Bananas are often touted as a natural healer. But do they deserve this reputation? Or is it all just a lot of misinformation? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the healing properties of bananas – and set the record straight. So, whether you’re looking for ways to improve your health or just want to learn more about these amazing fruits, read on!
You may have been told not to eat bananas or maybe you think they’re too high in sugar for you. There’s a lot of confusion around bananas. Even I was confused about it 10 years ago, I started believing the misinformation that bananas were too high in sugar. Now I know that’s just not true.
Are bananas too sugary?
Fruit sugar in bananas is bonded to trace minerals. There has been a lot of research done on the benefits of bananas for your health and it’s easy to see why. Bananas are high in amino acids, which work side by side with potassium to create essential electrolytes that keep you hydrated throughout the day.
It’s easy to think of bananas as nothing but sugar. After all, they are sweet and often used in desserts. However, it’s important to remember that bananas are also made up of fiber, pulp, and water. Bananas are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help to regulate digestion. They also contain vitamins and minerals like potassium and magnesium.
Next time you’re tempted to reach for a candy bar, remember that a banana can be a healthier choice.
Digestive Healer
They are an amazing digestive healer. They’re in the category of resistant starch. Resistance starch can slowly release glucose into the bloodstream while keeping us feeling full. Resistance starch is beneficial because it helps seed prebiotics in the digestive system. Prebiotics help to prevent bad viruses and bacteria from taking hold in the digestive lining.
They are antiviral. This is very helpful for people who have unwanted digestive bugs that can lead to all kinds of digestive upset, including pain, cramping, spasms, bloating, and diarrhea. Contrary to popular thought bananas do not feed candida or yeast. In reality, they feed the beneficial bacteria, which helps to crowd out the candida and make it inhospitable for them to grow.
Bananas nourish the digestive lining and help in the absorption of B12, a very critical nutrient.
Anxiety Buster
Everyone knows that bananas are a great source of potassium, but did you know that they can also help to ease anxiety and improve sleep?
That’s because bananas contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood, and it has a calming effect on the mind and body. As you may know, tryptophan naturally boosts serotonin. Studies have shown that people who consume tryptophan-rich foods before bed tend to sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Bananas are also a good source of magnesium, another mineral that has been linked to improved sleep quality.
Bananas help with anxiety. They provide glucose to the brain, which creates a soothing effect. The tryptophan in bananas helps soothe us help with sleep issues, create a sense of calm, reduce anxiety and alleviate depression.
Sounds like a win to me.
Let’s get to the recipes
Banana Breakfast Cookie
I learned and borrowed this recipe from Anthony Bourdain.
You will need:
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1 mashed-up banana
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons of currants or raisins
Mash all the ingredients well. Roll them into balls and flatten them out. Put them on parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Then, bake them at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.
Banana Smoothie
This is one family favorite
You will need:
- 2 frozen bananas (preferably the ones that are getting overly ripe)
- 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 2 scoops of a plant-based protein powder
Put it all in a high-power blender. Blend it all up to your desired consistency.
So, are bananas too sugary? The answer is no—and they’re also a great source of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6. Bananas have been shown to help with digestion, anxiety, and blood sugar levels, making them a nutritious and versatile addition to any diet. Plus, who can resist their sweet flavor? If you’re looking for some simple banana recipes that will make the most of this nutritional powerhouse fruit, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to check out our website for more ideas. And if you want to learn more about how incorporating bananas into your diet can benefit your health, contact us today for a free consultation. We would be happy to discuss the possibilities with you!
If you’re experiencing any health issues associated with sugar and your health and would like help getting to the bottom of it, we’d be happy to schedule a discovery call with you. During this call, we can discuss your symptoms in more detail and come up with a plan tailored specifically for you.
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DISCLAIMER: The information in this email is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is for general informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional
