Go bananas!

All time favourite.  Everyone likes them.  They are packed with SUGAR, Vitamin B, IRON, POTASSIUM yet LOW IN SALT, TRYPTOPHAN ( a type of protein) and, above all, FIBRE.

BANANAS contain 3 natural sugars —sucrose, fructose and glucose, combined with fibre.  They give an instant , sustained and substantial boost of energy.  Research shows that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout.  It can also help overcome or prevent a number of illnesses, making them a MUST to add to the daily diet. –

(1) DEPRESSION: ——People, suffering from depression, have felt much better after eating a banana.  This is because it contains TRYPTOPHAN, a type of protein that the body converts into SEROTONIN, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

(2) PMS : ——-Forget pills —EAT A BANANA.  Vitamin B, found in bananas, regulates blood glucose, which can affect your mood.

(3) ANAEMIA : —–Bananas are high in iron, and so can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so help in cases of anaemia.

(4) BLOOD PRESSURE : ——-Bananas are high in potassium, yet low in salt.  Thus the fruit reduces the risk of blood pressure and strokes.

(5) BRAIN POWER : —–200 students, at a Twickenham school, England, were helped through their exams by eating bananas at breakfast, break and lunch, in a bid to boost their brain power.  This potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

(6) CONSTIPATION : —– High in fibre, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, without resorting to laxatives.

(7) HANGOVER : ——-Make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey.  The banana calms the stomach and, with honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and rehydrates the system.

(8) MORNING SICKNESS : —– Snacking on bananas, between meals, helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

(9) NERVES : —– Bananas are high in Vitamin B that help calm the nervous system.

(10)  ULCERS : —The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders, because of its soft texture and smoothness.  It also neutralises over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

(11) TEMPERATURE CONTROL : —-It is a ‘COOLING FRUIT’, that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers.

(12) MOSQUITO BITES : —Rub the affected area with the inside of a banana skin.  It reduces swelling and irritation.

A banana is, therefore, a natural remedy for many ills.  In comparison to an APPLE, it has 4 times the PROTEIN, 2 times the CARBOHYDRATES, 3 times the PHOSPHOROUS,  5 times the VITAMIN A & IRON and 2 times the other VITAMINS & MINERALS.  It s also rich in POTASSIUM.  So, A BANANA A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY.  This is today’s mantra.

—-Sina Anvari

Go Bananas!

Stephanie.Lee :——-Bananas are the SWISS ARMY KNIFE of the CULINARY UNIVERSE, the JACK of the FRUIT.

This scrumptious yellow can be eaten alone, sliced into other foods and added to myriad baked goods recipes.  There’s no fruit as VERSATILE, as UNIVERSALLY LOVED and as UBIQUITOUS as the BANANA.  Reconsider the BANANA.  If we take their LOW COST into account in addition to how NUTRIENT-PACKED, TASTY and RICH with ENERGY bananas are, they stand out as one healthy snack to rule them all.  If bananas have a downside, it’s that their exterior can get unappetizing in the blink of an eye.  Do not dispose off bananas at the first sign of spotting.  Use them in finger-licking recipes.

(1) BANANA BREAD :—A timeless way to dispose of ripe bananas.  This AU NATUREL BANANA BREAD, inspired by PROTEIN PW’S protein-baking wizardry, will taste so BANANA-Y and DELICIOUS that you wouldn’t believe it is not terrible for you.

INGREDIENTS :—2 medium-sized ripe bananas; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 3 whole eggs plus 2 egg-whites; 1/2 cup milk; 1tsp. baking powder; 2scoops of Vanilla Protein powder (or Banana Cream, if you have it) ; Nuts of your choice (optional).

METHOD :—Mash the bananas up really well, and whisk in the eggs and the milk.  Blend the rest of the dry ingredients into the mix until it takes on a batter-like consistency.  Spray a loaf pan and pour in the batter.  Bake the BANANA BREAD for about 35-4omins. or until a fork comes out clean when you stab it.  One loaf makes about 9– 1/4inch slices.

(2) TWO-INGREDIENT PANCAKES :—–You need only two ingredients to satisfy a hankering for some flapjacks.

INGREDIENTS :–1 whole egg and 2 egg-whites; I small ripe banana.

METHOD :—-Mash the banana and crack the eggs in it, stirring until the mixture becomes somewhat homogenized.  Heat a greased GRIDDLE or FRYING PAN on medium heat, and pour about a 2.5inch wide puddle of batter.  Delicately flip the PANCAKE after about 25secs. or when it browns.  The recipe makes 3-4 small PANCAKES.  Wow, no flour or other pancake recipe staples.  Just enjoy the PANCAKES, once you throw PEANUT UTTER on them.

(3) BANANA COOKIES :

INGREDIENTS :—-2 medium-sized bananas, 11/2 cups ROLLED-OATS, 2 scoops PROTEIN POWDER, handful of RAISINS or WALNUTS (optional)

METHOD :—-Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Mash the banana in a large bowl and mix in rolled oats and protein powder, stirring in more oats, if needed, until the mixture is less runny.  Take a small goop and mould into a shape you desire and lay it on top of a cookie sheet.  Bake for about 15-18mins., depending upon your desire of doneness.  The recipe makes about 6 to 10 cookies, depending on how big you made them.

(4) CHOCOLATE BANANA SOUFFLE :—-Fluffy, decadent, chocolaty and quick.  You don’t even need an oven.  Just use a Microwave and about 5mins of your time.

INGREDIENTS :—–1/2 medium ripe banana, 2tbsp. RAW CACAO POWDER, 2tbsp. MILK or COCONUT MILK, 1/2 scoop CHOCOLATE WHEY PROTEIN POWDER, 1 whole egg plus 1egg-white, 1/4tsp. BAKING POWDER.—————

METHOD :—-Blend everything in a bowl, until it looks folded-in together.  Grease a deep coffee mug and transfer the mix into the mug.  Set the microwave power level to about 60-70% of MAX, and cook for about 3mins.  You’ll see the SOUFFLE really start to puff up near the end.  Let it cool and enjoy.  You may top it with PEANUT BUTTER.  Each mug equals 1 serving.

Just GO BANANAS!