Bananas are one of the best healthy snack foods around. They are the delicious yellow-skinned tropical fruit grown in bunches on the banana plant and easily purchased at the market. You will discover here why they are the perfect healthy snack food for a variety of reasons, as well as learn some fun ideas for banana snacking and a sweet banana treat recipe.
What makes bananas the perfect snack food? When you are on the go bananas are a convenient size and come with their own sturdy peel so you don’t even need to put them in a plastic baggy. They are just the right size for lunch boxes, backpacks, fanny packs, and purses. Just toss one in and you’re on your way!
The banana is a very healthy food choice to make also. It is loaded with potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. They are a great source of energy before a workout and helpful during the recovery period after exercise. After a hard workout such as running, biking, swimming, or any other physical activity, eating a banana will help restore the electrolyte balance of your body and help your muscles to recover faster. Bananas are often seen being handed out to participants at the end of a marathon or organized bike ride for just this purpose.
Here are a few other key health benefits:
- Bananas are eaten to reduce morning sickness and depression.
- The fiber content provides a natural way to ease constipation.
- With low sodium content, the banana can be used in low-salt and heart-healthy diets.
- The banana contains tryptophan which can help you to relax.
Once out of the peel, how else can you use a banana as part of a meal or snack?
- Slice some of your pancakes.
- Banana bread.
- Banana pudding with banana slices and vanilla cookies.
- A banana smoothie.
Here’s a sweet treat recipe from my girl-scout days that we cooked over the campfire but you can also cook in an oven.
Banana Boats
Peel one banana and place in foil with 8 chocolate morsels, 6 small marshmallows and wrap in foil. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes in a 350-degree oven. The recipe makes one serving.
Personally, I think I would add a few more of those yummy chocolate morsels now. Do they make them in dark chocolate? Just so I could get those added health benefits!
As you can see, the banana is one of the best healthy snack foods around, easy to tote and can be eaten in a variety of ways.