16 Things About Bananas You Never Knew

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Bananas are more than just a convenient snack; they are a nutritional powerhouse and an essential commodity globally.

Despite their ubiquitous presence, a lot about bananas remains relatively unknown. Here are 15 fascinating facts about bananas that might surprise you.

Bananas Are Berries

16 Things About Bananas You Never Knew — Image provided by: Juan Salamanca

Botanically speaking, bananas are classified as berries. While it may seem counterintuitive, given their size and shape, bananas meet all the botanical criteria for berries (The banana flower houses a single ovary that develops into one banana.

Each banana has soft skin, juicy flesh, and numerous tiny seeds). This puts them in the same category as grapes and kiwifruits.

Bananas Are Radioactive

Yes, you read that right. Bananas contain potassium-40, a naturally occurring isotope that makes them slightly radioactive.

However, the amount is so small that it poses no risk to your health. The radiation from bananas is often used as a baseline measurement in science.

They Can Help Boost Your Mood

Bananas are rich in tryptophan, which the body converts into serotonin, which regulates mood. One banana can naturally boost your mood, making it an excellent snack for combatting stress and anxiety.

A Staple in Over 100 Countries

Bananas are vital in over 100 countries, making them one of the most important food crops globally. They are essential in tropical and subtropical regions, serving as a staple food and a significant economic commodity.

Bananas Can Help Lower Blood Pressure

High in potassium and low in sodium, bananas are superb for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Scientists from Imperial College London have discovered that incorporating bananas into your diet can reduce the risk of hypertension and stroke.

They Are a Source of Instant Energy

Bananas are often the go-to fruit for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Packed with natural sugars and carbohydrates, they provide a quick energy boost, making them ideal for pre-or post-workout snacks. Plus, they come in a convenient, natural packaging – their peel!

The Most Popular Fruit in the World

Bananas are the world’s most popular fruit, with over 100 billion consumed annually. In the United States alone, they surpass the combined popularity of apples and oranges. This is due to their affordability, availability, and versatility.

Bananas and Cardboard Have Something in Common

Both bananas and cardboard emit ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening process. Farmers often use this property to control the ripening of bananas during transport, ensuring they reach consumers at the perfect stage of ripeness.

Bananas Can Help Improve Digestive Health

Rich in dietary fiber, bananas aid in digestion and help regulate bowel movements. They contain soluble and insoluble fibers, vital for maintaining a healthy digestive system.

They Are Not Always Yellow

While we are most familiar with the yellow Cavendish banana, there are over 1,000 varieties of bananas, approximately half of which are not fit for consumption, ranging from red to blue to green. Each variety boasts a unique taste and texture, offering a rich and diverse culinary experience.

Bananas Are Good for Your Heart

The potassium in bananas helps regulate heart function and fluid balance in the body. Regular consumption can lower the risk of heart disease, making bananas an excellent choice for heart health.

They Can Help Combat Anemia

Bananas are rich in iron, an essential nutrient for hemoglobin production in the blood. Consuming them can aid in preventing anemia, a condition marked by a deficiency of healthy red blood cells.

Bananas Can Be Used in Skincare

The banana peel is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that benefit the skin. Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on your face can help reduce acne, moisturize your skin, and diminish the appearance of wrinkles.

They Have a Long Shelf Life When Frozen

If done right, freezing ripe bananas can extend their lifespan by six months. Instead of freezing whole bunches or bananas with the peel, peel them first. As a bonus, freezing boosts their sweetness, making them perfect for all recipes.

Bananas Are Environmentally Friendly

Banana plants require less water than many other crops and produce a high yield in a relatively small space. This makes them a sustainable choice for farming, contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

They Have Been Around for Millions of Years

The origin of bananas dates back millions of years in Southeast Asia. They have since spread to other parts of the world, with many varieties now cultivated globally.

As you can see, there is more to know about bananas than just their convenient packaging and delicious taste. Remember these intriguing facts next time you enjoy a banana and appreciate how this humble fruit contributes to our lives.

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