Bananas For Bananas
Bananas Origins
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world. History authorities say that they originated in Southeast Asia. However, today they are grown in most tropical areas like Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Most developing countries have identified the banana as a staple to their diet, only about 20% of them are exported to the global market.
Bananas and Health
Bananas have lots of Potassium, Tyrosine, Vitamin B-6, Vitamin C and Iron. Another plus is that bananas are high in Fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Breakfast time is a great time to eat a bananas due to its soluble fiber, which can help slow down digestion thus keeping you full until your next meal.
Bananas and Carbs
Bananas have a good amount of carbohydrates “Carbs” that can raise your blood sugar levels. In fact, most low carb diets suggest that you stay away from bananas and even plantains. So bananas and carbs go hand in hand. Bananas actually transforms as it ripens. A green unripe banana is filled with starch. As it ripens it turns to sugar, which means carbs. As much as 90% of the calories in a banana come from carbs.
We always hear about bananas and its potassium but what about the iron it offers? Because they are high in iron content, bananas can help fight iron deficiency anaemia.
Athletes use up lots of energy when working out and competing. To help improve their performance they require good nutrition. Bananas become a great post workout snack for athletes with only about 105 calories per medium size banana.
“After a workout, you definitely have to have a protein shake. I drink my six-pound whey protein all the time, too. I throw some fruit in there – strawberries, blueberries – with some peanut butter and banana, and it gives you all the recovery you need from a hard day of lifting and running.”
–Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski
Bananas and Diabetes
Before going bananas for bananas you should have your blood sugar levels checked. Many American’s don’t know their blood levels until they see signs of diabetes.
Diabetes occurs when your blood sugar, also called blood glucose, is too high. This is how your body creates energy after eating food. With diabetes your body is unable to use insulin as intended or does not have the ability to produce it at all. So it’s important to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to keep your blood sugar levels in the correct range. It’s important to visit your doctor to find out where you are and head-off any diabetes related complications.
So why is this all important when talking about bananas? Because bananas are so popular, many people eat them without knowing their overall effects to the body. This is even more important if you have diabetes and doesn’t even know it. Per WebMD.com, nearly 3 in 10 Americans have diabetes and don’t even know it. Unfortunate, type 2 diabetes can develop very slowly. So if you find your cuts and scrapes healing slowly, feeling more run down or fatigue then normal, or experiencing blurred vision you might want to get checked out.
Summary
Bananas are in fact very good for you and your diet within reason. Bananas come in their own biodegradable wrapper, which makes them very portable. How can you not like bananas?
