All food contains all of the nutrients we need to be healthy, it is necessary to eat various foods in sufficient amounts. A good diet will include many different foods, and sufficient in quantity and quality to meet an individual’s need for food energy and other micro nutrients.

Coconuts

Coffee

Convenience

Corn

Cranberries

BANANAS

Typical serving size:

1 banana (4 oz to 114 g)

HOW THEY HARM

Allergies

WHAT THEY HEAL

Stress, anxiety, and depression

High blood pressure

Blood sugar swings

Muscles, Teething pain

Sleeplessness The banana is food genius
It comes in its own sealed, portable container and is one of the healthiest foods on the planet
One banana has about 100 calories, is loaded with potassium (400 mg) and fiber (3 g) while containing no fat
The very popular yellow banana of Cavendish is the banana we see in grocery stores
Plantains, finger bananas, and red bananas are also popular

Health Benefits

Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression
Bananas contain tryptophan and 30% of your day’s vitamin B6, which helps the brain produce mellowing serotonin
Tryptophan and B6 will help you get through the day with less stress
Tryptophan also helps to relieve depression and anxiety
Controls high blood pressure
The potassium in bananas helps to keep your blood pressure levels down
Keeps blood sugar levels steady
The vitamin B6 in bananas helps even out blood sugar levels, helping you to avoid blood-glucose highs and lows
Boosts your workouts
The natural sugars in bananas give you long-lasting energy, while the potassium helps keep you alert and prevent muscle fatigue
Eases teething pain
Offer your baby a frozen banana (peeled, of course)
The banana thaws quickly as your baby chews on it, and the cool fruit soothes the gums
Combats sleeplessness
Tryptophan, the same amino acid that eases stress, can also help induce sleepiness
Have one before bed for better shut-eye

Health Risks

Allergic reaction. If you are latex-sensitive, bananas may also trigger an allergic reaction

Allergies

Puree frozen ripe slices in a food processor or blender for instant ice cream

Mash and stir into whole wheat pancake batter

Fry slightly underripe quarters in oil and cumin as a side dish for pork chops

Buying Tips

Avoid bananas with brown spots that seem very soft

Choose fruit that is firm and free of bruises
Most have a soft texture when ripe
Best eating quality has been reached when the solid yellow skin color is speckled with brown

Bananas with green tips or with practically no yellow color have not developed their full flavor

Bananas are overripe when they have a strong odor

Storing Tips

To further ripen bananas, leave at room temperature for a couple of days

Once ripe, you can store them in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days
The peel may turn brown in the refrigerator, but the fruit will not change