Bananas: health benefits and harms

Due to its nutritional value and rich vitamin composition, bananas are considered the undisputed leader among dietary products. Nutritionists recommend using this product for children, athletes, as well as for increased mental and physical stress.

What is a banana and where does it grow

Banana is a tropical plant. In fact, it is a cluster of leaves growing like a bush, among which a stem grows with an inflorescence inside. Accordingly, bananas are berries. Leaves can reach gigantic sizes.

The homeland of this product is the southeastern part of Asia. Banana is one of the oldest fruits known to mankind. In the modern world, wild varieties can be found in Malaysia, as well as in the eastern and southern regions of Asia.

It is interesting! The name "banana" comes from the consonant word in Arabic, meaning "finger".

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Bananas have a huge species diversity. Among the most popular types are:

1. Baby banana (or finger banana) - has a pronounced aroma and sweet taste. Color - bright yellow, length - up to 7-8 cm. Distributed in the Caribbean, in Africa and South America. They have a high price due to gastronomic qualities.
2. Blue bananas - found on the island of Java. Their feature is a bluish tint of the peel. The taste of these fruits is sweet, creamy. It is also called ice cream banana.
3. View Barro - has a square shape. The ripened fruit has a yellow peel with black spots. The flesh is creamy and the aroma has a hint of lemon smell. This type is used for the manufacture of banana chips, as well as a standalone product. Barro is also suitable for any culinary recipe.
4. Cavendish is the most common type of banana. Reaches a length of 25 cm. Ripening, these fruits change the color of the peel from yellow-green to black, and the inside becomes very soft. This variety is most popular for food around the world.
5. Manzano (apple banana) - voluminous fruits of small length, have an apple-strawberry flavor. It is ready for use only after the skin has turned black.
6. Plantine - This variety has the lowest sugar content and the highest - starch. Before eating it must be subjected to heat treatment. Most often, this type of banana is fried or stewed. Ripe fruits have a black color with a dark red tint, the flesh is light pink. Fully ripened fruits are great for making desserts.
7. Jamaican or red bananas are sweet. The ripened fruit has a pink flesh and a burgundy or purple peel.This species is characterized by the smell of raspberries and high levels of vitamin C.

What is the difference between small bananas and large

Besides the obvious size differences, there are other features of each type of banana. Small fruits have a more pronounced taste, are distinguished by a thin peel and juiciness. With small sizes, baby bananas have a calorie value similar to a large product (90 kcal).

Small fruits ripen faster, so they should not be stocked for future use, but it is better to buy fresh ones. Even small fruits contain more than a dozen minerals and various vitamins.

Composition and calorie content

The calorie content of bananas is from 90 to 96 kcal. The content of proteins / fats / carbohydrates is presented in a ratio of 1 / 0.3 / 14.

Mineral wealth is represented by B vitamins (B1, B2, B5, B6, B9), PP, K, A and E, as well as choline.

The composition of bananas (per 100 g):

• proteins - 0.5 g;
• fats - 0.5 g;
• carbohydrates - 21 g;
• fiber - 1.7 g;
• water - 74 g.

What are bananas good for?

General benefit

Nutritionists claim that bananas are a very balanced product that brings great benefits to the body. Eating a moderate amount of bananas on a regular basis is useful for a number of reasons:

1. The beneficial effect of bananas on the condition of the heart muscle and blood vessels due to magnesium and potassium in the composition.
2. Improving the oxygen metabolism of brain cells.
3. Normalization of the water-salt balance.
4. Relieve stress and nervous strain.
5. Improving the psychological state through the conversion of tryptophan contained in bananas into a hormone of happiness - serotonin.
6. Stimulation of hemoglobin production.
7. Normalization of the function of the gastrointestinal tract due to dietary fiber in the composition of the product.
8. Quick recovery after physical and mental stress and satisfying hunger.
9. Healing wounds, burns and itching.
10. Beneficial effect on the skin and hair.

For women

The benefits of bananas for women are as follows:

• removal of toxic substances from the body;
• improvement of the state of cell walls;
• skin firming;
• relief of periodic pain in the lower abdomen;
• increased synthesis of oxytocin;
• prevention of prolonged migraines, headaches.

For men

Bananas energize a strong half of humanity and contribute to the regeneration of their muscles and ligaments. This is especially important for men with an active lifestyle.

During pregnancy

The use of bananas by women in position can mitigate the mood swings that are characteristic of this condition. In addition, the product is rich in potassium, which is important to maintain a normal level of blood pressure, as well as to reduce swelling.

Folic acid, contained in bananas, contributes to the normal development of the neural tube of the fetus, and zinc helps to strengthen the immunity of both the mother and the child, affects the normal formation of the baby's receptor perception system. Bananas also relieve heartburn in pregnant women and help cope with constipation.

When breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is an important stage of motherhood and a key factor in healthy infancy. It is important for a nursing mother to monitor her diet during this period. Bananas help to fill the deficiency of vitamins and minerals, as well as improve the emotional state of a nursing mother and are a useful and nutritious snack.

Note! In the use of bananas it is important to comply with the measure. This is especially important in the early days of breastfeeding, when the diet is still at the adjustment stage.

For children

Bananas in children's diets can contribute to bloating and a rash. Therefore, it is important to carefully enter this product into the menu. It can be started to be given to babies after six months of age, and in case of negative responses from the body, the attempt can be repeated after some time - at least 1 month.

For children, bananas are useful because they help strengthen the body, improve memory, sleep and the ability to concentrate, and also participate in the formation of elements of the musculoskeletal system.

Which bananas are healthier: green or yellow

A remarkable property of this nutritious product is that when ripening, the abundance of minerals and vitamins is not lost. Ripening is marked by the conversion of starch into sugar, making bananas sweeter. However, such transformations do not indicate a greater or lesser usefulness of yellow bananas compared to green ones.

When viewed from the perspective of the amount of starch compounds, the green product has a greater positive effect on the body. Also, unripe bananas are involved in maintaining normal intestinal microflora, which, in turn, affects the general function of the digestive tract and the balance of sugars in body fluids. Green bananas are reliable friends in losing weight because they give a feeling of fullness with less carbohydrates compared to yellow ones.

Despite the fact that many banana suppliers recommend choosing a ripened product with a yellow peel or brown spots, eating green fruits also gives considerable benefits.

The benefits of dried and dried bananas

Dried bananas have the same calorie content as fresh ones. A significant difference in the composition is in a reduced concentration of water and an increased percentage of carbohydrates (almost two times).

The drying or drying procedure allows you to prepare bananas for transportation over long distances and extends their shelf life. At the same time, all the beneficial properties of bananas are contained in dried foods. These components are involved in the removal of excess moisture from body tissues, as well as the regulation of the cardiovascular system.

People with diseases of the liver, brain and heart are recommended to use bananas in dried form. Such a product is indicated for use as a snack for stomach and intestinal problems.

Dried or dried product is more easily absorbed by the body. In addition, in the process of modifying bananas, allergens are eliminated, which makes the product universal. Sun-dried and dried bananas are widely used in cooking for preparing all kinds of desserts and drinks.

What is useful banana peel

A banana peel contains many properties that can be used for various purposes. We only note the main ones:

1. The banana peel absorbs heavy metals (copper and lead), so it can be used as a filter for water.
2. It is a good nutrient substrate for growing indoor plants. To obtain fertilizer, the peel from a banana is infused in water, then the resulting solution is diluted with water several times. Further, the obtained liquid product can be used to feed the soil of a home garden.
3. A banana peel can be used to polish cutlery and gloss on silverware. For these purposes, a paste is prepared from the starting material using a blender.
4. The analgesic and wound healing properties of the peel are due to the oils and enzymes contained in it.
5. Whitening properties are used to give a smile a radiant whiteness. To do this, rub the teeth with a banana peel after brushing with toothpaste.
6. A rejuvenating effect is observed on the skin.
7. Banana peel can be used as a means of losing weight, since a large dose of potassium, which is contained in it, helps to accelerate metabolism. The peel can be ground in mashed potatoes, add cinnamon, apples and eat as a snack. This mixture increases the level of hormones responsible for elevated emotional state.
8. The anti-cancer effect of the banana peel is that its components stimulate the production of white blood cells, which leads to an increase in the body's overall resistance.
9. Useful properties of banana peels can be obtained by consuming banana tea. To prepare it, boil the peel over low heat for 10 minutes, add honey to taste. The product is ready to eat.
10. The juiciness of poultry meat during baking or carcass can be preserved by placing a banana peel in the roasting pan with meat.

The benefits of banana with milk and kefir

1. For people who are faced with seasonal allergies, a banana milkshake will be a salvation. This composition neutralizes the action of allergens at the cellular level. Such a drink is also recommended to normalize the emotional background.
2. Facial masks based on banana puree and cream give the skin protection against UV radiation.
3. A mixture of milk and banana is well absorbed by the body. It also contributes to a quick recovery of forces and a surge of energy. Thanks to the use of such a cocktail, heartburn attacks are relieved, the state of the gastric mucosa is normalized.
4. By mixing banana with kefir, you can get a nutritious (150 kcal) and healthy snack that can satisfy not only hunger, but also compensate for the magnesium imbalance. Due to the diuretic effect of such a cocktail, normalization of the heart rhythm occurs.
5. For pregnant women, kefir with banana can be a real salvation, since the mixture removes the symptoms of toxicosis, normalizes appetite and encourages the use of wholesome food. In addition, this combination of products eliminates spasms of various origins.

It should be noted and such a popular product as cottage cheese. Its combination with a banana stimulates protein synthesis, and also reduces inflammation in the pancreas.

Advice! The use of a mixture of banana with fermented milk products should be planned in the afternoon to obtain the most positive effect.

Is it possible to eat bananas while losing weight

Bananas are considered high-calorie, but they serve as excellent reinforcements after an exhausting workout. Especially if the student needs an additional source of protein (for muscle gain, for example).

Bananas are great for a diet breakfast due to their low glycemic index, high mineral content and a quick sense of fullness. In order not to achieve the opposite effect when losing weight, eating bananas should be limited to one or two fruits per day.

Note! Banana, like other fruits, should be consumed in the morning. This will avoid the deposition of sugars contained in the product into fats. However, bananas will not work for low carb diets, as one fetus contains up to 40 percent of the daily intake of carbohydrates.

Bananas in medicine

Bananas are widely used in medicine. They are prescribed as a tonic substance, due to which working capacity and mood increase, as well as gentle cleansing of the body and a decrease in stress levels. This effect can be achieved by consuming one or two bananas per day.

Doctors observing professional athletes recommend that they add bananas to their diet to gain weight and increase muscle mass.

With diabetes

Ripe fruits should be limited because of their high sugar content. Unripe fruits or boiled product are safe. However, with a hypoglycemic attack, a ripe banana will be an excellent helper.

Important: glycemic index of green banana - 35 units, ripe - 50.

With pancreatitis

Bananas can be consumed, but in moderation. The consistency of a ripe product envelops the walls of the stomach, due to which there is a regulation of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

With gastritis

Bananas can be a faithful companion in treatment. They carry out an enveloping effect on the stomach, and also relieve inflammation.

For the intestines

Banana is useful for bowel problems, facilitates emptying.

For constipation

The systematic intake of bananas helps to alleviate bowel movements and eliminate the problem.

With gout

Bananas are considered desirable. They help reduce inflammation, reduce pain and eliminate exacerbations.

With colitis

It is necessary to strictly follow the prescribed diet. It is recommended to include bananas in it, and they are allowed even during periods of exacerbation of the disease.

For the liver

Bananas are a reliable assistant in getting rid of toxins and regulating the outflow of lymph.

With hemorrhoids

Additional discomfort is felt during the period of exacerbation. At this time, bananas will be a great addition to the diet and will help eliminate possible problems in the intestines.

With cholecystitis

Bananas are allowed if eaten sparingly.

Banana-based traditional medicine recipes

Bananas are widely used in folk medicine. Moreover, all parts of the plant are used - fruits, flowers, leaves, roots and even juice.

1. Infusions on the flowers of the plant are used for diabetes, inflammation of the stomach and for the treatment of bronchitis.
2. Banana leaf juice treats epilepsy, neurological disorders, bleeding. The astringent effect of juice is used for indigestion.
3. The leaves of a banana plant are applied to abrasions, wounds, burns to relieve inflammation.
4. The banana pulp is used to treat anemia, depression, heartburn, and also to normalize blood pressure.

The most popular folk recipes using bananas:

1. Traditional medicine recommends eating 1-2 bananas at breakfast to fight depression.
2. To treat a cough, peel and knead a banana with a fork, then pour a glass of boiling water with half a teaspoon of honey. Stir, insist 30 minutes with the lid closed. Take a warm mixture every 2 hours for half a cup.
3. Another recipe for cough tincture contains peel in the recipe. It must be washed under running water, finely chopped and pour a liter of milk. Bring the resulting mixture to a boil and simmer for a quarter of an hour. Then strain and add a tablespoon of honey. After cooling down, use the resulting tincture warm, half a cup with an interval of 1-2 hours.
4. The recipe for the miraculous banana kvass, which is credited with the ability to fight against cancer, as well as general strengthening properties, is based on the use of peel. Special properties are due to the presence of tryptophan, which is formed as a result of fermentation processes. To prepare banana kvass, you will need skins from four bananas, chilled boiled water (3 l) and a glass of sugar. The mixture is sent to ripen until the end of all fermentation processes. Those who want to lose weight can also use this recipe, since such kvass is low-calorie, but nutritious.

Bananas in cosmetology

In industrial cosmetics, a banana extract (extract) is used. It is mainly added to skin care products. The active substances contained in the banana extract contribute to the deep nutrition of the epidermis, smoothing small wrinkles, smoothing out skin irregularities, and also normalize intracellular metabolic processes. The complex of macro- and microelements contained in bananas gives the skin elasticity, freshness, and also protects it from aggressive environmental factors.

As part of hair care products, banana extract regulates the sebum of hair follicles and scalp, and also fills the curls with shine.

The protective properties of banana have determined its use for the production of baby creams and anti-aging cosmetics. In combination with milk protein, banana extract effectively fights inflammation and redness.This combination is suitable for sensitive skin.

Face masks

The anti-aging and nutritional properties of banana can be used at home. A face mask can be prepared independently based on the recipes below. To extract the nutrients contained in this exotic fruit, just chop it a little. Apply the mask to the face with a dense layer to provide nutrition to all problem areas.

1. Banana-egg mask is prepared from the pulp of half a banana, egg yolk with the addition of a teaspoon of sour cream. Facial skin should first be cleaned, then apply a mask on it and hold for 15 minutes. Rinse off with water at room temperature.
2. The mask with cinnamon is made up of half a banana, mashed to the consistency of mashed potatoes, a tablespoon of sour cream and oils of lemon and cinnamon, which are introduced with stirring into the main mixture in two drops. The exposure time of the mask on the face after application is 20 minutes.
3. The mask for dry skin is prepared from a whole banana (ripe) and a teaspoon of cream. Apply the resulting mixture in an even layer on the face and hold for 20 minutes. To eliminate the problem of excessive dryness and peeling, it is recommended to carry out the procedure in a course of 20 days, repeating the application daily.
4. Banana-linen mask is suitable for normal skin. To prepare it, you will need one egg yolk, one teaspoon of banana pulp and flour and 2 teaspoons of flax oil. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and apply on the face and problem areas of the neck and chest. The mask lasts for 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Homemade banana-based face masks give an amazing effect. Moreover, the compositions of such mixtures are quite simple and accessible to every woman. With care, you should select additional ingredients - spices and oils. Ideally, a preliminary allergy test should be performed on a small area of ​​the skin.

Banana Hair Masks

The unique composition of bananas determines their widespread use in cosmetology, including the creation of hair care products. Nutritious masks can be prepared on their own.

The main functions of a banana as part of hair products are nutrition and hydration. This product is suitable for the care of any type of hair - dry, oily, normal or combination. Banana masks can transform even heavily damaged curls and give them a healthy shine, filling them with strength from the inside. In addition, they reduce hair fragility and restore their structure.

A banana contains the main substances that make it valuable for cosmetic use.

1. Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a recognized vitamin of youth. He is able to bring dull curls back to life, which were not helped by expensive means. He is also able to repair damage to the hair structure, glues the cut ends, resuscitates them after numerous stains. Vitamin E stimulates its own synthesis of collagen and elastin, due to which the restoration of curls has a long-lasting effect.
2. Ascorbic acid, which is converted to vitamin C, helps to increase the resistance of the epidermis to harmful environmental factors and normalize the functioning of the endocrine glands. Thanks to this, banana masks can be used to moisturize oily hair.
3. The rich composition of bananas is also represented by B vitamins, which have a huge impact on the condition of hair and skin. These compounds strengthen cell structures, slow down the aging process, increase cell turgor and elasticity of the hair structure. Also, this group of vitamins prevents the appearance of premature gray hair and reduces the manifestations of seborrhea.
4. Vitamins PP or B3 (niacin) prevent hair loss and the appearance of gray hairs.
5. Potassium coming from bananas penetrates deep into the structure of the hair, due to which there is a regulation of ion exchange between intracellular components.This mineral substance is able to return to life weak and thinned curls.

Banana masks are also convenient in that they have a soft fibrous consistency, which significantly reduces the risk of scalp irritation. Such care products are very effective and have a gentle, gentle effect.

The feeling of softness persists for a long time after applying the mask, and a pleasant fruity aroma, the hair will exude a few more days after the procedure. Of course, the effectiveness of applying a hair mask directly depends on the correct choice of the type of mixture.

When preparing a banana mask at home, it is necessary to strictly follow the recipe and recommendations of specialists, since their non-compliance can lead to the mask being poorly washed, which will negate the positive emotions from the use of the nutritional composition. An improperly composed composition of the components rests on the hair with a sticky mass, which is difficult to wash off.

The following tips will help you make the perfect banana mask:

1. Optimal for home treatments are medium-ripe bananas. Green or overripe fruits in the mask may disappoint. After removing the peel, you should also remove the additional sticky layer, which can cause unpleasant effects.
2. To prepare a hair mask, the fruit should be thoroughly crushed to a homogeneous state. By the way, for a face skin care product it is enough to knead a fork. Maximum grinding can be achieved using a blender. The consistency is preferable to a liquid mask, it will be easier to rinse off.
3. To better mix the components of the mixture in which oils, honey or kefir are present, you can use a little heating. However, you should not overdo it, because at high temperatures other ingredients (for example, eggs) may curl.
4. It will not be superfluous to check a freshly prepared mask for a reaction on the skin. A simple allergy test on the elbow or wrist bend will avoid possible problems with irritation of the scalp. If itching or redness occurs, the mask cannot be used.
5. Applying a banana mask should be planned at least 48 hours after the last shampoo.
6. To make it easier to remove the banana from the surface of the hair, after a period of exposure to the mixture, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil. It will also provide additional nutrition.
7. With a slight increase in temperature in the area of ​​application of the mask, its effectiveness increases significantly. Therefore, it is worth using a plastic film to cover the head, in addition it can be wrapped in a terry towel.
8. The minimum exposure time for a banana mask on the hair is from 20 minutes to half an hour. This is sufficient time for the fruit component to dry, making it easy to wash from the hair.

Particular attention should be paid to the procedure for washing the hair after applying a banana mask. Actions should be performed slowly. To properly wash all components of the hair strengthening mixture, first of all, apply a small amount of shampoo or conditioner to the hair shrouded in a mask. Then gently massage the head, thereby provoking the formation of foam. With a high viscosity of the mixture on the hair, you can manipulate with wet hands. After massage for several minutes, the banana mask is ready for contact with water. Rinse hair preferably with water at room temperature, under strong pressure. If mask components remain in the hair, they can be combed under a stream of water. As a finishing touch, rinse your hair with a decoction of medicinal herbs (nettle or chamomile).

The course of treatment or hair nutrition includes up to 10 procedures, the frequency of which should not exceed once every one and a half to two weeks.

Compliance with the above rules will allow you to achieve the best result at home, which will not be inferior in quality to salon care.

In one course of applying a banana mask, you can restore severely damaged hair, get rid of cut ends, dandruff and brittleness. It is enough to choose the optimal composition of the mask, taking into account individual preferences.

Recipes:

1. For dry hair, a mask made from one banana mixed with egg yolk, a teaspoon of honey and a quarter cup of sour cream is suitable. Mix the components thoroughly, then apply the mixture to the root zone of the hair, rubbing it slightly into the skin, and then distribute the remains of the mask through the hair. For a greater effect, you need to wrap your head in a towel or put on a plastic hat. After an hour, the mask can be washed off with water at room temperature. In addition to giving shine and softness to curls, this mask also stimulates the activity of hair follicles, thereby stimulating hair growth.
2. To rehabilitate the hair structure after chemical exposure (for example, curling), you can stretch one banana, add honey and wheat sprouts one tablespoon each. Use a blender for mixing. After holding the mask on the hair for 30 minutes, it can be washed off with shampoo.
3. For oily hair, a banana mask with lemon is suitable. Mash one fruit into the pulp and add 2 teaspoons of lemon to it. First, you need to apply milk to the scalp with a cotton pad and only after that make a mask. Wrap your head in a towel and hold for half an hour. Rinse off with water at room temperature.
4. The recovery mask is prepared in a blender, in which half the ripened banana, one yolk, sour cream and honey are mixed one teaspoon each. Apply the mask to the hair at the root, and then spread to the ends. You can achieve a greater effect if you wrap your head in a warm towel for the entire exposure period (1 hour). Warm water is suitable for washing off.

Harm and contraindications

Bananas should be consumed sparingly, as they:

• thicken blood;
• remove fluid from the body;
• able to irritate the intestinal mucosa;
• stimulate weight gain with excessive use.

For these reasons, eating bananas is not recommended for people who have diseases such as:

• coronary heart disease;
• bleeding disorders;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• overweight.

People with diabetes should use this product with caution.

Could there be an allergy to bananas
Bananas are the safest against allergies, they are among the products for the first lure prescribed for children. However, rare exceptions do occur.

An allergic reaction begins in a typical scenario, starting with an itch that spreads to the mucous membrane of the mouth and larynx. Itching is accompanied by abdominal pain, sometimes with diarrhea and vomiting. Prolonged runny nose may also be the result of an allergy.

The source of allergies to bananas is the substance serotonin, produced by the human body. If the reaction manifests itself, it means that the body is oversaturated with this compound. The problem is eliminated by temporarily abandoning the use of products that stimulate the production of serotonin. These are walnuts, persimmons, pineapples and, of course, bananas.

How to choose bananas

In addition to the obvious difference between yellow and green fruits, there are also indicators by which you can accurately select a quality and tasty product:

1. Ripe banana is characterized by a uniform saturated yellow color.
2. When buying bananas with spots, you need to understand that they will not lie for long, it is better to eat them on the day of purchase.
3. Bananas should have a pleasant smell, if it is unpleasant or suspicious, it is better to refuse such a purchase.
4. It is preferable to choose bananas with whole peels without damage.
5. The fruit size of 20 cm is considered premium, but far from always the size affects the taste.
6. The most delicious fruits have rounded shapes.
7. Ripe and fresh bananas have a peel that is elastic to the touch; a dry peduncle indicates that the product is overripe.
8. If it is possible to choose fruits from a bunch, it is worth stopping at the central ones - it is believed that they are the most delicious.

You can also conclude about the quality of the product on the label: if on the label there are combinations of 94011 and 4011, this means that the fruits were grown in natural conditions without the use of chemicals.

How to store bananas so they do not blacken

Bananas are best stored in a cool place. A temperature of 19 ° C is optimal for the safety of this product. If the bananas were bought in green, but there is a need to speed up their ripening, you can put them together with the apple in a dark bag, preferably a paper one.

Keep the product away from direct sunlight. You can extend freshness for several days by wrapping the tail of each banana with a film. Keep in mind that the proximity to other fruits causes premature darkening of the skin. A plastic bag is also an inappropriate storage container, so bananas will quickly go bad.

Can I keep in the refrigerator

When stored in a refrigerator, the peel quickly darkens, so it’s best not to store bananas there.

Is it possible to freeze

From bananas, you can make blanks for culinary masterpieces by storing them frozen. For these purposes, it is better to use ripe or ripe fruits. Wash them before freezing. The option of preparation depends on preferences: they can be frozen in the form of mashed potatoes, whole, peeled, sliced.

How to eat bananas

The threads that are peeled along with the peel (phloem) contain many nutrients, so they can and should be eaten.

At home, bananas are eaten by hand. But in public places and food establishments the use of a fork and knife is prescribed by etiquette.

How much can you eat per day

The recommended daily amount of bananas is 2. This is enough to replenish energy consumption at high loads and fill the body with nutrients.

Can I eat at night and on an empty stomach

Fasting bananas is not recommended. This can lead to an imbalance of calcium and magnesium in the body.

A banana, eaten at night, will not damage the figure, but will contribute to a quick fall asleep and a restful sleep. Its properties have a calming effect on the nervous system to get rid of the stress accumulated during the day. Recent studies have shown that a glass of banana shake before going to bed will help get rid of snoring and sudden respiratory arrest (apnea).

Is it possible to eat blackened bananas

There is no ban on eating blackened fruits - everything is decided at the discretion of the eater.

Before using a product of doubtful prescription, it will not be superfluous to examine it. If there are few blackened areas, and the integrity of the peel is not broken, such a banana is suitable for food. If cracks or grooves are present on the surface, you should know that, most likely, fruit flies (Drosophila) have already settled there and laid their larvae there.

However, banana poisoning is negligible. Moreover, the victims did not necessarily eat the blackened bananas.

Therefore, intact fruits with black spots can be eaten.

Can I eat bananas after a workout?

The end of the training opens the so-called “carbohydrate window”, about half an hour long. During this time, you can safely make up for glycogen loss and increase insulin levels with sugary foods. This is necessary to suppress the negative effects of adrenal hormones - cortisol and adrenaline.

Banana is a healthy and tasty source of carbohydrates, so you can eat it right after an active workout.

Is it possible to eat after removal of appendicitis

In the first two weeks after removal of appendicitis, it is strictly forbidden to eat fresh fruits. The texture of the banana allows you to enter it in the diet no earlier than 3 days after the operation and always in the form of mashed potatoes.

What can be prepared from bananas: recipes

Bananas are a popular culinary item. With their use, you can cook a wide variety of dishes.

Banana chips

There are three ways to cook this type of goodies: baking, frying and microwave cooking. Each option is distinguished by the nutritional value of the final product.

For baking, take four bananas, pour them with the juice of one or two lemons and send them to the oven until cooked.

Banana chips can be fried in a pan. They can be sweet or savory. For the first option, you need five unripe bananas, cut in circles, brown sugar and half a cup of water, a teaspoon of salt, two glasses of white sugar and a stick of cinnamon. Fry in a large amount of oil (deep-fried). For the savory option, turmeric powder (a quarter teaspoon) is added to the bananas. You can also add salt to taste.

For the microwave, take 2 unripe bananas, chop, roll in turmeric (a quarter teaspoon) with a pinch of salt. Add two tablespoons of oil (olive or peanut) and simmer in the microwave.

For the preparation of spicy chips, you can use any variation of spices.

Fried bananas

Fried bananas are a pretty popular dessert. For cooking, you will need, in fact, fruits (7-8 pieces), better green, one egg, honey (3 tablespoons), walnut kernels (a quarter cup), milk (100 ml) and vegetable oil for frying. Vanilla, sugar, flour, ground nutmeg and cinnamon are auxiliary ingredients.

In the process of frying, bananas should be dipped in oil. For this, a deep fryer, a deep pan with a thick bottom or a small pan is suitable.

Peel and cut the bananas in large pieces. Prepare a batter from eggs, nuts, milk and auxiliary ingredients, in which pieces of bananas will fall off before being placed in heated oil. The consistency of the batter should resemble a thick sour cream.

The first stage of frying is on a fast fire until golden brown, the second is languishing over medium heat for 5 minutes. Dry the fried bananas on a paper towel before serving. Serve with honey.

Smoothie

The recipe for making a banana smoothie is quite simple. To do this, you need a hand blender, banana, milk at the rate of 300 ml per serving. If desired, you can add honey.

Peel the fruit, cut into large pieces, place in a container and pour milk. Beat the mass with a hand blender until foam. Smoothies ready to eat. According to gastronomic preferences, you can supplement the cocktail with fresh, freshly frozen berries or a leaf of mint.

Jam

Practical housewives make banana jam. This delicacy comes out inexpensive for the price, it can be added to cereals, cottage cheese or yogurt, and also eat as an independent dessert.

Overripe, soft fruits are more suitable for jam. One tablespoon of vanilla sugar, one star anise, 180 g of sugar and a teaspoon of citric acid will go to a pound of product.

Mash bananas with a fork. Add the remaining ingredients and put the whole mass on the stove. Bring to a boil and simmer for 4 hours. At the final stage, bring the mass to a boil again and boil another 10 minutes. Arrange the jam in pre-sterilized jars. Keep refrigerated.

Is it possible to give bananas to animals

Pets, like their owners, need nutrients and trace elements. If the animal eats bananas with pleasure, do not refuse him this pleasure, but you must strictly monitor the amount eaten.

In dogs, eating too much banana can lead to constipation. Do not give the banana peel to your pet.

Both dogs and cats are difficult to digest bananas, so you can’t give them to animals in whole or in large pieces.

Rare reactions to an eaten banana can include bowel obstruction, allergies, stomach upsets, and weight fluctuations.

The use of exotic fruit by a pet is allowed purely individually. In the absence of allergic manifestations and digestive disorders, veterinarians allow animals to eat bananas.

Interesting facts about bananas

1. It has long been known that bananas include substances that are similar in effect to the hormones of “happiness” (endorphins and serotonin), which cause an improvement in a person’s psychological state.
2. Some doctors have put forward the theory that bananas can help quit addictions, such as smoking. The B vitamins contained in the fruits, as well as magnesium and potassium support the body during cravings for nicotine and increase resistance to temptation.
3. In height, a banana plant can reach 10 meters. The number of fruits on one stem may exceed several hundred.
4. Red bananas do not tolerate transportation, so it is difficult to meet them below the line of their growth.
5. In the Seychelles there is the island of Mao, which is famous for the fact that red, black and gold bananas grow on its territory. They are served with gourmet dishes as a side dish.
6. Banana is a leader in vitamin B6 content among other foods.
7. In terms of harvest, banana ranks second in the world between oranges and grapes.
8. The leaders in banana production are Brazil and India.
9. One banana contains 300 mg of potassium (the daily norm for a person is 4 g), this determines its positive effect on the heart muscle.
10. Mait Lepik, a native of Estonia, won the first world banana eating tournament. His record is 10 fruits in 180 seconds. Competing, he absorbed bananas along with the peel.
11. To date, the world record for eating bananas for a while is 81 bananas in 1 hour.
12. The world eats over 100 billion bananas per year.
13. 95% of all bushes serving as sources of world food stocks of bananas are the descendants of one shrub located in southern Asia.
14. Science knows about a thousand varieties of these fruits. However, only six of them are edible.
15. The popularity of the Cavendish species is not due to its quality and taste characteristics. The thing is that the previously existing Gro-Michel variety, which had a much sweeter taste, was almost destroyed by the “Panamanian disease” - a fungus that parasitizes exclusively on this type of plant. Today, the same sort of fate may await the popular Cavendish variety.
16. Different varieties of bananas contain the same structure of potassium and its isotope (potassium-40), which suggests that almost all varieties on the planet are radioactive.
17. Australian farmers grow an unusual variety of bananas - Goldfinger, which tastes more like apples.
18. Residents of African Uganda are leaders in eating bananas in the world - for a year the population eats about 220 kg.

Photo bananas