality fruit reaches 20 m in length, but fruits less than 15 cm are most often forage.

It is best to store bananas at a temperature of 18-23 degrees (in a word, at room temperature). Fruits can be stored for a maximum of a month, depending on the degree of ripeness.

The refrigerator is not the best place for bananas - they will quickly darken there. But if you put them there, then give them a separate place away from other products.

Secret: to make an unripe banana “arrive” faster, wrap it in paper (you can even use newspaper). A few hours and it will be much riper.

Bananas in cosmetology

The rich composition of banana makes it possible to successfully use it in cosmetology, improving facial skin and making hair healthy. I want to offer you simple recipes for preparing various masks at home:

• The simplest thing is to mash the pulp of a ripe banana and apply the resulting puree to your face and décolleté. And if you don’t want to put in the effort and mash the fruit, then you can do it even simpler - cut it into circles and make a mask out of them.
• To reduce wrinkles, you need to chop one medium fruit, add 2 small spoons of honey and the same amount of cream. Mix everything, making a homogeneous mass, then apply to the skin for about 15 minutes. It is recommended to remove using a cotton swab previously soaked in mineral water. Such procedures need to be done up to 3 times weekly. Read about others too.
• In winter, the best protection and nourishment for facial skin is a banana with honey (preferably candied). These two ingredients, when mixed, are thoroughly crushed and applied to the skin for 15 minutes, followed by rinsing with just warm water.
• The following recipe is perfect for dry hair: take a banana, a chicken egg and an avocado, chop everything up and apply it to your hair, spreading it over its entire length. It is enough to hold this mask for 15 minutes, then rinse with water.
• For oily hair, another mask is suitable - add a large spoonful of honey and lemon juice to the pulp of the fruit. All other manipulations are the same as in the previous recipe. If you want to give your hair extra shine, add another egg. In this case, you will need to wrap your head in a towel. After the mask is washed off, rinse with oak bark infusion or vinegar solution.

The benefits of this tropical fruit for our body are explained by the high content of nutritional components in it. Thanks to this, as well as its pliable and convenient aromatic consistency, it occupies a leading position among other natural products.

About banana peel

Not only banana pulp can benefit people - the peel too. After all, it has no less composition of nutrients - antioxidants, oils, minerals, macroelements and wax. Therefore, the scope of application is wide:

1. To keep your skin in excellent condition, simply regularly wipe your face, neck and other parts of the body with the inner surface of the peel.
2. It helps with any skin irritation in the form of sun burns, scratches with abrasions, mosquito, bee, wasp stings and so on.
3. Banana peel fights acne, psoriasis and warts.
4. She does an excellent job of whitening teeth.
5. You can also achieve shine on the leather surface of shoes using peels. And she can polish furniture.

Even a splinter can be removed from the body using the peel - attach a small piece to the sore spot and leave it for a day. Banana peels contain enzymes that can draw foreign objects to the surface of the skin.

Banana peel... edible and healthy (shocking video!)

But the most amazing thing is that you can eat banana peels. Yes, it is edible and healthy. Watch the video:

It turns out that the peel competes with bran in terms of coarse fiber content (there is more of it in the peel of green fruits - about 30%). Coarse fiber is a miracle of nature, which is lacking (and catastrophically!) in the diet of our contemporaries. It collects toxic and carcinogenic substances and cholesterol in the intestines.

You can eat it raw (but you are unlikely to be delighted with the taste) or stewed. Using a vegetable peeler, scrape off the top of the peel, dry in a dry frying pan, add water or broth, spices (garlic, cilantro, mint) and simmer for 10 minutes, or a little more. Taste – it’s ready when the viscous taste disappears. The resulting dish resembles eggplants or mushrooms :)

Or you can prepare candied fruits - cut the peel into strips, boil in sugar syrup. When the syrup has almost boiled away, dry the candied fruits on a baking sheet. Find out more - a whole selection.

This is such a useful product: banana. Now all that remains is to take advantage of this knowledge, improving your health, appearance and mood.

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Bananas are not just tasty food, but also extremely healthy, although quite high in calories. 100 g of fresh bananas contain about 200 kcal, and in dried fruit this figure reaches almost 300. However, the high calorie content of bananas is not a reason to exclude them from the menu. After all, these yellow gifts of the palm tree contain a whole range of various vitamins: ascorbic acid, B vitamins, vitamin PP, as well as carotene, enzymes and various trace elements. Banana is a valuable source of potassium and fiber.

Bananas are native to Southeast Asia. Interestingly, from a botanical point of view, a banana is a berry. Bananas are an ancient food crop and are eaten all over the world. The fruits are eaten fresh and also used to prepare various dishes. Bananas are fried, boiled, baked, canned, made into flour, syrups, wines, marmalade, consumed with or without the peel. It is noteworthy that in Ecuador these fruits are the main source of food for the population. In just one year, each Ecuadorian consumes about 73 kg of bananas, and in Burundi this figure reaches 189.4 kg. It turns out that bananas also grow in Russia. You can meet them in the Sochi area. However, they do not reach such maturity that they can be eaten.

Scientists have calculated that a person who eats 4 bananas per day covers 100% of the body’s need for potassium and magnesium. But it’s no secret that these two microelements are necessary for the normal functioning of the heart muscle.

The latest scientific evidence proves that bananas are fruits that should be consumed to normalize vision. It is very useful to eat bananas for people during the recovery period after illnesses. Unlike many food products, bananas are allowed for patients with various pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.

The pulp of bananas has a delicate structure, so they are approved for feeding children. Fruits can be included in a child’s menu already in the first year of life. It is recommended to begin introducing such complementary foods into the diet of infants starting at 10-12 months. Bananas have a soft texture and sweet taste, so all kids eat them with pleasure.

What are the general benefits of bananas for the body?

The benefits of bananas for the body are very great.

There are many reasons why bananas should be eaten regularly, namely:

These fruits are natural antidepressants. After eating them, the body begins to produce serotonin. It's no secret that this hormone is otherwise called the hormone of happiness. Therefore, it is useful to eat bananas daily for people prone to stress.

Banana promotes quick satiety, so it can be safely used as a tasty and healthy snack between main meals.

Bananas promote the rapid removal of alcohol breakdown products from the body. Therefore, they can be consumed after a feast and during holidays.

Bananas saturate the body with potassium, vitamins B and C. All these substances have a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Banana pulp contains substances that can improve memory and increase performance.

Bananas have a lot of fiber, but it is soft and does not irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. Therefore, bananas can be consumed even for diseases of the digestive system, for example, gastritis.

Bananas contain a beneficial amino acid called tryptophan. It works like a natural sleeping pill. Therefore, bananas should be eaten by people prone to.

Bananas are good for diarrhea. These fruits contain a large amount of potassium, which helps replenish electrolytes. At the same time, the pulp of the fruit will not irritate the already inflamed intestines, and pectin fibers quickly absorb moisture, which helps reduce the processes of seething in the intestines. Moreover, banana is the only fruit that doctors allow to be eaten with.

Bananas are good for people with... The fruits contain substances that help destroy bacteria that cause ulceration of the digestive mucosa. In addition, the fruit stimulates the production of mucus, which is necessary to cover the ulcer.

Banana is a product that quickly replenishes energy losses. Therefore, the fruits must be consumed by people engaged in heavy physical labor.

Bananas are an excellent remedy for constipation. They promote gentle cleansing of the intestines due to their high content of pectin, fiber and dietary fiber. Together, these substances enhance intestinal motility, but do so gently and imperceptibly.

People with and should include bananas in their diet.

Bananas act as natural probiotics, as they create a breeding ground for beneficial bacteria in the intestines.

Bananas help balance hormonal levels, which is especially important for women during PMS.

With the help of bananas, you can increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, as this fruit contains an impressive amount of iron.

Bananas, due to their unique composition, can strengthen the overall immunity of the body.

It is useful to eat them for people with diabetes, since these fruits normalize the water-salt balance in the body, while simultaneously saturating it with potassium and magnesium. Therefore, including bananas in the menu is an excellent prevention of hypertensive crisis and other diseases that occur at the peak of high blood pressure.

Bananas are excellent helpers in the fight against smoking. Recent research suggests that including bananas in your daily diet helps you overcome the “addiction barrier” faster.

The benefit of bananas for men primarily lies in increasing potency, because it is not without reason that this fruit is shaped like the male genital organ. Regular consumption of bananas allows you to have a longer and more stable erection. This is especially true for older men who want to maintain excellent sexual shape.

Bananas also have an effect on sperm quality. Thanks to their use, the number of sperm increases, they become more active and mobile, which means the chances of successful fertilization increase. Therefore, men planning to have a child should regularly include bananas in their diet. In addition, bananas have a positive effect on male libido, as they act as a natural aphrodisiac.

In order for eating bananas to have a good effect on male potency, the fruits must be chosen correctly. Preference should be given to those fruits that have a rich yellow color and intact skin. Black spots on a banana are a sign of its ripeness, but these spots should not be large and occupy the entire surface of the fruit. Mold is a sign of spoilage of the fruit; eating such bananas is dangerous to health. The smaller the fruit, the sweeter it is.

For a man, a banana is a valuable food product that must be present in his diet. Moreover, the fruits are useful both fresh and in various dishes.

Video: what happens if you eat bananas every day?

Bananas are very useful for pregnant women. Eating these fruits stimulates the production of oxytocin. This hormone promotes the normal course of pregnancy and also enhances the production of breast milk.

In addition, bananas are a real storehouse of vitamins and microelements, so with their help you can saturate the body of a pregnant woman and a developing child with useful substances. You can eat bananas to reduce the severity of toxicosis, as they normalize digestion and muffle the feeling of nausea. Bananas rarely provoke allergic reactions, which is very important for pregnant women.

All women, without exception, should eat bananas during menstruation, as they help ease muscle cramps. This fruit will be useful for women engaged in heavy mental and physical labor. You can include fruits in your diet to lift your mood and get rid of depression.

Since bananas promote quick satiety, they can be eaten even by those representatives of the fairer sex who are on a diet and trying to lose weight. But it is necessary to observe the measure.

What are the benefits of dried bananas?

Dried bananas are no less beneficial for human health than fresh bananas, however, the calorie content of such products is higher. 100 g of dried bananas contain about 346 kcal. Therefore, people with excess body weight should avoid using the product. It is not recommended to include dried bananas in the menu of patients with diabetes.

You can offer dried bananas to children as an alternative to chocolate and candy. This dessert will definitely please your child and will also benefit the body. After all, the vitamins and minerals contained in fresh bananas do not disappear from dried fruits.

Dried bananas are an excellent source of potassium. Eating them helps normalize the condition of the heart and blood vessels. The fruits are beneficial for nails, hair, and skin. Dried bananas are a source of energy and strength. With their help you can get rid of depression and cheer up. Dried bananas very rarely provoke allergic reactions.

It is useful to eat dried fruits from bananas for people prone to anemia. This product can be included in the menu for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The fruits contain a lot of ascorbic acid, which helps the body in the fight against infectious diseases.

For people involved in active sports or heavy physical labor, dried bananas will quickly replenish energy reserves. Eating them helps normalize blood pressure.

Cooks actively use dried bananas in various dishes. Fruits are added to porridges, they are used to decorate cakes, pastries and other sweets.

Bananas are easy to dry at home. For this purpose, you will need to purchase ripe fruits, wash them, peel them and cut them into thin slices. Then the bananas are placed on a baking sheet, previously covered with parchment, and sent to the oven. The drying temperature should be about 50 °C, but no more. Cooking time for bananas is 3 hours. The oven door should be left ajar to allow air flow and allow the temperature to be adjusted.

After the required time has passed, the bananas are cooled and placed in glass jars for storage. Such fruits can be eaten in their pure form, or can be added to various dishes.

Do boiled bananas retain their beneficial properties?

Bananas are eaten not only fresh, but also subjected to heat treatment, such as boiling. After exposure of fruits to high temperatures, they become sweeter, but lose some of their vitamins. Boiled bananas retain dietary fiber, fiber, and pectin, which makes it possible to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, boiled bananas are a source of energy.

People with diabetes can consume boiled bananas in very limited quantities, so as not to provoke a spike in insulin in the body.

Are green bananas healthy?

Green bananas are not unripe fruits, but special varieties, the so-called “plantains” or “plantains”. Before eating, such bananas need to be exposed to high temperatures - fried or boiled. They can be cooked in sugar syrup, stewed and blanched. After heat treatment, green bananas are better digestible.

Small green bananas are considered to be the healthiest for the body. This variety is called "vegetable". Such fruits help regulate blood pressure and are a means of preventing hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Green bananas have a high potassium content, which protects the nervous and cardiovascular systems from external damage. Eating green bananas is beneficial for the musculoskeletal system, as they do not interfere with the excretion of calcium from the body. Green fruits can be eaten against the background of stomach ulcers, constipation and diarrhea.

How can banana peels be useful?

Banana peels may be beneficial for human health. It contains the same vitamins and microelements as the fruit itself, but the peel is an absolutely non-calorie product. It contains carotenoids and polyphenols, which speed up metabolic processes in the body. It also contains serotonin to improve mood and lutein for.

However, many suppliers, in order to prevent banana spoilage, treat the peel with various chemicals that can be harmful to the human body. Therefore, before using banana peels, they must be properly processed.

You can use the peel as follows:

Prepare a decoction of banana peels. It must be placed in boiling water for 10 minutes, then remove the broth from the heat and cool. The peel must be discarded, and the resulting broth can be added to any juices, compotes or smoothies. This will make your favorite drinks more fortified.

The peel can be used to whiten tooth enamel. To this end, after each brushing of your teeth, you need to wipe their surface with the soft side of a banana peel. This will help get rid of stains on your teeth enamel, and will also make it possible to reduce the harm from using toothpaste that contains various chemical compounds. In addition, the peel contains minerals that will be beneficial for teeth.

You can use ripe banana peel to improve the condition of your facial skin. For this purpose, you need to gently massage your face with the peel, rubbing the soft contents into the skin. It is useful to perform this massage once every 3-4 days. Banana peel will act as a soft peeling, gradually whitening the skin of the face, evening out its tone, and smoothing out fine wrinkles.

Banana peels can help get rid of warts. To do this, you just need to wipe the growth with the soft side of the peel every day before going to bed.

Fruit acids, minerals and vitamins contained in banana peel help eliminate minor inflammations on the skin. To do this, you just need to wipe the problem area with the soft side of the peel. This method can be used to reduce itching and inflammation from bites of various insects: mosquitoes, wasps or bees. In the same way, you can relieve skin irritation after shaving.

Laying a banana peel on the bottom of the pan and then frying the meat on it will make it soft and juicy. In addition, the product will not burn or spoil. Naturally, before using the peel, you need to wash it well.

Why is it good to eat banana with milk and kefir?

You can often hear information that bananas should not be combined with dairy products, in particular milk and kefir. In fact, such a combination can actually provoke bloating, indigestion and fermentation processes in the intestines, especially if a person already has diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

However, there is a diet that is based specifically on the combination of milk and bananas. People who follow it are recommended to eat 1 banana 3 times a day, washed down with a glass of milk. This will cleanse the body and saturate it with beneficial microelements contained in bananas.

You should not stick to this diet for a long time. In this case, the milk should not be too fat; it is recommended to use a product with a fat content of 1.5%. At the same time, you need to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. The volume of clean water you drink per day should be at least 2 liters. It should be understood that such a diet is extremely extreme and in a short time allows you to get rid of several kilograms of weight.

Video: Is it possible to squeeze juice out of bananas?

How will cottage cheese with banana be useful?

The combination of cottage cheese and bananas is often recommended to be included in the diet when following various diets. Thanks to these products, you can replenish the reserves of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in the body. In addition, after eating cottage cheese with bananas, you do not feel hungry for a long time. For example, there is a diet in which you only need to eat 200 g of low-fat cottage cheese and 2 bananas throughout the day.

To prepare a healthy dish, you need to mash the banana with a fork and rub the cottage cheese through a sieve. The resulting ingredients should be mixed, divided into portions and eaten throughout the day. This diet will allow you to quickly get rid of several kilograms, as well as saturate your body with useful substances. By eating cottage cheese with banana throughout the day, a person will not experience hunger, if the interval between food breaks is observed at 2-3 hours.

Bananas can not only be beneficial, but also harmful.

There are certain diseases for which bananas should not be consumed, including:

Thrombophlebitis.

Increased blood viscosity.

People with diabetes should not get too carried away with bananas, as these fruits have a fairly high sugar content.

Although bananas very rarely provoke allergic reactions, allergy sufferers should also not consume them in very large quantities. In addition, despite all their advantages, it remains quite high. Therefore, people with excess body weight need to observe moderation in consuming these fruits.

You should not eat unripe fruits, as they contain a high content of starch, which is difficult for the digestive system to process. As a result, a person will experience symptoms of bloating, and the processes of fermentation and gas formation in the intestines will intensify. Therefore, if unripe fruits were purchased, you need to wait until they ripen. Over time, the starch will turn into sugar.

As a rule, fruits lying on store shelves are treated with chemicals. For this purpose, phenols E230, E231 and E232 can be used. They are used to keep food fresh for as long as possible. When entering the body in high doses, these chemicals can provoke various diseases, including oncology. Therefore, all fruits must be washed thoroughly before eating them.

This product should not be offered to very young children. Some doctors recommend refraining from introducing bananas into a child's diet for up to a year. This recommendation is based on the fact that eating a banana can cause bloating, upset bowel movements and diarrhea. Banana is an overseas fruit, which means that if the child’s digestive system is imperfect, it can provoke allergic reactions. Moreover, bananas are high in vitamin K. Its excess in a child’s body can lead to the development of hemolytic anemia and jaundice.

In many ways, the harm that bananas can cause depends on the method of storing and transporting the fruit. All bananas are brought to Russia unripe, and they become ripe in warehouses. To do this, they are fumigated with ethylene. This gas allows the fruit to ripen faster, become softer and sweeter. The bananas are then treated with chemicals containing phenol. This makes it possible to increase the shelf life of already yellowed fruits. Phenol is extremely toxic to the human body; even a small ingestion of it can trigger the development of cancer. Therefore, before you start peeling a banana, you need to wash it thoroughly.

People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome should not eat bananas. These fruits can further intensify unpleasant symptoms. Doctors do not allow patients who have had heart attacks or patients with thrombophlebitis to eat bananas. This is explained by the fact that bananas help increase blood viscosity.

Unripe bananas are harmful even to healthy people. They contain a lot of starch and have an unpleasant taste and smell. Such bananas will irritate the intestines and harm digestion.

How to choose bananas and how much can you eat?

To choose bananas that will bring maximum benefit to the body, you need to pay attention to the following signs and characteristics of the fruit:

The shape of the banana should be streamlined.

The peel should be smooth and matte.

The color of the banana should be yellow. Green bananas are unripe, which means they are dangerous to eat. Such fruits must ripen, for which you can leave them in a warm place for several days.

The skin of bananas may be covered with black spots, which indicate the ripeness of the fruit. However, you need to eat such bananas as quickly as possible.

Large black spots on bananas are a sign of rot. You should not buy such fruits.

If the banana peel turns gray, this means that the fruit has been frozen. Gray bananas are not edible.

You shouldn't get too carried away with bananas. A healthy person without obesity should not consume more than 2 fruits per day. As for diabetics, you should discuss the possibility of eating bananas with your doctor.

Video: what is the difference between bananas for 35 rubles and for 2000 rubles?

Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University named after. N.I. Pirogov, specialty “General Medicine” (2004). Residency at the Moscow State Medical and Dental University, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).

The beneficial properties of this product can be judged in two ways. On the one hand, they contain a lot of sugar, which in itself is not very good, as we have already described, but on the other hand, they contain no less important nutrients. The health benefits and harms of bananas is a fairly relevant topic, as with other foods that people eat. So, where is the truth?

Are bananas healthy? This is the question I get asked most often, so let me talk about the disadvantages and advantages of this popular product for the health of both men and women.

Bananas are a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, fiber and more. Vitamins are also amazing in their abundance: A, C, E, K, B6 and that’s not all. It is an ideal food product for athletes and anyone who exercises regularly due to its carbohydrate content, which is quickly absorbed and provides an immediate boost of energy.

It is a quick source of energy before training, as well as macro- and microelements after training, necessary for muscle recovery and fluid balance in the body. In addition to this, bananas contain fiber, which gives you a feeling of fullness for a long time.

Sounds good, and it's all contained in one fruit that only has 100 calories. However, not everyone can eat bananas.

They quickly raise blood sugar levels and are high in carbohydrates and low in protein or healthy fats. This is a problem for people with insulin resistance, including those with diabetes and prediabetes. Therefore, bananas are good for most people, but not for everyone.

All those who lead a healthy and active lifestyle must have them in their diet.

So who shouldn't eat bananas? If you have insulin sensitivity, problems with blood sugar and excess weight, then it is better not to eat them at all.

Nutritional value

Now, after we have briefly examined the benefits and harms of bananas for the body, let's focus specifically on the positive side of this fruit.

So, what are bananas for in the human diet? The nutritional value of the product per 100 grams and in one piece will tell us about this.

The biochemical composition of this product is extremely diverse. One medium-sized banana contains approximately (from the recommended daily intake):

• 110 calories;
• 0.5 grams of fat;
• 27 grams of carbohydrates;
• 14 grams of sugar;
• 3 grams of fiber;
• 1 gram of protein;
• 25% vitamin B6;
• 16% manganese;
• 14% vitamin C;
• 12% potassium;
• 12% fiber;
• 10% copper;
• 10% biotin;
• 8% magnesium.

As we can see from this picture, the chemical composition of bananas is quite extensive; they are rich in micro and macroelements that are important for the health of the body.

Benefits for human health

The beneficial properties can be listed for a long time, but we will focus on the 6 most significant benefits of bananas for the human body.

1. Gives a boost of energy

Bananas are a great snack because they provide carbohydrates to the body in the form of quickly absorbed sugars that the body can use as energy. After a workout, your body will use these carbohydrates to replenish energy stores and repair muscle fibers.

After a workout, the sugar molecules from bananas are able to quickly reach muscle tissue, and precisely at the moment when it is needed. This helps quickly restore glucose reserves, which are needed to produce the energy needed to build muscle mass and develop strength. The benefits of bananas for people involved in any physical activity are undeniable. They can and should be eaten both before and after training in order to supply the male body with a sufficient amount of carbohydrates and nutrients.

Instead of eating sugary bars and drinking sports drinks, eat bananas - only 100 calories, no processed or artificial ingredients, won't take up much space in your backpack or bag, are a whole food, great for pre- and post-workout snacking.

2. Contain a lot of potassium

Bananas are one of the richest sources of potassium in the world. About 500 mg. potassium is contained in one banana. Potassium is necessary not only for athletes, but for all people in general. It is an electrolyte that ensures proper blood circulation, maintains optimal levels of fluids in the body and helps oxygen reach cells.

Potassium prevents high blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes because it controls blood circulation, sodium and water levels in the body. To get the amount of sodium your body needs, you need to eat plenty of whole foods, especially vegetables and fruits, including bananas.

The benefits of bananas for men and women are obvious, since the potassium in them prevents muscle spasms after workouts and helps restore and build muscle mass. This makes it an important nutrient for people with active lifestyles and those recovering from injury.

3. Improves the functioning of the digestive system

Bananas promote fast and trouble-free digestion. One banana contains about 3 grams of fiber, which is about 10% of your daily value. Fiber prevents constipation, bloating and other unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms. It repairs the intestines and maintains their functioning, helping to remove waste and toxins from the body.

Fiber is digested slowly, so you stay full longer. That's why bananas are a great snack that you can eat on the go and are convenient to carry with you. Research has proven that a high-fiber diet is a natural defense against heart disease, cardiac arrest and stroke.

It reduces inflammation in the body as it removes all waste from the body and prevents the accumulation of plaque in the arteries. Bananas are easy to digest and can prevent diarrhea. This is due to fiber, which attracts waste in the gastrointestinal tract, while potassium retains fluid in the intestines, preventing dehydration.

4. Cheer up

It would seem, how can a banana be useful for our mood?! Here's what: they contain the amino acid tryptophan, which helps regulate serotonin, one of the main “happiness hormones” in humans. Normal levels of serotonin maintain good spirits and prevent various mood swings such as irritability and depression. Bananas contain antioxidants that help in the release of dopamine in the brain, another mood-boosting hormone. Therefore, you need to eat bananas every day to be in a good mood, prevent fatigue and increase energy reserves.

5. Contain manganese, good for the brain, skin, bones

Bananas are good for your brain, skin and bones simply because they contain manganese (16% of the recommended daily value) and vitamin C (14% of the daily value), which is needed to produce collagen to look fresh and youthful.

Manganese is involved in a variety of functions in the male and female body: supporting skin health, skeletal strength, brain function, and reducing free radical damage.

Research data shows that manganese helps prevent epilepsy and Parkinson's disease. Animal studies have shown that dietary manganese deficiency reduces bone strength, which can lead to the development of osteoporosis.

Manganese is beneficial for skin health. It helps produce collagen, a very important structural component that maintains youthful and elastic skin. Manganese has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which slows down aging and reduces harm to human health caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.

6. Convenient, low-calorie snack at an affordable price

One medium-sized banana contains 100-110 calories. Unlike other processed and high-calorie snacks, these are a great snack option because they are high in fiber and nutrients. It will also be useful for those who count their calories and are trying to lose weight.

Since bananas are rich in fiber and contain a lot of water, they keep you full for a long time, which will help cope with hunger between meals. Those who like to eat sweets and those who want to lose weight will like this fruit.

Bananas, unlike berries, for example, do not need to be frozen, washed or cooked. You can carry them with you all day long.

Take them with you to work, to the gym, and have a few bananas in the car in case you get hungry and to reduce the likelihood of overeating when you do get to food. It is a cheap product and even organically grown options can be afforded by anyone.

If your priority is to lose weight, then I recommend eating bananas in moderation. The sugar content of bananas affects your blood glucose levels, potentially leading to increased cravings.

If you decide to snack on bananas, then add a source of healthy fat or protein to help slow the release of sugar into your bloodstream. This could be almond butter, coconut or protein powder, which will make the snack more satisfying and keep your glucose levels from spiking.

Flaws

Although bananas have many health benefits, they are not for everyone.

Anyone watching their weight or blood sugar levels should not eat a lot of bananas.

Compared to berries, citrus fruits and kiwis, bananas are high in sugar and low in fiber. And fiber is needed to slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. It would be ideal to eat something that has a lot of sugar and carbohydrates and at least as much fiber, because there will be no sudden spikes and drops in blood sugar levels.

Berries are a perfect example of this combination of fiber and sugar; They have less sugar than fruits but are high in healthy antioxidants and fiber. For this reason, I recommend that diabetics, people with metabolic syndrome, or those wanting to lose weight eat low-sugar, high-fiber fruits and berries such as green apples, kiwis, and citrus fruits. They have a lower glycemic index than bananas, so they have a beneficial effect on blood glucose levels.

Research shows that unripe fruits have a lower glycemic index and sugar is absorbed more slowly. So if you want to keep your blood sugar levels stable, then choose green bananas. They contain more resistant starches, which the body digests more slowly.

If the choice is between packaged, processed and artificially-laden foods and bananas, choose the latter, even if you're trying to lose weight or have blood sugar problems.

Ripe bananas have fewer carbohydrates than most grain products, such as oatmeal, rice, and cereals. Compared to grains, by choosing bananas you will still consume fewer carbohydrates, sugars and calories and more nutrients.

Origin story

Based on some sources, bananas were originally grown in parts of Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea in 5000 BC. After that, they were grown in some regions of Africa and Madagascar. In the 9th-10th century. bananas reached the countries of the Middle East and North Africa, including the regions of Egypt and Palestine. They were even mentioned in ancient Islamic texts.

When travelers from the Middle East and Europe visited Central and South America, they brought bananas with them, introducing the fruit to another part of the world's population. Portuguese travelers were the first to bring bananas to these regions, where they are still eaten in large quantities to this day.

Bananas took root in the tropics of South and Central America, where they began to be grown in large quantities, and their popularity reached North America. Today these fruits are grown in large quantities in Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia. However, India, Uganda and China are the largest banana exporting countries worldwide. Wild varieties originally had large seeds inside. The bananas we eat today are parthenocarpic fruits, which means they ripen and grow without the need for seed pollination. Today's bananas have smaller flesh with small seeds inside.

What bananas to buy and how to cook them?

Cavendish is the most common and best-selling type of banana on the market. Most people, when buying them, do not pay attention to the difference between the types. Bananas are a staple food for millions of people living in developing countries in Latin America, Africa, India and the South Pacific.

They are an important crop because they grow year-round and are inexpensive. They can be prepared in various ways depending on the characteristics of the national cuisine; They are typically fried, boiled, baked, pureed, sliced, and then dried. Dried bananas are an effective storage method. Chips made from them are a great addition to granola, which will energize you after a workout or during a lunch snack.

Of course, it is best to make your own dried bananas, because most banana chips in stores are dried by frying in various oils. Which means you won't get all the benefits of the fruit from these chips. Therefore, check the labels on the packages and be sure to pay attention to the method of drying the banana chips.

Bananas are believed to contain the least amount of pesticides of any other fruit. This is because their skin is very thick, and is virtually impervious to the chemicals and toxins that are applied to all crops.

Plus, bananas grow high enough on trees where they are inaccessible to rodents, animals and bugs, so they are less often sprayed with herbicides and pesticides.

Banana Recipes

Bananas are quite versatile in recipes. They are often used instead of sugar in recipes to make food healthier. The main ingredient in most smoothies and cocktails is banana. It can be eaten fresh, or with nut butter, or added to muffins, pancakes and buns. They bring benefits in any form. Try eating more bananas by incorporating the following simple and healthy meals into your meal plan.

Gluten Free Banana Bread

This gluten-free and grain-free banana bread recipe is a great snack. It's full of healthy fats, fiber and smells delicious. Be sure to try this classic and let me know what you think!

Cooking time: 55 minutes

Servings: 6-8

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 eggs;
• 3 medium bananas, pureed;
• 1/4 cup honey;
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract;
• 2 tsp soda;
• 2 1/4 cups almond flour;
• 1/2 tsp. sea ​​salt;
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon.

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, bananas, honey, coconut milk and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, mix other ingredients.

Combine ingredients from two bowls and stir well. Grease a baking dish and pour in the mixture. Bake for 35-50 minutes.

Chocolate Banana Smoothie with Almond Butter

This smoothie is very tasty and healthy! It's great for breakfast and kids will love it. Try it today!

Cooking time: 2 minutes.

Servings: 1.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 glass of coconut milk;
• 1/3 cup almond oil;
• 1 banana, peeled;
• 2 tbsp. cocoa powder;
• 2 cups ice cubes;
• stevia for taste.

BLENDING: Place all ingredients in a blender and blend to desired consistency. Serve immediately.

Banana coconut pancakes

Coconut is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. It contains a medium chain fatty acid that is easily digested and converted into energy rather than being stored as fat. That is why coconuts help you lose weight, stimulate metabolism and have excellent antibacterial effects. Pair with a banana and you get great flavor and a ton of nutrients in one dish. Try these delicious pancakes and experience all its benefits today!

Cooking time: 10 minutes.

Servings: 2.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 eggs;
• 1/4 cup coconut flour;
• 1/2 banana;
• 1 tbsp. honey;
• 1/4 cup coconut milk;
• 1/4 cup water.

PREPARATION:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth;
2. Heat a frying pan, add butter or coconut oil;
3. Fry the pancakes for 2-5 minutes on each side over medium heat until golden brown.

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