Bananarama

No, this is not a post about an all-girl, British rock band from the '80s. But it would be a cruel summer if I didn't mention that my lovely wife is a huge '80s music aficionado and becomes exceptionally elated whenever Bananarama plays on the radio.


But enough about decades-old girl groups. Today, I honor not the music group but the amazing health (and taste) benefits of the most popular fruit in the world.

THE BANANA!

Bananas have been around a long time, having been mentioned in Buddhist Pali workings dating back to 6th century BC. Alexander the Great is credited with bringing the banana from India (via slave routes) to the Western World, and then eventually the banana migrated into Africa. It wasn't until 1876 that bananas found their way into North America as part of our country's Centennial celebration in Pennsylvania.

And, just think, after all that arduous travel and storied history, I get to eat one just about everyday. Guess what? You should too!

Bananas are loaded with all sorts of healthy good stuff, mostly: potassium. One large banana has around 600 mg, while only carrying 140 calories. One of the misconceptions about the banana is that it is fattening. This is far from the case. 140 calories, 4.0 grams of fiber, with virtually zero sodium or fat. Bananas are good for you, not fattening! Why not toss your little monkey (I mean child) a banana next time the cute chimp...er, I mean, little darling, asks for a snack. Hey, they taste good too!


Considered one of the healthiest fruits around, bananas are loaded with vitamins A and B, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, and a decent source of calcium and magnesium.

I eat a banana as part of my daily fiber ritual. I like to peel, use a knife and slice (while searching for and cutting out bruises), and consume. But bananas also go great with cereal, oatmeal, in yogurt and desserts (from banana breads and cakes to ice cream and Bananas Foster). Also, in many countries, bananas are eaten daily in savory dishes.

POP QUIZ!

Bananas grow...?

(a) in a tree
(b) under ground
(c) in a herb
(d) in water
(e) none of the above
(f) stop goofing off, Mike, and get back to work!

Did you know that daily consumption of bananas can:

* stimulate production of hemoglobin in the blood to help with anemia
* cure hangovers and morning sickness
* sooth heartburn
* calm the nervous system
* help lower blood pressure
* boost brain activity
* combat constipation, reduce stress, strokes, ulcers!
* lower gas prices!! (just seeing if you were paying attention)

Wow, no wonder I eat one everyday, and why you should too.

The old adage--"Never put bananas in the refrigerator"--is said for a reason. Don't do it. If you do, they will not ripen because the cold interferes with the ripening process. Conversely, during the warm summer days they seem to ripen overnight. You CAN refrigerate them AFTER they ripen, but don't keep them in there for more than a week or two. Me? I buy them as green as I can find during the summer and leave them out, never refrigerating them. In the winter, I try to find the brightest yellowest ones and leave them on the counter. I've found that this method works the best for me.

Okay, for all of you who made it to the end of this post, I have a treat for you. A Banana...rama treat! No, it's not as healthy for you as eating a banana is, but it's got a catchy tune and you can dance to it. And, besides, my wife made me do it.



Oh, and the answer to the pop quiz is: (c). That thing that looks like a tree that bananas grow on is actually a herb. Go figure.

Until next time...

peace,

Mike