Banana benefits are many. If you don’t have a medical reason to avoid it, then this fruit should definitely be a part of your diet. My daughter and my sister both have a banana on their favorite fruit list. When I wrote about fruits in my book, I was nostalgic about the many banana deserts my sister used to make.

Its nutritious, tasty and full of antioxidants. Have it by itself, part of a dessert or cook with it, the banana will not disappoint.

This fruit has a raw green unripe variety, which can be delicious as a savory fritter, or used to make a kofta. Kaackalar kofta is a delicacy. In fact, Bengalis use all parts of the Banana tree for something or the other. Its flower (mocha) and stem (thor) are all superlative as vegetarian  Bengali dishes. If you have a Bengali friend who can cook these dishes, don’t forget to get an invite, when they do make these.

The prepping and cooking process is both labor intensive, so if you attempt it at home, remember to get some help.

What are the benefits of having Banana?

It’s great for

• Digestion
• Bowel movement 
• Heart health 
• An excellent source of multivitamins and minerals.
• The antioxidants help to fight oxidative damage.
• The high fiber content and low glycemic index make it a great breakfast addition and snack.
• It’s easily available, affordable, available throughout the year and delicious.
• It’s great for all ages.
• Unripe bananas are good sources of Prebiotics 

When you worry about what you eat, banana can be your best friend snacking. Its sweet, delicious, has the right amount of fibers, nutrients, and multivitamins.

Banana Nutrition Facts

Its packed full of vitamins and minerals

• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin C
• Riboflavin
• Niacin
• Vitamin A
• Iron
• Folate
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Copper
• Manganese
• Banana has a good amount of Fibre and zero fat or cholesterol.

How to include Banana in your daily diet

• Fruit by itself. Mash it for the little ones,
• Slice it and it to your favorite cereal.
• In smoothies
• In pancakes
• Banana Bread,
• Muffins
• For picky eaters as a part of Fruit salad with ice cream.
• Raw banana Fritters, kofta, stuffed parathas, as a part of mixed veggies.

If you have a favorite way to eat Banana, let me know in the comments below.

The Audiobook 

Apples: Do they really keep the Doctor Away?

BananaBenefits : To Have it  or Not?

References:

1)Bioactive compounds in banana and their associated health benefits – A review.

Singh B1, Singh JP2, Kaur A2, Singh N3.(Pubmed)

2) Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables1

Joanne L. Slavin2,* and Beate Lloyd3  (Pubmed)

3)Constipation Taboos

4)Fruits and veggies: Nature’s Multivitamins

5)Fruits for Life Nutrition Secrets your Doctor won’t Tell