Wellness Wednesday: Beneficial Bananas 11.27.2019

Did you know eating an overripe banana can

have powerful health benefits? In fact, eating bananas at varying degrees of ripeness can reap benefits tailored to specific health conditions.

In a publication by its School of Public Health, Harvard University wrote the banana could be considered the first “superfood” as it was endorsed as a health food for children and a treatment for celiac disease in the early 20th century. Bananas are a great source of vitamin B6, magnesium, fiber, potassium, vitamin C and manganese.

Eating bananas can help improve cardiovascular and digestive health, and promote weight control. Green bananas, which have a lower sugar content, can be beneficial to those with diabetes or other conditions effecting blood sugar metabolism. When a banana has turned brown or even black, it is said to have high levels of anti-oxidants which can help defend the body against free radicals and other cancer causing agents. Banana peels possess antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and have historically been used to treat minor burns and wounds. Banana peels can also be boiled to produce a tea which can treat minor digestive ailments.

So instead of throwing out that old banana, mix it into a smoothie, freeze it as a non-dairy alternative to ice cream, or bake a delicious banana bread. Your body will thank you.

References: <https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/bananas/>

<https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/banana-tea.html>