Bananas
Australia's Number One selling fruit, grown in the tropics and sub-tropics of Queensland and Northern NSW. One of the most versatile of all fruits; can be cooked, dried, blended or eaten raw. Banana is often the first solid food given to infants. Easily digested and very nutritious.
Banana Nutrition Info
This food is very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Potassium and Manganese, and a very good source of Vitamin B6.
Because of their impressive potassium content, bananas are highly recommended by doctors for patients whose potassium is low. One large banana, about 9 inches in length, packs 602 mg of potassium and only carries 140 calories. That same large banana even has 2 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. No wonder the banana was considered an important food to boost the health of malnourished children!
As bananas are high in magnesium and potassium and low is sodium, they may be useful for the treatment of diarrhoea, colitis, ulcers and protein allergies. Bananas strengthen the body lining and lowers blood cholesterol.
Bananas contain a large amount of tryptophan - an amino acid that is a precursor for serotonin (an inhibiting brain neurotransmitter). This therefore makes banana a calming food and can be eaten before bedtime to benefit sleep.
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
High in fibre, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action to deal with constipation, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Putting all of the nutritional figures together clearly shows the banana is among the healthiest of fruits.
Banana Trivia Facts
The banana plant is not a tree. It is actually the world's largest herb!
In 2003, India led the world in banana production, representing approximately 23% of the worldwide crop, most of which was for domestic consumption. The four leading banana exporter countries were Ecuador, Costa Rica, Philippines, and Colombia; accounted for about two thirds of the world's exports; with each exporting more than 1 million tons. Ecuador alone provided more than 30% of global banana exports according to FAO statistics.
Brain Power: 200 students at an English school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Buy some healthy and tasty organic bananas in our online shopping aisles