Banana-Fana...Have you had your banana today?

Banana-Fana

I REALLY WANTED A CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE. But I chose a banana instead. 😁 I'm determined to be Team No Back Fat again. 😊 Although it's not about a look, it's about being my best self. I looked at some old pictures of myself recently and boi did it feel good. It felt good because I remembered how good it felt at that time to be in such a healthy space mentally, physically, and spiritually. I remember my confidence was through the roof because I knew I was doing my part to be in such a healthy space. I was simply witnessing the fruits of my labor. And it felt good! #ManifestedBeauty

So I've made up in my mind (yet again) 😁 that I desire to be back in that space. And the only way to get there is to do the work. So banana it was. No chocolate chip cookie for me.

And I don't know about you but I believe knowledge is power. I was watching a video on food earlier. And man when you know better you do better. So, on this journey, I am educating myself more. It helps me make better choices, choices that are aligned with the things that I desire to manifest in my life.

So with that, since I chose a banana today, I thought I'd do a little research on the benefits of this wonderful fruit.

First off, did you know its actually really a berry, when blackberries and raspberries are not? That's right! A berry has seeds and pulp, called “pericarp”, that develop from the ovary of a flower. Along with pumpkins, cucumbers and avocados, bananas are considered a botanical berry. Who knew? 🤷🏾‍♀️

Team No Back Fat

Bananas are also a powerful source of potassium. Providing almost 10% of your daily needed value, one medium banana provides 422 milligrams of potassium. As I found out with a recent visit to the ER, this mineral (potassium) is a major component in heart health. If you're my age, a few months shy of 48, one thing we can't afford to be shy about is our health. We must be conscious of our intake and the things that aid in good health.

According to WebMd, "potassium-rich foods help manage your blood pressure because they help you get rid of more sodium when you pee." As well, the walls of your blood vessels relax with potassium and that helps lower your blood pressure. So grab a banana and get you some potassium!

Another powerful benefit of potassium is it's a great source of fiber. You need the fiber. Bananas have what's called soluble fiber. Regulating cholesterol and blood pressure are benefits of soluble fiber, as well as easing inflammation. An average-size ripe banana gives you roughly 3 grams of fiber. That’s about 10% of the needed daily value.

Ever heard of resistant starch? Me neither. Lol But it's found in green bananas and acts like insoluble fiber. That's the kind you need to keep dem bowels right! Resistant fiber can also aid in lowering your blood sugar.

If you ever wondered why a fiber filled diet is suggested when trying to lose weight, it's because typically foods that are high in fiber make you feel full without the extra calories. I can dig it!

So, so far we know that bananas are a berry and that they are a great source of potassium and fiber, which we need for a healthy, balanced diet.

Well, the benefits don't stop there.

Bananas can help with healthy digestion. They are a source of prebiotics. Prebiotics are the carbs your body doesn't digest, but they’re a food source for the more-popular probiotics. Probiotics are the good bacteria found in your gut.

So if you ever find yourself with diarrhea after taking antibiotics, or in general, the probiotic sourced by the prebiotic in bananas can help. So grab you a banana when the bowels wana act up.

Who knew bananas had so many benefits? I did not, but again, knowledge is power! I'm going to use my power!

So the next time you think about having a cookie, or a snickers bar to fuel you, think about having a banana instead. 😊

Before we go, here's a recap and a just a few more benefits that bananas offer.

●Potassium

●Fiber

●Vitamin B6

●Vitamin C

●Magnesium

●Vitamin A

●Pre-biotic

●Improves digestion

●Mood booster

●Helps anxiety/depression

●Reduce bloating

●Burns fat

●Healthy digestion

●Heart health

●Prevent kidney stones

●Healthy dose of natural sugars

●So much more

Remember, a banana a day keeps the irritable bowels away! Banana-Fana...have you had your banana today? 😊