Today I want to talk about banana benefits! Bananas are one of my favourite foods and, it just so happens they are not just delicious, they are great for a whole bunch of things.
I use a lot of bananas in my smoothies and eat them like I’m a big monkey! Have you ever noticed that a monkey will power through 6-10 bananas and then they go swing from the trees with more energy than any other animal?
That’s why I would say that the banana is in the top 3 list of foods that will provide energy for performance in life and movement.
But the power of the banana isn’t just limited to being a tasty source of energy! Here’s 10 other ways bananas are amazing:
1. Constipation – Get Regular With Bananas
If you’re having trouble with constipation, then bananas will get things moving the way they should! They contain the perfect fibre for bowel regulation.
Fact: If you eat a meal and don’t go to the bathroom for more than an hour, then you are constipated! And yes, I mean after EVERY meal!! To find out more about this subject, I recommend you read this article I wrote: How to Know if You Have Healthy Poop | A Healthy Colon is Key.
And, not only will bananas get things moving in your digestive system, but they’re also a quick way to relieve diarrhoea. So, instead of reaching for pills for either of these situations, just eat some bananas and it will be smooth sailing 😉
2. They Make You Smarter
Bananas assist the circulatory system to deliver more oxygen to the brain. They regulate the amount of water the cells need, making sure that there is no water retention or dehydration. They’re probably the best food for your overall mood as well. They contain an amino acid called tryptophan which causes your mind to relax and to be happier. So, instead of anti-depressants, maybe try a banana instead!
3. Whiten Your Teeth
Rub the inside of a fresh banana peel on your teeth and leave the residue there for a few minutes. If you do this a couple of times a day, the high content of minerals will actually turn your teeth white!! Yes, it works… Try it.
4. Soothe Insect Bites
Rubbing banana peel on insect bites naturally reduces swelling and itch.
5. Relieve a Hangover
One of the best ways to relieve a hangover is having bananas in a smoothie, because it will replace so many lost nutrients and get the blood flowing again.
6. Natural Wart Removal
Yes, that’s right! Bananas will get rid of warts. If you have warts, use a cotton swab and put 3% H2O2 (Hydrogen peroxide) on the wart and then wrap it in a banana peel. Within 1-2 weeks…. GONE!!
7. Ease Acid Reflux
Do you get acid reflux sometimes? No sweat, just eat a banana. They are super alkaline and help regulate the amount of fluid in cells. I would also highly recommend drinking a litre of water as well. Not only will you no longer have acid reflux, bananas and water can also heal ulcers in the stomach.
8. Natural Cough Medicine
You got a cough that won’t go away… Yes, bananas will actually help relieve it!
9. Fertiliser
The peels make great fertiliser for your plants or garden. You can use them in several ways:
a) add a few to the bottom of the pot or hole when you are planting;
b) soak them in a bucket of water for a few weeks and add the nutrient rich “tea” to your plants and garden; or
c) dry the peels in the sun (or at a low temperature in the oven with the door ajar). Once they are dry, grind them into a powder and use it as a slow-release fertiliser for your plants.
10. Keep You Cool
They will cool you off on hot days 🙂
Ok, the BEST way to cool off on a hot day is banana ice cream!
Banana Ice Cream Recipe
This has to be one of THE most delicious ways to enjoy bananas. Put some bananas in the freezer, you want about 2 bananas for a decent serving. Or you can use ripe bananas with some ice in the blender. Add half a cup of cashew or almond milk, then a few dates to taste (or some honey or maple syrup) and blend. Bang! Rockin’ some banana ice cream.
And if you want chocolate ice cream, just add a tablespoon of raw cacao 😉
