The yellow superhero – Is banana a superfood?

Banana is probably one of the most well-known and popular fruits on the planet. Not only it is delicious and widely available, but it is also quite healthy. In fact, it is the number one consumed fruit in the United States. Also, this delicious and amazing fruit is considered to be a superfood by many!

In this article, we will discuss some of the banana benefits and utilization of bananas, as well as show, why we believe this is fruit has earned the status of a “superfood”.

Why is it a superfood?

Well, there are many good reasons this fruit is considered to be not only healthy and nutritious, but also a superfood. Firstly, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a superfood is defined as “a food that is rich in compounds (such as antioxidants, fiber, or fatty acids) considered beneficial to a person’s health”.  In other words, a superfood is a food that can provide plenty of benefits to the human body, and prevent it from various diseases and sicknesses.

Why is banana a superfood?

Banana is delicious, widely available, and can be eaten raw or cooked in various forms. This makes the fruit highly desirable, and practical to consume.  There are many studies on this fruit that prove that banana has plenty of benefits for our human body.

First, it has plenty of vitamins and nutrients. Vitamin B6, C, Magnesium,Potassium,Fiber, Folate, can be found in a banana. Also, according to the Harvard School Of Public Health, eating a banana can help treat conditions like celiac disease and diabetes. It is easily digested, and also helps the body maintain a constant heartbeat. In addition, it helps with lowering blood pressure and is highly
recommended for people who have diabetes.

Who should eat bananas?

Unless you have a special condition or allergy to it, banana is recommended to incorporate in your daily or weekly diet. As stated above, it is ideal for pretty much everyone to enjoy.

However, it is even more beneficial and highly recommended for the following group of people:

People with diabetes:

Because banana helps to lower the blood sugar, it is highly
recommended for people with diabetes. Therefore, if you have diabetes, feel free to enjoy it as a snack, and skip the sugary sweets! This one is healthy, natural, and will help you and your body in the long run!

To boost energy:

Also, it is a great energy booster and it is recommended to consume
prior to working out, or if you feel tired or lacking energy. Based on various studies, two
bananas will provide enough calories for about 90 minutes of workout or walk. So next
time you want to hit the gym, consider substituting the expensive energy booster, with a natural, and healthy banana! Alternatively, if you work long hours, feel free to enjoy one banana when you are tired or feeling weak, or without energy. It should boost your
energy quickly!

Fight hunger:

Similarly, if you are always hungry and trying to lose some weight,
banana might be the right solution. Because it is high in fiber, eating this fruit will keep
you fuller for longer.

Hearth healthy:

Another reason to eat banana is because it helps your heart stay healthy. High fiber foods are known to be good for the heart. Therefore, eating fiber-rich foods like banana can lower the risk of heart disease.

Children:

Banana is easy to digest and helps build up the metabolism, especially for
children. Also, it has more vitamins than apples, which makes it even a healthier and
better alternative to apples!

How many bananas can you eat in a day?

Between one to three bananas per day is considered acceptable and a normal intake for a human. Also, if you are looking to consume it on a daily basis, it is best to incorporate and balance it with other ingredients.

Ways to serve banana:

The most common way to serve the banana is basically peeling, and eating it right away. You can enjoy it for breakfast with cereal or yogurt, or as a healthy snack after lunch. However, if you are looking for more fun ways to incorporate this superfood into your menu, here are some great alternatives:

Chocolate Banana Bread: A fun way to utilize ripe bananas. This recipe is great if you
are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth. It is practical, delicious, and can be served during the whole week if properly stored.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie: If you like smoothies this is the perfect recipe to try.
You can make it in the morning or enjoy it with some protein powder after a workout. Also, it is an easy drink to make, and very refreshing!

Banana Pancakes: The perfect way to start a weekend morning! These pancakes are
delicious and can be served pretty much for any occasion.

Banana Pudding: A great dish to make some pudding with meringue topping.

Catalina Castravet
With a passion for cooking and baking that I inherited from my highly talented grandma and mom, I decided to start a journey and share all the delicious recipes with my beloved followers. I love spending time in the kitchen, cooking family favorites and traditional meals, as well to mix and match ingredients. Over the past ten years, I dedicated most of my time learning, testing, and growing my knowledge in the kitchen. I always strive to learn and improve my cooking skills. I took a few culinary boot camps at NYC culinary school. Also, whenever possible, I meet with various local and International private chefs to learn and also share about the art of cooking.