All about bananas

I love bananas, probably ever since I was a kid. If it is not the most delicious fruit in the world, it has to be the most convenient. You don't need any tools to crack a banana, you don't even need to wash it. Sometimes I am just amazed by God's perfect design. Don't agree? Read the Banana Fallacy.

Brilliant, isn't it?  LOL

I do not totally agree with the last point, though. Yellow alone is not just right, yellow with black spots is.

  Fact #1:   Ripe banana (sort of) helps prevent cancer  

If you don't believe me, read this. Banana produces TNF as it ripens which can trigger apoptosis via the extrinsic pathway, and promote the proliferation of leukocytes. Simply speaking, ripe banana contains a substance that is essential to get rid of unwanted cells in the body, which can be cancer cells. But is the amount significant enough to prevent cancer? very likely not. However, consider you are having one ripe banana a day, together with other anti-oxidizing super-foods and a healthy lifestyle, it may make a difference in the long run.  

  Fact #2:   Banana quenches thirst  

No, it is not a joke. I am sure you have experienced the thirst after salty meals before, and no matter how much water you drink, it doesn't help. This is because our body depends on an accurate balance of sodium and potassium to function properly (Wonder why? Read this). Even the smallest increase in the concentration of plasma sodium triggers signal to the brain for us to feel thirst, which intends to bring in more free water to the body. Ideally we should take in just as much sodium as potassium in our diet. However, modern diets often contain waaaaay more sodium (from salt) than potassium. To maintain the balance, we should eat more fruits as a natural source of potassium. A medium-sized banana alone contains more than 400 mg of potassium, doubles that of orange and apple.

  Fact #3:   Banana makes you happy  

Banana is known to help combat depression. It contains tryptophan something that can be converted into serotonin and melatonin, both neuro-transmitters something else that regulate(s) sleep and happy mood.

  Fact #4:   Banana does not make you fat  

Many people do not eat banana because they think it will make them fat. No it will not! because

1) it's filling, so you don't want to snack that often

2) there is no fat in bananas

3) there is only around 100 kcal in a medium sized banana

4) it contains both "simple" and "complex" sugar that will be broken down and released into the blood stream steadily. It's also very high in fibre and is often considered as a low GI food (Read this). If you don't bother to read about GI, just remember it's lower the better

  So...What to do with bananas?  

The bananas you get in supermarkets are usually green. To make it ripen faster I usually leave bananas with apples in the same bag. I love putting bananas in my morning smoothies, for the sweetness and the creamy texture. 

For me I don't have a problem finishing one banana at a time. But in case you have a tiny appetite, this can be your life-saver... 

* NANA SAVER *

Despite its usefulness, I am giving this product 2 thumbs up....lol