Bananas in Your Diet

Health Benefits of Bananas

Bananas contain a large amount of carbohydrates, water, fiber, and antioxidants with very little protein and almost no fat. They naturally help you feel fuller because they contain soluble fiber that adds bulk and slows digestion. Unripe bananas contain resistant starch, which the body cannot readily digest, helping moderate blood sugar levels after meals and slowing the emptying of the stomach even more than ripe bananas.

One recipe you can make is banana pancakes using a simple batter: combine one mashed banana with two beaten eggs and cook the mixture like typical pancake batter. Frozen banana slices can be blended with cocoa powder to make a healthier chocolate ice cream alternative. Overripe bananas can be combined with oats, milk, baking powder, unsweetened applesauce, and a sweetener such as agave nectar or maple syrup to make oatmeal banana muffins — a sweet treat with nutritional benefits and simple preparation.