A Banana a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They are grown in 150-plus countries across the globe, and 105 million metric tons of this delicious fruit are produced each year. Bananas are the fourth most valuable crop globally.

Bananas have excellent nutritional value and thus can bring many health benefits. They are a great source of potassium, which is essential for cells to function normally and the body to manage proteins and carbohydrates. In addition, potassium helps regulate heartbeat and maintains the health of muscles and nerves. Bananas are also excellent for your mental health. This tropical fruit is rich in tryptophan,which is an essential amino acid that cannot be synthesized by the human body. Tryptophan aids the body making serotonin, which acts as a mood stabilizer and helps to facilitate healthy sleep patterns.

Bananas are rich in fiber. One medium-sized banana contains about three grams of fiber, which makes bowel movements easier and prevents constipation. Bananas are a great choice to support a healthy immune system. The recommended daily amount for vitamin C is between 75 and 90 milligrams. A regular-size banana is packed with 12% of the recommended amount and having one in the morning will give you a head start on reaching a full day’s intake. In addition, vitamin C helps protect us from tissue damage caused by free radicals and aids in repairing tissue.

Did you know that bananas can be used in different ways based on their stage of ripeness? Although the sweet taste of bananas is not formed yet when they’re green, there are other ways to make use of it. They can be boiled along with other root vegetables and served, as well as cooked in soups and stews. In the greenish-yellow stage, bananas will start to become slightly sweet, and they can be sautéed, fried, mashed or boiled. When bananas turn yellow, they begin to soften and hold their signature sweet taste. Enjoy the tasty fruit raw, in a fruit salad, sauteed or cooked into desserts. When brown spots begin to appear, they become even sweeter and are great raw, in smoothies or puddings. Just because a banana has turned completely brown, it doesn’t mean that you need to throw it away! It can still be used in smoothies, shakes, and delectable banana bread.