Around the World in 40 Fruits – Volume 7 – (Article 7 of 40)
By Dr. Marli Botha
The banana is a globally popular and beloved fruit, it’s the national fruit of the Central African Republic, Cambodia and Cyprus.
Let’s peel back the layers of this iconic fruit and explore why it’s more than just monkey business.
- National Banana Day is celebrated annually on April 19th in the United States.
- Bananas are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.
- Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps to boost serotonin levels in the brain, which can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- The potassium in bananas and the natural oils in the peel can be used to polish shoes
- Bananas are also versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, from smoothies and banana bread to savory dishes like banana curry.
- Bananas float in water because they are less dense than water.
- The banana plant is an herb, not a tree, lacking woody tissues
