“Musa sapientum:” the scientific name for banana, but did you know it means “fruit of the wise men.” So, does this mean if we eat more bananas, we get wiser??? Well, we can’t make that claim, but we can tell you a bit more about bananas that you may not know! 

1. Nutritionally, bananas are wonderful. A 4 oz. medium banana has just 100 calories, but 3 grams of fiber, 20% of your daily value of magnesium, and 10% of your daily potassium needs. It is a good source of vitamin C as well!
2. A banana after a workout, along with plenty of water, can help replenish you more effectively, more healthily, and cheaply than any energy drink.
3. Did you know that despite their firm texture, bananas are composed of 75% water?
4. Not only are bananas low in calories, but they also have no fat, no sodium, and no cholesterol. Bananas contain vitamin C, Vitamin B6, fiber, and of course potassium.¹
5. Did you know that eating bananas may lower the risk of heart attacks and stroke, as well as decrease the risk of getting some cancers?¹
6. Interestingly, bananas are the only fruit that contains the amino acid tryptophan plus vitamin B6. They help your body produce serotonin, which may be helpful in alleviating depression.
7. Bananas are rich in iron, which may help individuals with anemia. Iron rich foods, like bananas can also be helpful in stimulating the production of hemoglobin in the blood.
8. Bananas contain B vitamins and other minerals that have been shown to lessen the effects of nicotine withdrawal, both physically and psychologically.
9. To whiten teeth naturally, rub the inside of a banana peel on your teeth for about two minutes every night. If you gargle with salt water, this will heighten the effect. Expect results in about two weeks. It works because of the effect of the potassium, magnesium, and manganese in the banana peel.¹
10. Bananas and banana peels make great fertilizer because of their phosphorus and potassium content. Roses especially love them!¹

Nutrition Challenge: By week’s end, tell someone ONE fact about bananas!!

References:

• Nutrition Challenge: By week’s end, tell someone ONE fact about bananas!!

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat, diagnose or prevent disease.