A Banana a Day May Keep the Doctor Away
By Donna Stark
Bananas are one of the most affordable and abundant fruits you can find at your local grocery store or market, and although they are perfectly nutritious and perfectly packaged, they can also be perfectly overlooked. It's extremely tempting to place favor on the monthly, trending fruit, and to add something new and exotic to your diet, isn't it? But don't push aside the humble banana just yet! Bananas are more than just a filler in your peanut butter sandwich or an option at the ice cream sundae bar, and it's about time that you take this wonderful fruit to the next level by using them every day!
The Humble Banana
With the amount of nutrition and versatility bananas provide, you would think they would always be in high demand and out of stock, but surprisingly, I have never seen an empty banana shelf in the produce section of my local grocery store. Thank goodness for that, because I buy them several times a week! Have you bought yours? If you haven't, take a look at the following health benefits that they provide. It might just be enough to get you running to the store today.
- Heart health - Bananas are rich in potassium, which can help to reduce blood pressure and regulate your heartbeat
- Brain function - Bananas can help to preserve memory and keep the brain alert
- Kidney health - Eating several bananas a week may help to reduce the risk of kidney disease
- Digestive health - Bananas can improve digestion, soothe an upset stomach, and reduce the risk of stomach ulcers
- Athletic performance - Bananas help to reduce muscle cramps and soreness, and are a great source of energy
- Weight loss - Bananas are loaded with fiber which can help slow down digestion and keep you feeling full for a longer time
- Inflammation - Bananas have been shown to help with inflammation and swelling in the body
Adding Bananas to Your Diet
The versatility of bananas makes it downright easy to add them to your daily diet! Here are some suggestions.
- Top your morning bowl of cereal or oatmeal with slices of a banana
- Add frozen bananas to your smoothie instead of ice cubes
- Replace the oil and butter in baked goods with ripe, mashed bananas
- Freeze slices that have been dipped in chocolate for a tasty snack
- Whip frozen bananas in a food processor for a quick take on ice cream
- Use your very ripe bananas to make banana bread
Head to the Store
What are you waiting for? Just because I have never seen an empty banana shelf doesn't mean you can take your time getting some. Your health is more important than that! So go ahead and get some today!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Vancouver, Wash.