Bananas are a starchy fruit that varies in size, color, and taste; they’re one of the largest fruits grown.! Bananas come in several varieties including red, purple, brown, yellow, green, “baby” bananas, and plantains (used for cooking). With an leathery outer peel covering the edible flesh of the fruit, bananas make for the perfect convenience food and not to mention perfect fuel pre or post-workout due to the nutrient content and starches. Bananas are incredibly creamy, starchy, and sweet- one of my personal favorites that I include daily.
How to use | use bananas as you would any other fresh fruit. I enjoy them freshly sliced on oatmeal, yogurt, porridge, frozen in my Stripped Green Smoothie Bowls, in smoothies, on salads, desserts such as BanaNO Cream, Banana Yogurt, breads, muffins, on toast with almond butter, sliced with smeared tahini or peanut butter, etc. Bananas are also fantastic for vegan and dairy-free baking to use as an egg replacer!
Nutrient breakdown of BANANAS | *based on 1 medium banana ~118g
Fiber | 1 medium banana contains 3g fiber
Carbohydrates | 1 medium banana contains 27g carbohydrates
Vitamin B6 | 25% DV
Manganese | 16% DV
Vitamin C | 13.6% DV
Potassium | 12% DV
Biotin | 10% DV
Copper | 10% DV
Magnesium | 8% DV
Bananas have been shown to provide cardiovascular benefits from the potassium and fiber, anti-cancerbenefits, improve digestion and healing of stomach ulcers by providing the fiber pectin and also help neutralize stomach acid, aid in bone health, vision health, and kidney health. Bananas are also ideal for active individuals and athletes looking for a higher calorie fruit with electrolytes, carbohydrates, and convenience.
Where to purchase | health food stores, grocery stores, or farmers markets.
Tips and tricks | Have too many ripe bananas? No worries! Simply peel the bananas, lay evenly on a cookie sheet or flat surface, freeze overnight, take each individual frozen banana and store in a freezer gallon size bag for later.
Note: If you have a latex allergy, bananas are one of those fruits (as are kiwis and avocados) that contain compounds that are associated with a latex-fruit syndrome, a cross reaction. If you have a latex allergy, be mindful and cautious when eating these fruits you may have a reaction such as itchy throat/mouth/nose/ears, hives, or stomach issues.