Bananas are nature’s snack

A banana farmer stocks his car with farm produce at Tabaka in Kisii County on January 11,2015. The farmer later drove towards Suneka shopping center where he could catch up with good prices being it was market day. [Photos: Denish Ochieng/ Standard]

Kenya: Bananas are not only readily available but also healthy, filling and conveniently wrapped. They are nature’s ideal snack. When you are hungry, just buy one or two and your hunger will be subdued.

Bananas are grown in tropical areas and are normally harvested when still green. They ripen either in the house or during transportation. Most are not fully ripe when sold and should be stored at room temperature until they ripen. Do not keep them in the refrigerator because they may turn dark brown and lose their appealing yellow colour.

There is a difference between table bananas and those meant for cooking only.

The green bananas grown in Kisii are for cooking. When they ripen, they become mushy. But the tiny sweet bananas grown in the same area are the ideal table bananas, not meant for cooking. Due to their sweetness and size, some people tend to eat too many and end up with constipation.

Unripe bananas contain ‘resistant’ starch because it cannot be digested in the small intestine and it often causes wind. Most of the starch content turns to sugar as they ripen.

Because ripe bananas are so easy to digest, and rarely cause allergic reactions (though they can trigger migraines in a few adults), they are popular solid food for babies. In Uganda they are also fermented to make beer. They are also good for treating childhood stomach upsets. Perhaps the banana’s blandness is the reason why many people with stomach ulcers say that it is soothing.

Scientists have investigated the medicinal impact of bananas and plantains on stomach ulcers and there have been claims that bananas may stimulate cell and mucus production in the stomach lining. By thickening the stomach walls and sealing its surface, they may help to heal existing ulcers and stave off new ones.

However, there is yet little evidence to support the claims.

Bananas are a good source of potassium, which is a vital mineral for muscle and nerve function. Potassium also helps to regulate blood pressure. They contain a high level of natural sugar, which they release quickly into the bloodstream. When you need a quick snack, eat a banana.