Bananas: Properties, Benefits, and Contraindications

One banana, think about it, contains between 20 and 30 percent of our daily needs. PotassiumThe precious mineral that protects the heart and cardiovascular system, and helps bones and muscles not to deteriorate, also reducing the appearance of kidney stonesThis premise alone would be enough to be a good banana eater, one of the most consumed fruits in the world. But aside from the benefits and properties of bananas, which we will examine in detail in this text, there are also their versatile uses. uses in the kitchenThey can be blended, eaten in the morning for breakfast, as a snack (avoid them after lunch and dinner), or even paired with many desserts. Bananas are even an excellent alternative to milk and eggs, to prepare sweets and savory piesA delight for vegetarians and vegans. However, keep two important things in mind when eating bananas. First: they must be ripeThis way, they're more effective in terms of their properties and easier to digest. To ripen them, when you buy them when they're quite green at the end (where the banana splits) or still firm, it's very simple: just keep them out of the refrigerator, where they should be if they're already ripe. Second thing: Even if you like them a lot, don't overdo itBananas aren't exactly easy to digest, especially if you make the mistake of eating them after meals.

Index of topics

Origins

Le banane They are the fruits of the banana tree, a plant belonging to the Musaceae family, and are the most consumed fruit in the world. The word banana derives from the Arabic "banana” and it means “ditto”. Rich in vitamins, minerals – such as magnesium and potassium – and antioxidants, which help protect our body from the action of free radicals, banane They are useful for the stomach and immunitary defense, strengthen the nervous system, help in weight loss and contribute to the production of white blood cells, thanks to their contribution of Vitamin BBananas also contain the Serotonin, precious for our good mood.

Nutritional values

A 100 gram banana contains approximately 100 calories:

1 gram of protein
25 grams of carbohydrates
less than a gram of fat
3 grams of fiber

The calories in bananas, which are 75 percent water, come from soluble carbohydrates: fructose, glucose, and sucrose. These values can vary depending on the type of banana and where it is grown.

Types of bananas

Just like all commercially available fruit, bananas are not all the same: there are nearly 1000 varieties, but most of them are not available in European fruit and vegetable markets or outside their production area because they do not withstand transportation. The best-known variety in Europe is the so-called Cavendish, or common banana, in the dwarf or giant size, and has managed to become so popular on our tables due to its resistance to disease and transport. Another variety that was intended for mass export, today almost unobtainable or at least very very rare, is called Gros michelThe "Big Mike“, with a giant fruit and firm, sweet pulp. Its flavor is apparently far superior to that of the Cavendish, still the queen of the world's markets. However, in the best-stocked markets we can appreciate several other types of this delicious fruit. Starting with the so-called bananas fig, round and small, and usually sold in large groups. They are extremely sweet and have a very sugary, pulpy pulp. However, a variety of bananas called "bananas" can also end up on our tables, which are low in sugar and high in starch. Plane, of the species Muse Paradisiaca, larger and with angular skin.

Benefits

Among the B vitamins contained in bananas, the following are particularly important: Vitamin B2, which facilitates the elimination of toxins, ensuring good health of hair, nails and skin, and the Vitamin B6, essential for the regulation of sexual hormones. Furthermore, the B-complex vitamins and Magnesium They have a relaxing effect on the entire nervous system. Regular consumption of bananas is recommended to reduce the risk of kidney cancer, thanks to their high content of Potassium, an essential mineral that significantly affects hypertension and related diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. Bananas also have a good amount of Iron which stimulates the production of hemoglobin, improving the condition of those suffering from anemia. Due to its high content of fibersEating bananas regularly helps restore proper intestinal function, improving intestinal transit and avoiding the use of laxatives.

When to eat them

Banana is rich in starch And, like all foods containing it, it has the important property of providing energy to our body, but also of slowing digestion, so it's advisable not to consume it in the evening, to avoid the risk of weight gain. Everything you eat in the evening should be light and easily digestible, while starchy products are best in the morning, as they provide enough energy to face the day. It's recommended to eat a banana mid-morning or mid-afternoon, when you feel hungry and want something to satisfy your appetite without making you gain weight. Furthermore, if you're out and about, you can take one with you because you only need to peel it to eat. Finally, avoid consuming more than one banana a day, as a single serving already provides all the nutrients you need.

How to use them in cooking

Ice cream, smoothies, jam. And even donuts, cookies, and banana bread. Bananas are used in the kitchen in a wide variety of ways, like this one of ours. collection of recipes (We chose the simplest ones), which also have a huge advantage: they avoid wasting overripe, but still perfectly edible, bananas that end up in the garbage.

Controindicazioni

Beware of potential food allergy due to the presence of allergenic proteins within the pulp, which could cause problems in predisposed individuals. Furthermore, bananas should be consumed with caution by those suffering from diabetes and obesity, given a high percentage of sugars that could raise blood sugar levels glycemia. Caution in consumption also for those who suffer from gastroduodenal ulcer.

Bananas: properties, benefits and uses