Bananas: 4 Reasons they are Gaining the Title of “Superfood”
There are many contenders out there for the title of “the perfect food”, and bananas are just one that has been associated with this rank. It could be because they are highly portable and come in their own biodegradable wrapper, or it could have something to do with all of the health benefits. While you may prize avocados or berries more, bananas certainly deserve a role in your life.
- 1. One of the most well-known nutrients in bananas is potassium (though there are many foods rich in potassium even more so than a banana). Still, it is one of the best recognized sources of potassium, with 467 mg per banana and only 1 mg of sodium. Numerous studies have found potassium to reduce blood pressure, protect against the hardening of the arteries, prevent strokes, boost bone health, and boost overall heart health.
- 2. Bananas also have antacid effects, protecting the stomach from ulcers and their subsequent damage. They work by creating a thicker mucus barrier within the stomach to protect against acids. Also, they help eliminate bacteria in the stomach that could lead to ulcers.
- 3. They are loaded with energy and are a favorite among athletes. A sort of a “nature’s energy bar,” they can deliver the energy needed after a long workout while fighting muscle cramps in the process.
- 4. If bananas don’t offer enough benefits in the day time, they shine at night too. They contain high amounts of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps boost serotonin production which can lead to better moods and a better night sleep.
While we are big advocates of shopping local, it is difficult to find local bananas in most places. Compromise can be found by purchasing only organic, so at least you know your bananas aren’t hosed down with damaging pesticides before they begin their trek to your kitchen.
It’s believed bananas originated in Malaysia around 4,000 years ago. In 327 B.C. there is a record of Alexander the Great’s army finding them growing in India. Eventually, bananas made their way across the ocean to the Americas, where the majority of them are produced today. Interestingly, they didn’t come to the U.S. for sale in markets until later in the 19th century. And even then they were only enjoyed in port towns.
Bananas are creamy, sweet, and versatile. They can go in your oatmeal, in a smoothie, or on your dessert. In addition to being delicious, they are good for you.
I’m curious if organic is really all that much better with bananas? It seems only the peel would be sprayed, and that is removed and not eaten.
Bananas are beginning to be genetically modified. We need to eat everything organic.
Chemicals are taken in to the food through its pores, just like with a human being. If you ever get a chance to eat a banana that is truly organic, you will have a hard time going back to one that has chemicals sprayed onto its skin, one that is bitter with synthetic chmicals all the way through.
No seeds, no Native population ate ripe bananas, only green was eaten, and it was cooked, very high in fructose, Sugar, massive destruction of natural ecosystems to grow them, very small, in the wild, hybridised to be big, so they are easier to pick, not natural, extremely low levels of potassium compared to natural Native foods, grown in the same area, that dont destroy the ecosystem..Use huge amount of water to grow them all in all, a modified, food completely unnatural, that is very low in nutrients compared with the non destructive native foods that could easily supplement 20 times more potassium and nutrients, with a minute amount of ”farmland”..Superfood?..more like.. stuporfood..