Bananas originated in Malaysia more than 4,000 years ago. Bananas pack a powerful nutritious punch. They contain a high level of potassium, in addition to a good amount of fiber, iron zinc, calcium and magnesium. Bananas are also a great source of vitamins, containing vitamins B1,B2, B3, B6, B12 and vitamins C, D, E and K. Bananas are at their most nutritious when fully ripe. Health benefits from consuming bananas on a regular basis include stabilizing blood pressure, improved bone health, relief from anemia, reduction in swelling and inflammation and prevention of calcium loss. Bananas also protect your eyesight from ocular diseases, improves your heart function and cardiovascular health, boosts your mood and strengthens the nervous system. Bananas get a reasonable amount of bad press for making you fat. Bananas actually don't contain any fat and are low GI. They do however have a high sugar content and calorie count. (Around 120 calories per banana.) The thing is that if you don't use up this energy, your body will convert it to fat. So, bananas are an excellent pre gym workout or running food as they give you energy.Bananas are great eaten alone, but are better coupled with a protein, especially at breakfast time. Add them to your cereal, oatmeal and plain yogurt. Blending a banana with other fruit, yoghurt, milk or soy milk to make a smoothie is a great treat. If you want to make banana chips, make them when the banana is slightly green. You'll get a better result.Put over ripe bananas in the freezer and use them when you need them - in baking or in smoothies. If you chop and freeze peeled bananas,you can simply add them to your blender and you have built in cool for your smoothie!
Bananas with red wax tips are always worth buying if you see them in the supermarket. They are Ecoganic Bananas, grown without pesticides, fertilisers or ripening interference by a bunch of families in North Queensland.