Bananas

New Zealanders are one of the world’s largest consumers of bananas per head of population.

Bananas are a natural health supplement all wrapped ready to serve at a moment’s notice and an anytime food, ideal breakfast with fruit and cereal, a snack through the day, and great for school lunches.

Their properties and popularity grew with farming and commercialisation in the early 1300’s from the Caribbean. The banana trade has resulted in power plays by large financial interests and revolutions in the Caribbean region to secure dominance of a very lucrative trade. In more recent times the Philippine’s have become a major player through multi-national corporations. Fiji was a significant supplier to the NZ market; this trade abruptly ended when boxes of bananas had been defecated on, on route. The subsequent publicity decimated a thriving Fijian business.

Bananas are a rich source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and vitamin B6, fibre, less than 1gm of total fat and zero saturated fat. Magnesium is an essential trace mineral to promote and sustain body function and general good health; in fact life itself. Unfortunately magnesium is the body’s second ranking deficiency behind vitamin D.

Potassium health benefits include supporting healthy blood pressure, heart and kidney health, stress, anxiety symptoms and nervous system, fluid balance, general metabolism, electrolyte function and last but not least muscle and connective tissue health and strength.

Bananas maybe the misunderstood fruit for many as a result of calories and carbs, but possibly one of our healthiest choices!