Have a Banana Boost

There is a good reason why bananas are top of fruit sales worldwide....they are extremely nutritious. So easy to pop in a bag, lunchbox or briefcase and to peel and eat wherever you happen to be. No fuss, no mess.

Bananas are a great boost to energy levels as they contain sucrose, fructose and glucose with vitamin B6 which regulates glucose levels. They contain high levels of potassium which help, when stressed, by normalizing the heartbeat and sending oxygen to the brain. Bananas also contain tryptophan, which the body converts into serotonin known to help the body relax. Just what is needed for the modern business person, student or athlete.

They are low in sodium, contain vitamins B, C and A, folic acid, magnesium, calcium and traces of iron and zinc with dietary fiber. All in all an excellent fruit.

As with most tropical fruits, bananas should be stored at room temperature. To ripen green bananas quickly just place them in the sun. Refrigeration causes the skin to turn black and a lot of the flavor is lost.

No time for a full breakfast? Blend a couple bananas with soy milk or make a quick sandwich of bananas and peanut butter on health bread.

Bananas can be used in a variety of ways in the home. A simple way of using up overripe bananas in summer is banana ice cream. Peel and slice, put in one layer in a plastic bag or container, freeze and then blend.

So next time you are out shopping buy some bananas and give your family an energy boost.

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Recipe of the Day

Oat Bran & Banana Muffins
From fatfree.com

1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 cup oat bran
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup (rice/soy/almond) milk
1/4 cup applesauce
1 tsp vanilla
2 really, really ripe bananas, peeled, chopped

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk milk, applesauce, and vanilla to blend in medium bowl. Add milk mixture to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Mix in bananas. Divide batter among twelve muffin cups. Bake until toothpick inserted into center of muffins comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer to rack to cool. Serve warm or at room temp.

Tags: bananas vegan nutrition vegan recipes