I am the grandparent of a rambunctious 4 yr. old who thinks she controls the world. Like many little people her age she is a very picky eater and refuses to try new things. However, I did get her to take a sip of a banana and blueberry smoothie. The key was the banana, her favorite food, and her go-to snack. As it turns out, bananas are full of nutrients and antioxidants. If she continues to eat bananas throughout her life, she will be a healthy young lady.

Why do I say she will be healthy? Number one bananas contain fiber, vitamin C, riboflavin, folate, niacin, copper, potassium, and magnesium. As well they are mainly water and carbohydrates. If you have young kids around, you know the struggle it takes to get water into them. Aside from that the average banana is low in calories, about 112, and holds little protein and no fat.

The carbs in unripe bananas are in the form of resistant starch. Resistant starch is a type of carbohydrate that does not turn into fat. Acting like fiber, it goes through your stomach and intestines undigested, into the colon where it feeds our friendly gut bacteria. As bananas ripen the flavor becomes sweeter but the fiber content drops. An unripe banana is not tasty but consider preparing it as you would a plantain.

Bananas are also rich in soluble fiber which when digested dissolves in liquid form to form a gel. The two types of fiber together may help improve blood sugar levels after meals. People with diabetes can enjoy bananas, but it is recommended not to have a large portion in one setting, i.e. more than one.

You may want to consider adding bananas to any weight loss plan. They as stated above are low in calories, but nutritious and filling. Eating more fiber from vegetables and fruit has been linked to lower body weight and weight loss. Bananas add bulk to your digestive system because of the fiber and slows digestion. You feel fuller for a longer period of time. Protein is also filling, consider adding sliced banana to foods high in protein, such as Greek yogurt, a protein shake, or smoothie.

Many of you are aware of the importance potassium plays in the health of our heart. Despite that few people actually get enough potassium in their diet. Bananas to the rescue, a medium size banana has 126 grams of potassium which is about 10% of the recommended daily amount.

A potassium rich diet can also help lower your blood pressure, and people who eat plenty of potassium have up to a 27% lower risk of heart disease. That fact in and of itself should have you running to your local market for some bananas. But hold on, wait a minute, bananas also contain 8% of the recommended daily intake of magnesium. Magnesium is another mineral important for heart health. A deficit of magnesium has been linked to an increased rate of heart disease, elevated blood pressure, and high levels of fats in the blood. The best source of these minerals is your food, non-GMO’s of course, however you may take a supplement. Y’all know what I think about them, some may be good but with others you are wasting your time.

Fruits and veggies are a great source of dietary antioxidants and bananas contain several types of potent antioxidants linked to reduced risk of heart disease and degenerative illnesses. They prevent damage done to your cells by free radicals, which can build up and cause harm to your body.

Yes, bananas are super healthy and easy to carry around for a healthy snack. They can be added to cereal, or as a topping to whole wheat toast spread with peanut butter. Try adding them in the place of sugar in your baking and cooking. I buy bananas regularly and discovered when they start to ripen, I slice them and place in freezer bags. I use the frozen ones in smoothies or when baking. Bananas are well tolerated and digest easily. Just peel, eat, and go.

In conclusion, the banana is a powerhouse fruit with many benefits. Both ripe, yellow bananas and unripe, green bananas can satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you healthy. Turns out my 4-year-old GBaby is hooked on a really healthy snack. Trust and believe I won’t tell her that part, just encourage her to keep eating them!

Peace, Love, and Blessings💖