Bananas: types, useful properties and contraindications

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

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 grows a stem with an inflorescence inside. Accordingly, bananas are berries. The leaves can reach gigantic proportions.

It is native to southeast Asia. The banana is one of the oldest fruits known to mankind. In the modern world, wild varieties can be found in Malaysia and in eastern and southern Asia.

That's interesting! The name "banana" comes from a consonant word in Arabic that means "finger."

Types

Bananas are characterized by a huge variety of species. Some of the most popular species include:

1. Baby banana (or finger banana) - has a distinct aroma and sweet taste. Color - bright yellow, length - up to 7-8 cm. They are common in the Caribbean islands, Africa and South America. They have a high price due to their gastronomic qualities.
2. Blue bananas are found on the island of Java. Their peculiarity is the bluish hue of the rind. The taste of this fruit is sweet and creamy. It is also called the frozen banana.
3. Barro species - has a square shape. The ripe fruit has a yellow rind with black flecks. The flesh is cream-colored, and the aroma has hints of lemon flavor. This species is used to make banana chips, as well as a stand-alone product. Barro is also suitable for any culinary recipe.
4. Cavendish is the most common type of banana. Reaches a length of 25 cm. When ripe, these fruits change the color of the rind from yellow-green to black, and the interior becomes very soft. This variety is the most popular for eating around the world.
5. Manzano (apple banana) is a bulky fruit of short length, with an apple and strawberry flavor. It is ready for consumption only after the skin turns black.
6. Plantain - this variety has the lowest sugar content and the highest starch content. It must be cooked before being eaten. Most often, this type of banana is fried or stewed. Ripe fruits have a black color with a dark red hue, the flesh is light pink. Fully ripe fruits are excellent for making desserts.
7. Jamaican or red bananas are known for their sweetness. The ripe fruit has a pink flesh and burgundy or purple rind. This species is characterized by the smell of raspberries and increased vitamin C content.

How small bananas differ from large bananas

Besides the obvious difference in size, there are other features of each type of banana. Small fruits have a more pronounced flavor, have a thin rind and juiciness. Smaller baby bananas have the same caloric value as a larger product (90 kcal).

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

Composition and calories

The caloric value of bananas ranges from 90 to 96 kcal. The protein/fat/carbohydrate content is presented in a ratio of 1/0.3/14.

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

Component composition of bananas (per 100 g):

• proteins - 0.5 g;
• fats - 0,5 g;
• carbohydrates - 21 g;
• fiber - 1.7 g;
• water - 74 gr.

What are bananas good for?

General benefits

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

1. Beneficial effect of bananas on the condition of the heart muscle and blood vessels thanks to magnesium and potassium in their composition.
2. Improvement of oxygen metabolism of brain cells.
3. Normalization of the water-salt balance.
4. Relief of stress and nervous overstrain.
5. Improvement of the psychological state due to the conversion of tryptophans contained in bananas, in the hormone of happiness - serotonin.
6. Stimulation of the production of hemoglobin.
7. Normalization of the function of the gastrointestinal tract thanks to the dietary fiber in the product.
8. Rapid recovery from physical and mental stress and satisfy hunger.
9. Healing wounds, burns and itching.
10. Beneficial effect on skin and hair.

For women

The benefits of bananas for women are as follows:

• Removal of toxic substances from the body;
• Improvement of the condition of the cell walls;
• Increasing the elasticity of the skin;
• relief of recurrent pain in the lower abdomen;
• increasing the synthesis of oxytocin;
• Prevention of prolonged migraines, headaches.

For men.

Bananas energize the strong half of mankind and contribute to the regeneration of their muscles and ligaments. This is especially important for men who lead an active lifestyle.

When pregnant.

The consumption of bananas by women in the position can alleviate the mood swings that are characteristic of this state. In addition, the product is rich in potassium, which is important for maintaining normal blood pressure levels, 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 mother and child, affects the normal formation of the receptive system of the baby. Also, bananas relieve heartburn in pregnant women and help with constipation.

When breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is an important stage of motherhood and a key factor for a healthy infancy. It is important for a breastfeeding mother to watch her diet during this period. Bananas allow you to make up for vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as well as improve the emotional state of a nursing mother and are a useful and nutritious snack.

Pay attention! In the consumption of bananas it is important to observe a measure. This is especially important in the first days of breastfeeding, when the diet is still in the adjustment stage.

For babies.

Bananas in the diet of children can contribute to bloating and rash. Therefore, it is important to carefully introduce this product to the menu. It can be given to babies after six months of age, and if the body responds negatively, the attempt can be repeated after some time - at least 1 month.

Bananas are useful for children because they help strengthen the body, improve memory, sleep and concentration, as well as participate in the formation of elements of the musculoskeletal system.

Which bananas are healthier: green or yellow?

A remarkable feature of this nutritious product is that when ripening, the abundance of minerals and vitamins is not lost. Ripening is marked by the transformation of starch into sugar, making bananas sweeter. However, such conversions are not indicative of greater or less usefulness of yellow bananas compared to green bananas.

If you look from the perspective of the number 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 overall gastrointestinal function and the balance of sugars in body fluids. Green bananas are trusted friends in weight loss because they give a feeling of satiety with fewer carbohydrates than yellow bananas.

Although many banana purveyors recommend choosing a ripe product with yellow rinds or brown spots, eating green fruit also provides many benefits.

Benefits of dried and dried bananas

Dried bananas have the same caloric value as fresh ones. The essential difference in the composition lies in the reduced concentration of water and increased percentage of carbohydrates (almost twice).

Drying or curing techniques can prepare bananas for long-distance transportation and extend their shelf life. At the same time all the useful properties of bananas are also contained in the dried products. These components are involved in the removal of excess moisture from body tissues, as well as the regulation of the cardiovascular system.

People with liver, brain, and heart disease are advised to eat bananas in dried form. Such a product is indicated for use as a snack for gastric and intestinal problems.

Dried or dried product is easier for the body to digest. In addition, the process of modifying bananas eliminates allergens, which makes the product versatile. Dried and dried bananas are widely used in cooking to make all kinds of desserts and drinks.

What's the use of banana peels?

The banana peel contains many properties that can be used for various purposes. Let's note just the main ones:

1. Banana peels absorb heavy metals (copper and lead), so they can be used as a water filter.
2. It is a good nutrient substrate for growing indoor plants. To obtain the fertilizer, the skin of a banana is infused in water, then dilute the resulting solution with water several times. The resulting liquid product can then be used to nourish the soil of the home garden.
3. Banana skins can be used for polishing cutlery and giving luster to silverware. For this purpose, a paste is prepared from the source material using a blender.
4. The analgesic and wound-healing properties of the peel are due to the oils and enzymes it contains.
5. The whitening properties are used to give your smile a radiant whiteness. This is done by rubbing the teeth with the banana peel after brushing with toothpaste.
6. Rejuvenating effects are observed on the skin.
7. Banana peels can be used as a weight loss remedy because the large dose of potassium they contain helps to speed up the metabolism. You can grind the peels into a puree, add cinnamon and apples and eat as a snack. Such a mixture increases the level of hormones responsible for an elevated emotional state.
8. The anti-cancer effect of banana peel is that its components stimulate the production of white blood cells, which leads to an increase in the overall resistance of the body.
9. Useful properties of banana peels can be obtained by drinking banana tea. For its preparation, you should boil the peel on low heat for 10 minutes, add honey to taste. The product is ready to eat.
10. The juiciness of poultry meat when baking or carcassing can be preserved by placing banana peels in the roaster along with the meat.

The benefits of banana and milk and kefir

1. For people who face the problem of seasonal allergies, banana milk shake will be a salvation. This composition neutralizes the effects of allergens at the cellular level. Such a drink is also recommended to normalize the emotional background.
2. Face masks based on mashed banana and cream give the skin protection from UV radiation.
3. The mixture of milk and banana is well absorbed by the body. It also promotes quick recovery and a burst of energy. Thanks to the use of such a cocktail relieves heartburn attacks, normalizes the condition of the mucous membrane of the stomach.
4. Mixing a 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. Thanks to the diuretic effect of such a cocktail is the normalization of the heart rhythm.
5. For pregnant women, kefir with a banana can serve as a real salvation, as the mixture relieves symptoms of toxicity, normalizes appetite and encourages eating healthy foods. In addition, such a combination of products eliminates cramps of different origin.

Such a popular product as cottage cheese should also be noted. Combining it with a banana stimulates the synthesis of protein, and also reduces inflammation in the pancreas.

Tip! The consumption of a mixture of banana and fermented dairy products should be planned for the afternoon to get the maximum positive effect.

Can bananas be eaten while losing weight?

Bananas are considered high in calories, but they serve as an excellent reinforcement after a grueling workout. Especially if the exerciser needs an additional source of protein (when gaining muscle mass, for example).

Bananas are great for a dietary breakfast because of their low glycemic index, high mineral content, and fast satiety. In order not to achieve the opposite effect while losing weight, eating bananas should be limited to one or two fruits a day.

For your information! A banana, like other fruits, should be eaten in the first half of the day. This will avoid the deposition of sugars contained in the product into fat. However, for followers of a low-carbohydrate diet, bananas are not suitable, because one fruit contains up to 40 percent of the daily norm of carbohydrates.

Bananas in medicine

Bananas are widely used in medicine. They are prescribed as a tonic, which improves performance and mood, as well as gently cleansing the body and reducing stress levels. This effect can be achieved by eating one or two bananas a day.

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

For Diabetes Mellitus.

You should limit the consumption of ripe fruit because of its high sugar content. Unripe fruit or the product in boiled form are safe. However, in case of a hypoglycemic attack, a ripe banana will be a great helper.

Important: The glycemic index of a green banana is 35 units, a ripe one is 50.

In case of pancreatitis.

Bananas can be consumed, but in moderate quantities. The consistency of the ripe product envelops the walls of the stomach, thanks to which there is a regulation of the processes of the gastrointestinal tract.

For gastritis

Bananas can become a faithful companion in treatment. They have an enveloping effect on the stomach and also relieve inflammation.

For the bowels

Banana is useful for intestinal problems, it facilitates emptying.

For constipation

Systematic intake of bananas helps to soften defecation and eliminate the problem.

In Gout.

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

In colitis.

It is necessary to strictly follow the prescribed diet. It is recommended to include bananas, 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.

For hemorrhoids

Additional discomfort is felt during periods of exacerbation. At this time, bananas will be an excellent addition to the diet and help to eliminate possible intestinal problems.

In case of cholecystitis

Bananas are allowed if you consume them in moderation.

Recipes of folk medicine based on bananas

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

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

The most popular folk recipes using bananas:

1. Folk medicine recommends eating 1-2 bananas at breakfast to combat depression.
2. To treat a cough, peel and mash one banana with a fork, which then pour a glass of boiling water with half a teaspoon of honey. Stir, infuse for 30 minutes with the lid closed. Take the mixture warm every 2 hours in half a cup.
3. Another recipe for cough tincture contains in the recipe the peel. It should be washed under running water, finely chopped and pour a liter of milk. Bring the resulting mixture to a boil and boil over low heat for a quarter of an hour. Then strain and add a tablespoon of honey. After cooling, use the resulting tincture warm, half a glass at intervals of 1-2 hours.
4. The recipe for miraculous banana kvass, which is attributed the ability to fight cancer, as well as general tonic properties, is based on the use of the rind. Its special qualities are due to the presence of tryptophan, which is formed as a result of fermentation processes. To prepare banana kvass, you will need the skins from four bananas, cooled boiled water (3 liters) and a glass of sugar. The mixture is sent to ripen until all the fermentation processes are finished. This recipe can also be used by those who want to lose weight, because this kvass is low-calorie, but nutritious.

Bananas in cosmetology

Banana extract (extract) is used in industrial cosmetics. It is mainly added to skin care products. The active ingredients in banana extract contribute to deep nourishment of the epidermis, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing uneven skin, and normalizing intracellular metabolic processes. The complex of macro-and microelements contained in bananas makes the skin firm and fresh and protects it from negative environmental factors.

In hair care products banana extract regulates greasiness of hair follicles and scalp and fills the locks with shine.

Banana's protective properties have led to its use in children's creams and anti-aging cosmetics. In combination with milk protein, banana extract effectively combats inflammation and redness. This combination is suitable for sensitive skin.

Face Masks

The rejuvenating and nourishing properties of a banana can be used at home. A face mask can be prepared by yourself based on the recipes below. To extract the nutrients contained in this exotic fruit, it is enough to crush it a little. Apply the mask to the face should be a dense layer, in order 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. The skin of the face should be pre-cleaned, then apply the mask and hold for 15 minutes. Rinse with room temperature water.
2. The cinnamon mask is made of half a banana, mashed to the consistency of puree, a tablespoon of sour cream and lemon and cinnamon oils, which are introduced by stirring into the main mixture in two drops. The time of soaking the mask on the face after application is 20 minutes.
3. A mask for dry skin is prepared from a whole banana (ripe) and a teaspoon of cream. The resulting mixture is applied in an even layer on the face and hold for 20 minutes. To eliminate the problem of excessive dryness and flaking it is recommended to conduct the procedure for a course of 20 days, repeating the application daily.
4. Banana flax mask is suitable for normal skin. For its preparation you will need one egg yolk, one teaspoon each of banana pulp and flour and two teaspoons of flax oil. Thoroughly mix the ingredients and apply to face and problem areas of the neck and chest. Time of action of the mask - 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Homemade face masks based on a banana give a stunning effect. At the same time, the compositions of such mixtures are quite simple and available to every woman. You should choose additional ingredients with caution - spices and oils. Ideally, you should conduct a preliminary allergy test on a small area of the skin.

Banana hair masks

The unique composition of bananas accounts for their wide use in cosmetology, including the creation of hair care products. Nourishing masks can be prepared on their own.

The main functions of a banana in the composition of hair products - nutrition and hydration. This product is suitable for the care of any type of hair - dry, oily, normal or combined. Banana masks are able to transform even severely damaged curls and give them a healthy shine, filling them with strength from within. In addition, they reduce hair breakage and restore its structure.

The banana contains the main substances that make it valuable for cosmetic purposes.

1. Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a recognized vitamin of youth. It can bring back to life dull curls that have not been helped by expensive products. It is also able to repair damage to the hair structure, glues split ends, reanimates them after numerous colorings. Vitamin E stimulates its own synthesis of collagen and elastin, so the restoration of curls has a long-lasting effect.
2. Ascorbic acid, which is transformed into vitamin C, helps to increase the resistance of the epidermis to the harmful factors of the environment and the normalization of the endocrine glands. Thanks to this, masks with banana 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 cellular structures, slow down aging processes, increase cellular turgor and elasticity of hair structure. This group of vitamins also prevents the appearance of premature graying and reduces the manifestations of seborrhea.
4. Vitamin PP or B3 (niacin) prevents hair loss and the appearance of gray hairs.
5. Potassium, which comes from bananas, penetrates deep into the structure of hair, thanks to which there is a regulation of ionic exchange between intracellular components. This mineral substance is able to bring back to life exhausted and thinning curls.

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

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

When preparing a banana mask at home it is necessary to follow the recipe and the recommendations of experts, because non-compliance can lead to the fact that the mask will be poorly washed out, which will negate the positive emotions from the use of a nourishing composition. Improperly made up the composition of the components lying on the hair sticky mass, which is difficult to rinse.

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

1. Bananas of medium ripeness are optimal for home treatments. Green or overripe fruits in the mask can be disappointing. After removing the peel, you should also remove the extra sticky layer, which can cause unpleasant effects.
2. To prepare the hair mask, the fruit should be thoroughly crushed to a homogeneous state. By the way, for facial skin care products, it is enough to crush the product with a fork. The maximum grinding can be achieved by using a blender. By consistency, a liquid mask is preferred, it will be easier to rinse off.
3. For better mixing of the components of the mixture, which contains oils, honey or kefir, you can use a little heating. However, you need not to overdo it, because at high temperatures the other ingredients (such as eggs) can curdle.
4. It is not unreasonable to check the freshly prepared mask for a reaction on the skin. A simple allergy test on the elbow or wrist bend will avoid possible problems with scalp irritation. If itching or redness appeared, the mask should not be used.
5. You should plan to apply the banana mask at least 48 hours after the last time you washed your head.
6. To make it easier to remove the banana from the surface of the hair, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture after the soaking period. This will also provide additional nutrition.
7. With a slight increase in temperature in the area of application of the mask, its effectiveness increases many times. Therefore it is worth using plastic wrap to cover the head, you can additionally wrap it with a terry towel.
8. The minimum soaking time of the banana mask on the hair is from 20 minutes to half an hour. This is enough time for the fruit component to dry, so it will be easy to wash it out of the hair.

Special attention should be paid to the procedure of washing the head after applying the banana mask. Actions should be performed leisurely. For quality washing of all components of the mixture to strengthen the hair, first of all, you should apply a small amount of shampoo or conditioner to the hair enveloped in the mask. Then lightly massage the head, thereby provoking the formation of foam. If the mixture is highly viscous on the hair, you can manipulate with wet hands. After a few minutes of massage the banana mask is ready for contact with water. Rinse the hair preferably with water at room temperature, under a strong pressure. If there are components of the mask left in the hair, you can comb them under a stream of water. As a finishing touch should be rinsed hair decoction of medicinal herbs (nettle or chamomile).

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

Observance of the above rules will allow you to achieve the best results at home, which will not be inferior in quality to the salon care.

One course of the banana mask can restore severely damaged hair, get rid of split ends, dandruff and breakage. It is enough only to choose the optimal composition of the mask, taking into account individual preferences.

Recipes:

1. For dry hair, a mask of one banana mixed with an egg yolk, a teaspoon of honey and a quarter cup of sour cream is suitable. Thoroughly mix the components, then apply the mixture to the root zone of the hair, lightly rubbing into the skin, and then distribute the rest of the mask on the hair. For a greater effect, you need to wrap your head with a towel or wear a plastic cap. After an hour the mask can be washed away with room temperature water. In addition to giving shine and softness to the curls, this mask also stimulates the activity of hair follicles, thus stimulating hair growth.
2. To rehabilitate the structure of the hair after a chemical treatment (eg, perm), you can mash one banana, add honey and wheat germ one spoonful each. You should use a blender to mix it. After soaking the mask on the hair for 30 minutes, you can wash it off with shampoo.
3. For greasy hair is suitable banana mask with lemon. Crush one fruit into a pulp and add to it 2 teaspoons of lemon. Beforehand you should apply milk to the scalp with a cotton pad and only after that do the mask. Wrap your head with a towel and keep for half an hour. Rinse with room temperature water.
4. The restoration mask is prepared in a blender, in which half of a ripe banana, one egg yolk, sour cream and honey are mixed by one teaspoon each. Apply the mask to the hair at the root, and then distribute to the ends. Greater effect can be achieved if you wrap your head with a warm towel for the entire period of exposure (1 hour). For washing, warm water is suitable.

Health Hazards and Contraindications

Bananas should be consumed in moderation, because they:

• thicken the blood;
• Draw out fluid from the body;
• can irritate the intestinal mucosa;
• Stimulate weight gain in case of excessive consumption.

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

• coronary heart disease;
• blood clotting disorders;
• irritable bowel syndrome;
• Excess body weight.

People with diabetes should use this product with caution.

Can bananas be allergic?
Bananas are the safest in terms of allergies, they are among the products for the first complementary foods assigned to children. However, rare exceptions do occur.

The allergic reaction begins in a typical scenario, starting with itching that spreads to the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat. The itching is accompanied by abdominal pain, sometimes with diarrhea and vomiting. Prolonged runny nose can also be a consequence of allergies.

The source of the allergy to bananas is the substance serotonin, which is produced by the human body. If the reaction occurs, it means that the body is oversaturated with this compound. The problem can be eliminated by temporarily avoiding eating foods that stimulate the production of serotonin. These are walnuts, persimmons, pineapples and, of course, bananas.

How to choose bananas correctly

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

1. A ripe banana is characterized by an even, rich yellow color.
2. Buying bananas with spots, you need to understand that they will lie for a short time, 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 a whole skin without damage.
5. A fruit size of 20 cm is considered premium, but size does not always affect the flavor indicators.
6. The most delicious fruits have rounded shapes.
7. Ripe and fresh bananas have a firm skin to the touch, a dry stalk indicates that the product is overripe.
8. If it is possible to choose the fruit from the bunch, it is worth to stop at the central ones - it is believed that they are the most delicious.

You can also draw a conclusion about the quality of the product by the label: if on the label there are combinations 94011 and 4011, it means that the fruit was grown in natural conditions without the use of chemicals.

How to store bananas so they don't turn black

Bananas are best stored in a cool place. A temperature of 19°C is optimal for preserving this product. If you have bought bananas when they are green, but want them to ripen more quickly, put them in a dark bag, preferably a paper bag, together with an apple.

Store the product away from direct sunlight. Extend the freshness for a few days by wrapping the tail of each banana with cling film. Keep in mind that the proximity with other fruits causes a premature darkening of the skin. A plastic bag is also an unsuitable container for storage, so the bananas will quickly spoil.

Can I Store in the Fridge

Bananas will quickly turn black if stored in the fridge so it is best not to store them there.

Can bananas be frozen

Bananas can be used to make preparations for culinary masterpieces by storing them in frozen form. For this purpose, it is better to use overripe or ripe fruits. They should be washed before freezing. The option of preparation depends on preference: they can be frozen in the form of puree, whole, without peel, sliced.

How to eat bananas right

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

At home, bananas are eaten with the hands. But in public places and eating establishments, etiquette dictates the use of a fork and knife.

How much can be eaten per day

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

You may eat them at bedtime and on an empty stomach

The consumption of bananas on an empty stomach is not recommended. It can lead to an imbalance of calcium and magnesium in the body.

A banana eaten at bedtime will not harm the figure, but will contribute to a quick falling asleep and a restful sleep. Its properties of soothing effect on the nervous system will allow you to get rid of the tension accumulated during the day. Recent studies have shown that a glass of banana smoothie before going to bed can help get rid of snoring and abrupt stops of breathing (apnea).

Can you eat blackened bananas?

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

Before eating a product of questionable age, it is not superfluous to inspect it. If there are few blackened areas, and the integrity of the skin is not broken, such a banana is good to eat. If there are cracks or furrows on the surface, you should know that the fruit flies (drosophila) have probably already settled there and deposited their larvae.

Nevertheless, cases of banana poisoning are negligible. The victims did not necessarily eat the blackened bananas.

Therefore, it is possible to eat undamaged fruits with black spots.

Can you eat bananas after a workout?

The end of the workout opens the so-called "carbohydrate window", lasting about half an hour. During this time, you can safely replenish glycogen losses and increase insulin levels with sweet foods. This is necessary to dampen the negative effects of the adrenal hormones cortisol and adrenaline.

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

Can you eat after appendicitis removal

For the first two weeks after appendicitis removal, it is strictly forbidden to eat fresh fruit. The texture of the banana allows you to introduce it into the diet not earlier than 3 days after surgery and necessarily in the form of puree.

What you can make from bananas: recipes

Bananas are a popular object for culinary delights. With their use, you can prepare a variety of dishes.

Banana chips

There are three ways to prepare this type of treat: baking, frying and cooking in the microwave. Each version differs in the nutritional value of the final product.

To bake, take four bananas, pour the juice of one or two lemons over them, and send them to the oven until cooked.

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

For a microwaveable version, take 2 unripe bananas, slice, dip in turmeric (a quarter teaspoon) with a pinch of salt. Add two tablespoons of oil (olive oil or peanut oil) and microwave.

Any variation of spices can be used to make savory chips.

Roasted Bananas

Roasted bananas are quite a popular dessert. To prepare it, you will need the actual fruit (7-8 pieces), preferably green ones, one egg, honey (3 tablespoons), walnut kernels (a quarter of a cup), milk (100 ml) and vegetable oil for frying. Vanilla, sugar, flour, ground nutmeg and cinnamon are auxiliary ingredients.

During the frying process, the bananas should sink into the oil. A deep fryer, a deep pan with a thick bottom or a small saucepan is suitable for this.

Peel the bananas and cut them into large chunks. With eggs, nuts, milk and auxiliary ingredients to prepare a batter, which will be surrounded by pieces of bananas before placing in the heated oil. The consistency of the batter should resemble thick sour cream.

The first step of frying is on high heat until crispy, the second step is stewing over medium heat for 5 minutes. Before serving, dry the fried bananas on a paper towel. Serve with honey.

Smoothie

The recipe for a banana smoothie is quite simple. You will need an immersion blender, a banana, and milk at the rate of 300 ml per serving. If desired, you can add honey.

Peel the fruit, cut it into large pieces, put it in a container and pour the milk. Immersion blender to whip the mass to a froth. Smoothie is ready for consumption. According to your gastronomic preferences you can add fresh or frozen berries or mint leaf to the smoothie.

Jam

Practical housewives make jam from bananas. This treat comes out inexpensive, it can be added to porridge, cottage cheese or yogurt, and also eaten as an independent dessert.

For jam, overripe, soft fruits are more suitable. For half a kilogram of product will go 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar, one badjan, 180 grams of sugar and a teaspoon of citric acid.

Crush the bananas with a fork. Add the rest of the ingredients and put the whole mixture on the stove. Bring to a boil and simmer for 4 hours. At the final stage, bring the mass to boil again and simmer for another 10 minutes. Spread the jam into pre-sterilized jars. Store in the refrigerator.

Can I give bananas to animals

Pets, like their owners, need nutrients and trace elements. If a pet eats bananas willingly, you should not deny him the pleasure, but you need to strictly monitor the amount eaten.

Excessive banana consumption can lead to constipation in dogs. You should not give banana peels to your pet.

Both dogs and cats have difficulty digesting bananas, so whole or large chunks should not be given to pets.

Rare reactions to eating a banana can be intestinal obstruction, allergies, stomach upsets and weight fluctuations.

Consumption of the exotic fruit by the pet is allowed on a strictly individual basis. Veterinarians allow pets to eat bananas if there are no allergies or digestive disorders.

Interesting facts about bananas

1. It has long been known that bananas contain substances in their influence similar to the hormones of "happiness" (endorphins and serotonin), which cause an improvement in the psychological state of the person.
2. Some physicians have suggested the theory that bananas may help in quitting addictions such as smoking. The B vitamins in the fruit, as well as magnesium and potassium, support the body during cravings for nicotine and increase resistance to temptation.
3. The banana plant can grow to a height of up to 10 meters. The number of fruits on a single stalk can exceed several hundred.
4. Red bananas are intolerant to transport, so they are hard to find out of the line of their cultivation.
5. In Seychelles, there is Mao Island, famous for its red, black, and golden bananas. They are served as a garnish to exquisite dishes.
6. The banana is the leader in vitamin B6 content among other foods.
7. In terms of yields, 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 human is 4 g), which accounts for its positive effect on the heart muscle.
10. The first world speed banana eating tournament was won by Mait Lepik, a native of Estonia. His record was 10 fruits in 180 seconds. He competed by eating bananas with their peels.
11. Nowadays, the world record for eating bananas for time is 81 bananas in 1 hour.
12. Over 100 billion bananas are eaten worldwide in one year.
13. Ninety-five percent of all the bushes that supply the world's banana food supply are descended from a single shrub located in southern Asia.
14. Science knows about a thousand varieties of these fruits. But only six of them are edible.
15. The popularity of the "Cavendish" species is not due to its quality and taste characteristics. The reason is that the former variety "Gros Michel," which had a much sweeter taste, was practically destroyed by the "Panama disease," a fungus that parasitized exclusively on this kind of plant. Today a similar fate may await the popular "Cavendish" variety.
16. Different varieties of bananas contain the same structure of potassium and its isotope (potassium-40), indicating 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. The people of African Uganda are the world's leading banana eaters, eating about 220 kilograms per year.

Photo of bananas