Oh Bananas!

                                

The yellow cluster growing fruit we commonly refer to as the Banana has a few different scientific names depending on their genomic constitution. Classification of the Banana has long been an issue for taxonomists.  Nearly all seedless bananas originate from either Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana.  These species are native to South and Southeast Asia.  The domestication of bananas is likely to have taken place in Papua New Guinea, new evidence suggest this goes back to as least 5000 BCE.   Being the largest of the herbaceous flowering plants, it is often mistaken as a tree.  Today Banana cultivation takes place in roughly 107 countries, with an estimated total combined global weight of 102 million metric tons being produced.

Bananas that are exported are picked green, they are later ripened in the destination country.  Unripened Bananas are placed in an air-tight room, the room is filled with ethylene gas, which ripens the fruit.  The typical bright yellow Banana that we are all familiar with is a side effect of the artificial ripening process.  However, Bananas can be ordered and bought with out the artificial ripening process.  Ripening temperature can also effect the flavor and texture of your Banana.

Banana's have a Caloric Ratio of 93% Carbohydrates, 3% Fats and 4% Protein.  Most of this yellow fruits calories come from sugars.  Banana's also contain Vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, and K, Pantothenic Acid, Choline, Betaine, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium and Fluoride. They are low in Cholesterol, Saturated Fat and Sodium.  Banana's are a excellent source of fiber, Vitamin C, Potassium, Manganese and Vitamin B6.

This palatable fruit is a major staple crop for many tropical peoples and has many culinary as well as alternative uses.  Aside from culinary its used to make fiber for textiles and paper, banana wine and as an ornamental plant.  They also may be associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer and in women, breast cancer.  Eating of Bananas may also affect dopamine production in people who are deficient in tyrosine, an amino acid which is a preciser to dopamine.  Lets not forget that Banana's also rock a viable source of fiber that helps to restore and maintain regular bowel functions.  Try and include some Banana into your balanced diet for some added support!

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