Go Nuts with Banana

By John

Introduction

The importance of banana in maintaining good health has been proven by many studies. These studies confirmed banana to be very suitable for ease of consumption (especially in a fast-paced work environment) and for its nutritional properties. The George Manteljan Foundation’s website (http://www.whfoods.com/) discussed that banana offers the following six health benefits:

© Cardiovascular protection from potassium and fiber
© Soothing protection from ulcers
© Improving elimination (of loose bowel movement)
© Eyesight protection
© Building better bones
© Promoting kidney health

Exhibit 1:  Half-peeled banana

These health benefits were supported by long years of studies involving big population ranging from 10,000 to 65,000. For example,”…A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine also confirms that eating high fiber foods, such as bananas, help prevent heart disease.”

Banana … the Magic Meal 

Most bananas we see in the supermarkets have yellow skin with sweet and firm flesh. Greenish skin color  usually means longer shelve life. Fully ripen banana has  black/brownish skin pigments that may look less appealing but with more anti-oxidant as researched and concluded by University of Innsbruck in Austria. The length ranged from 6 to 9 inches.

It’s nutritious and delicious

The healing power of banana comes from its nutrients. Banana is a favorite amongst sports enthusiasts, weight watchers and ordinary people… young and adults. Its taste and nutrients make it a better choice vis-à-vis other fruits like apple.

According to George Mateljan Foundation a regular piece of banana weight 118 grams and contain 108.56 calories. Exhibit 2 shows the essential nutrients with its corresponding World’s Healthiest Food Rating.

Banana is one of the richest sources of healthy potassium that is essential in lowering blood pressure as confirmed by studies.

Banana has been served with other healthy foods like cereal. This preparation helps prevent stroke that is considered as one of the lethal killers in North America.

Exhibit 2:  Essential Nutrients of Banana
Nutrient	Amount	DV%	ND	WHFR
Vitamin B6	0.68 mg	34.00	5.60	Very Good
Vitamin C	10.74 mg	17.90	3.00	Good
Potassium	467.28 mg	13.40	2.20	Good
Dietary Fiber	2.83 grams	11.30	1.90	Good
Mangenese	0.18 mg	9.00	1.50	Good
LEGEND: DV% - Daily Value %
ND = Nutrient Density
WHFR = World's Healthiest Food Rating

It’s almost everywhere

Banana is harvested year round in tropical countries in Latin America and
Asia. It is readily available at major supermarket chains. It does not  need extra packaging. It peel is sufficient to protect the sumptuous creamy flesh.

It’s for all ages

Banana suits consumers of all ages. Many parents feed their babies banana. Babies love its creamy, soft and sweet taste.  The research published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences confirmed that banana helps children with persistent diarrhea absorb nutrients from regular foods and prevent the sickness. The fully ripen banana suits the increasing requirement of older people for anti-oxidant.   Regardless of your age banana is great for you.


It’s affordable

The price of banana per pound ranged from C$50 to C$75 cents. Each pound has 2 to 3 pieces depending on the size. Many nutritionists advocating for natural and healthy foods recommend three pieces of banana per day. So for only a dollar a day many of the essential daily required nutrients are already covered. Definitely this is much cheaper and more convenient than a hamburger.

So why not go nuts with banana...


References and links

http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=7
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1846/2
http://www.google.ca/search?q=banana&hl=en&biw=1536&bih=678&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=2h_hTZuWMOrZiAL477jABg&ved=0CF4QsAQ