Banana the tropical treasure by Obasi Kelechi

 

BANANA

The Tropical Treasure by Obasi Kelechi

Banana

The tropical, elongated edible and tasty fruit is among the world's most commonly consumed fruits, and in certain countries, cooked and eaten like plantain and not a dessert. The arborescent (tree-like) perennial herb is botanically considered a berry; bananas are eaten raw and in rare cases, cooked; used as salads, desserts, etc.

Bananas are so appealing to the eyes and much better when eaten that it makes you wonder if it's the biblical ''forbidden fruit''; but then the beauty does not just lie on the taste and form but in the numerous health benefits.

Wonders of Banana

• Bananas are one of the best fruit sources of Vitamin B6​- produce red blood cells, - it metabolizes carbohydrates and fats, turning them into energy.

Eat two bananas before a strenuous workout to pack an energy punch and sustain your blood sugar.

•  Bananas help overcome depression due to high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin -- the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter.

•  Bananas protect against muscle cramps during workouts and nighttime leg cramps.

•  Banana counteracts calcium loss during urination and supplements by building strong bones.

• Banana regulates blood sugar and produces stress-relieving relaxation, improves the mood and reduces PMS symptoms.

•  Bananas , protects against type II diabetes, reduces swelling, aids weight loss, strengthens the nervous system, and enhances the production of white blood cells, all due to high levels of vitamin B-6.

• Banana relieves anemia and purifies the blood due to its iron content.

• Banana is officially recognized by the FDA as being able to lower blood pressure and protect against heart attack and stroke due to its high content in potassium and low in salt.

• Banana is rich in pectin,  thereby it aids digestion and gently chelates toxins and heavy metals from the body.

• Bananas act as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of friendly bacteria in the bowel. They also produce digestive enzymes to assist in absorbing nutrients.

• Banana relieves constipation and normalizes bowel movement due to its  high fiber content.

• Banana is soothing to the digestive tract and helps restore lost electrolytes after diarrhea.

• Banana is a natural antacid, it provides relief from acid reflux, heartburn and GERD.

• Banana is the only raw fruit that can be consumed without distress to relieve stomach ulcers by coating the lining of the stomach against corrosive acids.

• Bananas prevent kidney cancer, protects the eyes against macular degeneration and builds strong bones by increasing calcium absorption.

• Bananas enhance neurological abilities and make you more alert due to high levels of potassium.

• Banana is high in antioxidants, providing protection from free radicals and chronic disease.

• Banana stabilizes blood sugar, reduces nausea from morning sickness,  relieves itching and irritation, and regulates body temperature.

Are you trying to quit smoking? Banana contains high levels of B-vitamins as well as potassium and magnesium to speed recovery from the effects of withdrawal.

You can substitute that soda or unhealthy beverage by having your own homemade banana juice, here is a banana juice recipe..

Banana Juice Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 3 medium-sized bananas

• 1 tbsp of honey

• 1.5 cups of milk

• 1 pinch of cinnamon (for flavor, if desired).

PREPARATION

• Peel each banana and remove the extra fibers from the side of the fruit.

• Slice the bananas into chunks.

• Add the banana chunks, milk and honey to a blender (Add 1-2 ice cubes, if desired).

• Blend the mixture for 2-3 minutes, until it has an even, thin consistency.

If the juice is still too thick, add a bit more milk and blend again.

Once done, serve and enjoy the flavorful juice! You can add a dash of cinnamon powder to the juice to further enhance the flavor.

     

Eat healthy,stay safe.