Food focus
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BETTER / Food
It's a boy!
Go totally
A study by The Royal Society found that women who consumed high levels of potassium (eating bananas) prior to conception were more likely to have a baby boy than those who did not.
Bananas
Not only do people love the taste of bananas, they are high in fiber, can help us sleep better, aid in weight loss, support gut health and control blood sugar, protect our vision, reduce kidney cancer risk, and so much more. Have a bunch!
Prevent aches and pains
Banana facts
Photos from top: Brent Hofacker, Monkey Business Images, mama_mia, Iurii Kachkovskyi, Aarti K Singh/Shutterstock.com
• Bananas float in water. • Bananas are actually classified as a berry. • Americans eat bananas more than any other fruit. About 11 lbs. per person a year. • Research shows that the levels of nutrients rise as bananas ripen. • A bunch of bananas is called a hand and a single banana is a finger.
If you are going to work out or have kids who have growing pains (like achy legs in the night), bananas make a great preworkout or pre-bedtime snack. Loaded with potassium and magnesium, they support muscle relaxation and function.
Enhance your mood
Bananas can actually cheer you up! They contain amino acid, tryptophan, and Vitamin B6, which together help the body produce serotonin - a chemical that produces wellbeing and happiness. Try a banana smoothie for a dose of happy: Blend 1 large banana, ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, ¼ cup milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and ½ cup ice. Overripe bananas work great. Just throw them in the freezer in their peelings until you need them.
Super-simple
Banana Cream Pie Crust
Finely crush 1 package of graham crackers. Combine with 3 T sugar and 1/4 cup melted butter. Press evenly into bottom and sides of a 9" pie pan. Chill 1 hour.
Banana creme filling
Slice bananas into the crust until twothirds full. Prepare a package of instant banana pudding, following the pie directions on the box. Pour over bananas covering completely.
Topping
Once the pudding is set (about 5 min.), spread prepared whipped topping on top. Chill until ready to serve. Garnish with additional banana slices if you like.
www.beingbettermagazine.com / Vol 10 . No 2 . 2020
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