Good for You
BENEATH THE SKIN Don’t take that banana for granted! It’s teeming with important nutrients.
THE PHRASE “GOING BANANAS” IS used to describe impending insanity—but there’s nothing crazy about eating the fruit. Beloved globally, bananas are the world’s fourth most widely consumed food—for good reason. They’re not only affordable, they’re also remarkably versatile and nutrient-dense. Underneath their skin, bananas are teeming with nutrients, most notably vitamins A, B6 and C, copper, folate, manganese, potassium, fibre, and antioxidants. This impressive line-up can help enhance your health in a variety of ways.
Cardiovascular Health
Study after study shows that people who eat foods rich in potassium have a significantly lower risk of high blood pressure and related diseases like heart disease and stroke. Just one banana supplies your body with a whopping 400 mg of this heart-friendly mineral! But potassium isn’t the only nutrient in bananas that keeps your cardiovascular
PAM DURKIN
system healthy. Both vitamin B6 and folate can help reduce elevated homocysteine levels, a known risk factor in the development of heart disease.
Helps Alleviate the Blues
Bananas don’t just contain key vitamins and minerals, they are also chockful of the amino acid tryptophan. Why is this important you ask? The fruit’s hefty dose of vitamin B6 helps convert its tryptophan content into the feel-good hormone serotonin. This helps boost your mood and also aids in getting sufficient sleep. Not surprisingly, because of its ability to raise serotonin levels, tryptophan has been used in the treatment of conditions like insomnia, anxiety, and depression. A recent Pakistani study found banana pulp did indeed have anti-anxiety and antidepressant affects and concluded that daily intake of the fruit may be a safe and valuable adjunct in the treatment of mild depression and anxiety.
Cancer Fighter
A recent large population study conducted in Sweden found that women who ate bananas four to six times per week reduced their risk of kidney cancer by 50 percent compared to women who rarely or never consumed the fruit.
Bone Health
Recent research suggests potassium, which abounds in bananas, can help increase bone mineral density in the
elderly and may play a significant role in the prevention of osteoporosis. Furthermore, preliminary animal studies indicate bananas’ mineload of manganese may also help stave off the crippling disease.
Buying Bananas
In the late 1990s, buying Fair Trade bananas became de rigueur for environmentally conscious consumers. Is the certification still relevant? You bet. In 2017, 96 percent of the Fair Trade banana farmers surveyed in Colombia said their working conditions and economic situation had improved since becoming Fair Trade. The certification ensures fair profits for small farmers and sustainable farming practices that protect the environment.
In the Kitchen
While bananas are undeniably delicious eaten as a snack or added to baked goods, there are other tasty ways to get their healing goodness. In many countries, they feature in savoury dishes like stews and casseroles. One of my favourite ways to use bananas is in a piquant salad. I simply mix sliced bananas with toasted pecans, chopped celery, diced red onions, and peppers and combine with a little mayo, lemon juice, and honey. Its heady mix of textures and tastes delights every time! I also find the fruit lends itself well to curries and moles. But don’t take my word for it—try Googling “savoury banana recipes” and experiment yourself. You’ll be surprised by the fruit’s “a-peeling” versatility!
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