Page 46 - Harnett Life Spring 2019

6 Reasons Why You Need More

Bananas in Your Life

(BPT) - Bananas are a tasty snack that many people eat carbohydrates, which help provide sustained energy. It’s a
regularly without much thought, but there’s more to the common misconception that bananas aren’t as healthy due
iconic yellow fruit than just its convenience and color. Ba- to the higher sugar content, however, the natural sugars in
nanas are a superfood loaded with nutrients and have been bananas come with fiber, which slows digestion and gives
enjoyed worldwide for hundreds of years. In fact, there are the body time to use it as fuel instead of storing it as fat.
many reasons to consider eating more bananas.
Low-fat, low-cal: Bananas have no fat, cholesterol or so-
Versatility: Bananas are one of the most versatile foods dium, making them ideal for nutritious eating as well as a
available. They come in their own container and you can good option if you’re on many specialty diets. Plus, they’re
eat them right out of the peel. You can slice up fresh ba- just 100 calories per banana, providing you all-natural,
nanas to enhance favorite snack foods, like cereal, yogurt long-lasting energy. Whether it’s a snack or addition to a
or smoothies. They are a natural alternative to sugar to recipe, you can feel good about eating bananas.
sweeten desserts and can be used in a variety of recipes,
including savory ones. They are even tasty dried and eaten Digestive health: Bananas are often one of baby’s first
as banana chips. foods. They are also one of the first things we eat when we
are sick. Why? Because they are soft to chew and easy to
Nutrient powerhouse: Bananas are not only a powerhouse digest. In fact, bananas can support digestive health thanks
for potassium with nearly 10 percent of the recommended to their pectin level that acts as a fiber. If you prefer your
daily value, but also boast many other nutritional benefits. bananas a bit on the unripe side, you’re also in luck because
Just one banana has 35 percent of the daily recommend- unripe bananas contain higher levels of resistant starches,
ed B-6, which helps with cell growth. In addition, you’ll which are a soluble fiber.
be giving your body important vitamins and minerals like
magnesium, manganese, vitamin C and copper. Bananas Banana bread: One of the most popular ways to bake with
are also a good source of antioxidants to support a healthy bananas is banana bread. What many people might not
immune system. know is the history of the moist, sweet loaf featuring the
classic yellow fruit. Banana bread is the creation of thrifty
Don’t believe the sugar rumors: Bananas are actually a housewives during the Great Depression who had to stretch
wonderful source of natural sugars (the good kind) and their family’s food supplies, including utilizing overly-ripe

Page 46 Harnett Life ~ Spring 2019