Food Spotlight: Bananas

I thought it'd be a great and cool idea to post spotlights on foods that are good for you. For the most part, we all are aware of what healthy and not so healthy foods are but, it's also great to know WHY the healthy foods are good for you. I have found that knowing more about the foods I eat - how they help the body - makes it more of a priority for me to eat them and incorporate into my diet.

So my first Food Spotlight is on bananas. I really don't know of anyone who doesn't like them. You can eat them as is or mix them into a smoothie or add them to your cereal in the morning. Bananas are chock full of potassium, which is a very important nutrient for us. One banana has about 400mg of potassium which helps to regulate blood pressure, maintain proper heart function and helps our muscles contract and relax properly. Bananas are also loaded with Vitamin C, B6 and has lots of fiber...all good nutrients for a healthy and balanced diet! They contain three (3) natural sugars: sucrose, fructose and glucose, which can give instant and a sustained boost of energy.

Bananas help to boost memory, protects our kidneys and assists with helping us maintain a healthy heart.

Other benefits:

HELPS RESTORE + MAINTAIN NORMAL BOWEL MOVEMENT. Since they are high in fiber, bananas can help with constipation or any other digestive issues.

HELPS EASE HEARTBURN. Bananas have a natural antacid effect on the body.

HELPS WITH ANEMIA HEALTH ISSUES. Since bananas are high in iron, they stimulate production of hemoglobin in the blood.

GREAT BRAIN FOOD. The potassium helps with keeping the mind alert and ready for learning!

They don't contain any fat, sodium or cholesterol and you can always get a banana, any time of the year.

So, if you don't already incorporate bananas into your diet, consider doing so. Every morning I eat two (2) bananas (along with oatmeal or cereal) and that sustains me until lunch time. They do give me a great boost of energy and it does help with curbing my sugar cravings.

Here's a quick recipe for a banana smoothie...try it out!

BANANA SMOOTHIE

1 c. milk (you can substitute w/soy milk if you don't do dairy)
1 ripe banana, cut into halves
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1-3 ice cubes

Place milk, banana, vanilla and ice cubes in blender container; cover. Process for 20 seconds. Pour into glass. Serve and enjoy. Yields: one smoothie.

Enjoy and Be well!