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)
Nice content on Banana!!! Thank you for sharing a huge information about banana. It is so helpful.
Now I can tell my kiddo why he should have banana, I didn’t knew many of them, did knew few although.
Well written post .
Thank you
Very glad to read about my favorite fruit. It’s our family habit to eat two bananas at night before we sleep.
Some people have told we should not eat banana at night? is it true? (I heard from someone last year, but I’ve been eating banana at night for past 28 years.)
Food habits need to make you feel good and keep you healthy. Ideally, fruits and calorie-rich food should be taken in the first half of the day rather than the last half. Fruits especially are best for us when taken during daytime. But if you have no problem for 28 years and no digestion issues then obviously its working for you
A great post on Banana. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Antony
Great article. Can a diabetic patient have a banana?
Hi this will depend on the diet plan and quality of control of blood sugar.Its best to consult an endocrinologist before taking any major diet changes in case of Diabetes .
Agree. Thank you for responding ????
Some of the benefits were beyond my knowledge, thanks for the details.
Glad you liked it Jyotirmoy!
banana walnut muffin is an all time favourite….
Mine too.