Finest tropical fruits

  There are some fruits that you just can't ignore, and for me, bananas are at the top of that list. Whether I need a quick energy boost, a delicious snack, or a natural sweetener for my recipes, bananas never disappoint. Their varieties are fantastic, and don't even get me started on banana smoothies they're absolutely divine! Plus, if you're looking for a healthier alternative to sugar in your pancakes, bananas have got you covered.

I’m so grateful for bananas these God-given fruits are not only delicious but also packed with energy. The taste and flavour are simply breath taking, and they always come through when I need a quick pick-me-up.

Let me tell you about a day when bananas truly saved the day. It was a hectic morning at work, and I was feeling famished. A friend suggested I grab a banana, add some groundnuts and milk, and voila! It was so filling that I completely forgot about lunch and powered through the rest of my day without a hitch.

Just yesterday, after an exhilarating hike, I had some unfinished business to attend to. On my way home, I was too exhausted to even think about cooking. And just like that, the thought of bananas popped into my head this time with a twist! I combined bananas with a variety of other fruits and a dollop of plain yogurt. It was a lifesaver, leaving me full and satisfied without the need to cook up a storm.

There was another morning when I was all dressed up for my daily dose of exercise, but hunger struck before I even hit the door. Lucky for me, I had bananas in the kitchen. That little fruit set my day up with the energy I needed to go all out during my workout.

Have you ever tried banana pancakes? Trust me, they're delicious! If you're steering clear of sugar, bananas are your best friend when baking.

Now, let’s dive into some banana trivia, because why not? Did you know bananas might be one of the world’s oldest fruits? Some scientists believe they’ve been around for up to 10,000 years! The first bananas are thought to have grown in the region that includes the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, the Philippines, and New Guinea. Fast forward to 2022, and India and China were the world's largest producers, together accounting for around 26% of global production. Fun fact: Bananas belong to the genus Musa. Now you know!

Bananas are among the most produced, traded, and consumed fruits globally, with over 1,000 varieties according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. So, why should you add bananas to your diet? They support your overall well-being and are incredibly versatile in meals.

It’s recommended that people consume between 22 to 34 grams of fiber per day, depending on their age and gender. Bananas help support digestive and heart health, and they may even reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, such as colon cancer. Fiber, in general, is great for keeping your digestive system on track, and bananas are loaded with soluble fiber and prebiotics, which support good bacteria in your gut.

Speaking of health benefits, not too long ago, I had to deworm my system, and the doctor recommended that I eat plenty of bananas. How could I not be grateful for such an amazing fruit?

Bananas are also famous for their potassium content, which plays a crucial role in muscle function and nerve transmission. Potassium helps to keep your heart beating regularly and your muscles flexing properly. Plus, they’re rich in vitamin B6, a nutrient involved in over 100 enzymatic reactions in the body, including metabolism. Vitamin B6 is also key to brain development during pregnancy and supports immune function.

Oh, and let’s not forget bananas can help prevent constipation. No one likes to talk about it, but it’s true! A banana a day might just keep the digestive discomfort away.

Here’s something else to consider: Bananas are incredibly convenient. You don’t need to wash them, peel them, or worry about seeds. Just grab one, peel it, and enjoy! They’re the perfect snack for when you’re on the go, whether you’re headed to work, the gym, or even a hike. And they come in their own natural, biodegradable packaging—how cool is that?

Let's get a bit more technical, shall we? A medium banana is a powerhouse of nutrients, offering:

Calories: 112

Fat: 0 grams

Protein: 1 gram

Carbs: 29 grams

Fiber: 3 grams

Vitamin C: 12% of the Daily Value (DV)

Riboflavin: 7% of the DV

Folate: 6% of the DV

Niacin: 5% of the DV

Copper: 11% of the DV

Potassium: 10% of the DV

Magnesium: 8% of the DV

See why I'm so grateful for bananas? They’re truly the MVPs of the fruit world. Whether you're looking to stay fit, keep your digestive system happy, or simply enjoy a tasty treat, bananas have got your back.

Thank you, bananas! You’re the real MVPs. 🙏

Here a recipe you might want to try: Banana, watermelon, pineapple, coconut, groundnut, plain yoghurt and honey. Chop all the fruits together in bowl mixed with your yoghurt voilà you got an amazing fruit salad that will fill you up for the day.

So, what are you waiting for? Go grab a banana today, and share your gratitude for this amazing fruit. Trust me, your body and taste buds will thank you.

Have a blissful week ahead!