Banana Recipes - Over 30 Healthy & Delicious Ideas! (2024)

FAQs

What can I do with lots of bananas? ›

As they ripen a more distinctive fruity flavour develops accompanied melon, pineapple, candy and clove flavour notes. Yellow bananas have higher sugar concentrations and therefore taste sweeter. Finally, when the peel has become brown, the banana contains notes which are reminiscent of vanilla, honey and rum.

If you're stuck with too-ripe bananas and have no idea what to do with them, mashing them with avocados (either in a food processor, blender, or just by hand) creates a decent snack. Sprinkle chopped walnuts, almonds, or berries over the banana-avocado mixture to give it a crunchier texture.

One medium banana (about 126 grams) contains 29 grams of carbs and 112 calories. The carbs are in the form of sugar, starch, and fiber ( 3 ). A medium banana contains about 15 grams of sugar ( 3 ). Bananas do contain simple carbs, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise more than other nutrients.

Bananas are a great source of potassium, with a medium banana providing 10% of the DV. A potassium-rich diet could help lower your blood pressure , reducing your risk of hypertension. A 2017 study in mice also suggests that potassium may lower the risk of heart disease by 27% .

Bananas can also be frozen whole, which is best for applications like making banana bread or using the fruit as an egg replacement. "Peel [the bananas and] bag them like a row of open parentheses in a single layer," says Weinstein.

Plus bananas also make you happy, literally! Bananas contain high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid, which is converted into serotonin in your body. Serotonin is the feel-good, brain neurotransmitter, which makes you feel happy!

The bottom line

Therefore, they can be great a great addition to a well-rounded meal, especially when paired with other foods high in healthy fats or protein. For an easy way to enjoy bananas for breakfast, try adding them to smoothies, yogurt parfaits, oat bowls, or high protein breakfast bars.

Bananas couldn't possibly be a more versatile snack. Besides the fact that they come with their own carrying case, they're perfect eaten out of hand, sliced into yogurt, swirled into oats, baked into bread, or slathered with nut butter.

But our body's metabolism is at its lowest in the night. So one should ideally consume bananas in the morning or evening, but eating bananas at night can regulate the sleep cycle. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates sleep,” Dr.

What can overripe bananas be used for? ›

Don't throw those overripe bananas away! Try one of these delicious recipes for coffee cake, cookies, ice cream, donuts, smoothies—and yes, banana bread. Rebecca is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com.

Here are some delicious combinations you can try: Banana and Berries: Bananas go well with berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. You can mix them in a fruit salad, blend them into a smoothie, or top your cereal or yogurt with this combination.

Blueberries take the title of healthiest fruit. Blueberries' stunning hue comes from their anthocyanins — an antioxidant believed to be responsible for their numerous health benefits. Long-term studies suggest that including blueberries in your regular lineup may lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

A person with diabetes can enjoy bananas in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The vitamin, mineral, and fiber content of bananas may even offer health benefits for people with diabetes, as long as an individual does not eat excessive portions.

“The more ripe it is, the more sugar it's going to have in it and the less resistant starch and more pectin you're going to get.” But, she reiterates that it's imperative to remember those are naturally occurring sugars — and the sugar in fruit is not “bad” for you.

Freezing bananas is one of the easiest ways to keep them preserved for future use. But how you freeze bananas could have a big impact on how well they thaw. Freezing the entire bunch will darken the peels, and they'll thaw poorly. Instead, freeze peeled bananas or banana slices in resealable airtight bags.

They can be used for skincare, hair care, dental health, household chores, and even as an ingredient in cooking. Banana peels are rich in fiber, protein, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. They can moisturize the skin, reduce puffiness and redness, and promote a more youthful appearance.

Scientists found out daily intake of 1500 mg of potassium helps decrease the chance of stroke. One average sized banana contains 500 mg of potassium. So, three per day will successfully decrease high blood pressure and maintain proper brain and nerve function.