Are bananas a good first food for baby
Banana Puree for Babies - Eating Bird Food
Banana puree is a great first food when introducing solids to babies and can be made easily by mashing or blending fresh ripe bananas.
It seems like only yesterday we were starting our little one on solids! Bananas were one of her favorites foods, which was great because they’re so easy to serve to baby because there’s no need to cook the bananas before mashing or pureeing!
I know there are outliers but most babies tend to love bananas because of their sweetness so hopefully your babe will enjoy this banana puree too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bananas are widely available and inexpensive.
- Banana puree is a great stage 1 food for babies because it’s sweet and has a smooth consistency.
- They are low on the allergy scale so they’re often a safe choice to start baby on.
- There are two easy ways to make banana puree and it’s also easy to meal prep and store in the freezer!
Bananas Make a Great First Food For Babies
Bananas are a great first food to introduce to babies because they’re naturally soft and mushy, easy to digest and loaded with vitamins and minerals. You can also easily mix bananas with rice cereal or oatmeal to add a little natural sweetness or just serve bananas straight up – mashed, pureed or you can serve larger spears or halves of a banana if you’re following a baby led weaning approach.
How to Make Banana Puree
Option 1: Mash
Mashing a banana is super simple and all you need is a fork! Place your banana on a plate and mash with a fork until the banana is the consistency you desire. Use in desired recipe or serve to baby as is.
Option 2: Blend/Puree
Blending the bananas in a food processor or blender makes for a smoother puree, which is perfect when you’re just introducing babies to solid foods and need thinner purees.
Simply add 2 bananas into a food processor or blender and process until the bananas are smooth and creamy. You can make the puree thinner by adding a little breast milk or formula, if needed. Once you’ve made the puree, serve to baby as is or mix with another puree to make a new flavor. See some ideas below.
Foods That Pair Well With Banana Puree
Banana puree pairs well with so many things, especially veggies because its natural sweetness will make them more palatable to baby! Here are some ideas:
- Green veggies – kale, spinach, avocado, zucchini, peas
- Orange veggies – sweet potato, butternut squash, carrot
- White veggies – cauliflower
- Other fruit – mango, strawberries, peaches, apples, kiwis,
- Dairy – yogurt, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese
- Grains – quinoa, oats
- Legumes – chickpeas, lentils
- Seasonings and spices – curry, ginger, mint, nutmeg, cinnamon
Banana Baby Food Combo Ideas
Here are some banana baby food combos that might be fun to try:
- Banana, peach and strawberry
- Banana, cinnamon and oatmeal
- Apple, banana and strawberry
- Banana, zucchini and spinach
- Yogurt and banana
- Avocado and banana
- Peas, banana and kiwi
Olivia also loved the combo of banana, blueberry, quinoa and flax that I shared in my baby food combinations post. This one has a lot going on so it’s best for stage 2 eaters.
Banana Puree for Toddlers
For toddlers, banana puree can be used as a mix-in to sweeten up yogurt or baby oatmeal, as a dip for baby pancakes or put into reusable pouches for an easy, mess-free snack.
Bananas and Constipation
One thing to note is that bananas can slow digestion and in turn cause constipation. I know there were a couple times when we first started solids that Olivia dealt with constipation. Whenever it happened we tried to cut back on bananas knowing that they wouldn’t help the situation. If your baby does deal with constipation, I recommend limiting bananas and trying to add in more foods with fiber like pea puree or prune puree or juice. We used prune juice a couple times and it worked!
How to Store
Fresh banana baby food should be stored in the fridge and used within 3-4 days. For longer storage, I recommend freezing the puree! I like using silicone ice cube tray or freezer safe jars because they make it easier to thaw smaller amounts for serving to babies.
How to Thaw
I recommend thawing frozen banana puree in the fridge the night before you want to use it, but you can also thaw it with a warm water bath. It thaws quickly if you’re defrosting a small amount to serve to a baby.
Banana Puree FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Using frozen bananas is an easy way to save ripe bananas before they go bad. Check out my tips on how to freeze bananas.
How can I tell if a banana is ripe?
Look for a banana that is yellow with some brown spots. Typically you will find green bananas or overly ripe bananas at the grocery store, so it’s best to buy them a few days before you want to use them. Using a banana that is ripe will result in a slightly sweet flavor. If the banana is too brown it will be mushy and overly sweet.
Can I use a green banana?
Using a banana that is ripe is the most ideal, as it will result in a slightly sweet flavor. If the banana is too brown it will be mushy and overly sweet. Too green and it won’t be very sweet.
Are bananas healthy?
Yes! Bananas are loaded with full of vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
Can you quickly ripen bananas?
Bananas not ripe yet? There are a few things you can do! Start by keeping the bananas together, they will ripen faster when close together, and store them in a warm or sunny spot.
If you need them to ripen faster, you can place them in a brown paper bag with another high ethylene producing fruit, such as another ripe banana, an apple, potatoes, peaches, pears, avocados or blueberries. Fold the bag over a few times to trap the ethylene in the bag and allow the bananas to ripen. This will take about 1-2 days.
Other Ways to Use This Puree
Banana puree is great for babies, but there are so many other ways for older kids and adults to enjoy it too. Here are some ideas:
- Topping for pancakes and waffles – level up your breakfast or brunch by topping pancakes or waffles with this puree. Try it on my almond flour pancakes!
- Serve over ice cream – mix banana puree into your favorite ice cream or simply serve over top of ice cream or frozen yogurt for an extra touch of sweetness that packs in some nutrients!
- Swirl into oatmeal, yogurt or chia pudding – add a boost of flavor and nutrition by adding banana puree to oatmeal or chia pudding. It’s perfect for my banana bread overnight oats.
I also have a ton of banana recipes that require mashed or pureed bananas! Highly recommend my vegan banana bread or oatmeal chia cookies.
More Baby Food Purees
- Sweet Potato Puree
- Butternut Squash Puree
- Peach Puree
- Avocado Puree
- Carrot Puree
- Pea Puree
- Pumpkin Puree
- Applesauce
More Recipes and Resources
- Oatmeal For Babies
- Healthy Smash Cake
- Banana Pancakes For Babies
- Baby Yogurt Melts
Be sure to check out my full collection of banana recipes as well as all of the baby food recipes here on EBF.
Banana Puree for Babies
5 from 2 votes
Fresh banana puree is a great first food and baby will love it because it tastes sweet! Easily make it by mashing or blending ripe bananas.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 4
- 1-2 ripe bananas
Smooth Banana Puree
Add 2 bananas into a food processor or blender and process until banana is smooth and creamy. Serve to baby as is or make the puree thinner by adding a little breast milk or formula.
Chunky Mashed Banana Puree
Place banana on a plate and mash with a fork until the banana is the consistency you desire. Use in desired recipe or serve to baby.
food processor
Serving: 4ounces Calories: 53kcal Carbohydrates: 13g Protein: 1g Sodium: 1mg Potassium: 211mg Fiber: 2g Sugar: 7g
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Please leave a comment and star rating on this post and share on social media using the hashtag #eatingbirdfood. I love seeing your recipe shares!Baby First Foods, First Food recipes for Baby's First Foods - The Best first foods to introduce to your baby between the ages of (4) and 6 months old
Baby’s first taste of solid food should be a single ingredient, age appropriate food. A few wonderful choices for first foods for babies, as many pediatric resources are now acknowledging, are tasty and creamy avocados, bananas and sweet potatoes. These healthy and nutritious foods make really great first foods for baby because they are easy to digest and full of vitamins, minerals, fats and other nutrients a growing baby needs..
This page is full of recipes for fresh homemade first foods for baby and are idea first food recipes to introduce to your baby between the ages of (4) and 6 months old. Many parents still begin to introduce solid foods (complimentary or weaning foods) to their babies prior to the age of 6 months olds. These recipes acknowledge and accommodate this fact. Ideally, babies should have nothing but breast milk and/or formula during the first 6 months of life.
Read more about baby being ready for solids and view our list of resources that advocate delaying solid foods.
Nutritious and Tasty & Wholesome Baby Food for First Food Feedings
Avocado – a great first food for baby, avocados burst with essential fats and nutrients that a growing baby needs. Smooth and creamy, avocados are easily digested and well tolerated by most babies!
Vitamins: A, C, Niacin, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium
Step 1: Peel and take out the pit of a ripe avocado – do not cook
Step 2:Cut “meat” out and mash with a fork
Step 3:There should be no need to use a machine as just like bananas, avocados have a very soft consistency and texture. Avocados do not need to be cooked
Step 4:Add formula/breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up. Learn More about Avocado
Bananas – bananas are another great first food for your baby. Research indicates that bananas and their mucosal properties actually help coat the tummy and help aid in digestion. Bananas are sweet, which may help baby more readily accept the first food experience. Learn more about bananas and if it’s true that sweet fruits and veggies should not be introduced first.
Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Magnesium, Calcium
Step 1: Peel a ripe banana – do not cook
Step 2: Place banana in a food processor/food mill or blender and puree
Step 3: You can also mash the banana in a bowl using a regular fork – heat in microwave for 25 seconds prior to mashing for extra softness
Step 4: Add formula/breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.
Organic Brown Rice Cereal – Did you know that baby’s first food does not have to be a commercial infant rice cereal? Many pediatric resources are acknowledging the fact that avocado, banana and sweet potato make great first foods for baby.
If you decide to make homemade baby cereal, make it with brown rice (organic if preferred). Whole grains are more healthy and nutritious for your baby (and for the whole family). Learn more about whole grains. You may also be interested in reading our Cereal FAQ explaining what types of grains to use, how long they may be stored and more.
- 1/4 c. rice powder (organic brown rice ground in blender or food processor)
- 1 cup water
Step 1: Bring liquid to boil in saucepan.
Step 2: Add the rice powder while stirring constantly.
Step 3: Simmer for 10 minutes, whisking constantly, mix in formula or breast milk and fruits if desired
Serve warm.
Pears
Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium
Step 1: Peel and cut into chunks so as to avoid the little seed portion.
Step 2: Steam gently until tender;
Step 3: Place in a blender/food processor and puree until smooth. You may be able to just use a fork too.
Step 4: Use the leftover cooking water if needed but Pears tend to be very runny and watery without adding liquid – Add some baby cereal to thicken if needed.
Acorn or Butternut Squash (winter)
(nutrient info for squash of all types may be found at our “Tips on Squash“ page)
Step 1: Cut acorn, hubbard, or butternut squash in half, scoop out seeds
Step 2: Place an inch of water in a baking pan, then place squash halves “face” down in the pan. Check on water level while baking
Step 3: Bake in a 400 degree oven for 40 minutes or until the “shell/skin” puckers and halves feel soft then scoop squash “meat” out of the shell
Step 4: Place squash “meat” into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
Step 5: Add water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency.
Step 6: You can also peel the squash, scoop out the seeds and then cut into chunks and boil/steam until tender (like when boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes)
Step 7: Follow steps 4 and 5
Yams/Sweet Potato
Vitamins: A (24,877 mg ), C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Sodium, Selenium, Phosphorous, Magnesium, Calcium
Step 1: Wash and poke holes in sweet potato with fork then wrap sweet potatoes in tin foil – do not peel for baking/microwaving. (you can also do this in the microwave – only use plastic wrap and cook for 8 minutes on high or until tender)
Step 2: Place in a 400 degree oven and bake for 30 minutes or until soft.
OR
Step 3: Peel sweet potatoes and cut into small chunks
Step 4: Place chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover potato
Step 5: “Steam” boil until tender, be sure to check on the water level.
Step 6: Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the sweet potatoes
Step 7: If you have baked your sweet potato, remove skins and use liquid from your preferred source
Step 8: Place sweet potato into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
Step 9: Add the reserved water or other liquid as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency minutes or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean.
Learn why a Yam really is NOT a Yam and other information about serving Sweet Potatoes to your Baby
More First Foods & Homemade Baby Food Recipes
Mango (6-8 months – sometimes over 8 months – learn more about Mango)
Vitamins: A (1262 IU in one cup. ), C, E, K, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium
- 1 Ripe Mango
Step 1: Peel, Deseed and mash Mango until smooth
Step 2: Add formula/breast milk or water to thin or add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.
Apples (Applesauce)
Vitamins: A, C, Folate
Minerals: Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium
This recipe is written so that you may use any amount of apples you wish.
Step 1: Peel, core and cut apple into slices/chunks
Step 2: Place slices or chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover apples
Step 3: Boil/steam until tender; be sure to check on the water level and stir.
Step 4: Apples may be mashed with a potato masher to achieve a smooth applesauce consistency. If your masher will not achieve a puree type of consistency, then follow steps 5 – 7
Step 5: Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the apples
Step 6: Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
Step 7: Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin puree
Step 8: Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up the
Step 9: Ask your pediatrician about adding some cinnamon for new tastes.
HINT. You may also buy an “Adult” jar of Natural applesauce from your local grocers. Make sure you buy Natural Applesauce however. Read the labels if you are unsure. The only ingredients should be apples and water or just apples. A few companies may add ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or citric acid to their Natural Applesauce; this is fine.
Why do you suggest peeling fruits and veggies; Nutrients are found in the peels right?
Salt and sugar are not needed when making baby food. Omit these items, preferably at ALL times, in your baby’s meals. Other spices such as cinnamon, garlic powder, pepper etc. may be introduced as early as 7 months with your pediatricians consult.
Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.
More Baby Solid Food and Baby Food Recipe Topics:
Solid Food Stages & Feeding First Solids Month Range of Feeding Stages & Tips for Feeding First Solid Foods
Introducing Solid Foods by Age Chart for information about what food to avoid and what foods are appropriate for certain ages.
How Much Food Should Your Baby Eat? Not as much as you may be thinking. Read our article and ease your mind.
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Banana for children | Nutrilak
08/17/2022 Reading time: 7 minutes 6741
Contents of article
- How many months can a banana be given
- What kind of bananas can children
- How many bananas can a child have
- Banana porridge
- Can you be allergic to a banana?
- Can I give my baby a banana for diarrhea?
Banana is tasty and satisfying, but in our country it is not grown and remains, although common, but exotic. The question of whether children can have a banana does not arise - of course, yes! And yet, when introducing imported fruits into the diet of a child, some subtleties must be taken into account.
From how many months you can give a banana
To answer how many months a banana can be given to a child, you need to remember when fruits appear in complementary foods in general.
According to the national program for feeding children in the first year of life in the Russian Federation, fruits should not be the first product of complementary foods. Although theoretically the program indicates that at 4-5 months a child can receive 5-50 g of fruit puree, it should be introduced into the children's diet only after vegetables, cereals and meat. Otherwise, after sweet fruits, the child may refuse to try unleavened zucchini and unsalted buckwheat. Thus, in fact, fruits appear in complementary foods in the second half of life, at 6-7 months or even later.
This is important!
Bananas, in turn, should not be the first fruit food. First, the child is introduced to local fruits of a dull color: green apples, pears, only then a banana is introduced.
What kind of bananas can children
There are two types of bananas available in stores. The most common are ordinary fruits up to 25 cm long (Cavendish variety). Less popular are mini-bananas, or, as they are also called, baby bananas. They are considered tastier, but more expensive.
Both are suitable for first foods. There is no big difference either in taste or in the content of nutrients. The main thing is that the fruits are ripe, with an evenly colored yellow peel.
Green bananas are not poisonous, but they are not tasty and can cause indigestion, especially in a young child.
Do not give your baby an overripe banana with brown dots, and even more so with spots on the peel. It may seem more fragrant, softer and sweeter, but due to an excess of carbohydrates, there is a risk of increased gas formation and bloating, and it is difficult to distinguish whether the banana is just ripe or has already begun to deteriorate.
How many bananas can a child have
Up to a year, a baby can be given from a quarter to half a banana, that is, 50-100 g, 2-3 times a week. At a year and a half, he can receive about two-thirds of a banana - up to 150 g - 4-5 times a week.
This is important!
Children over three years old are allowed to eat a banana every day, and only by school age will a child not be harmed even by two fruits per day.
Banana porridge
Banana in baby food is used not only as an independent snack, but also as an additive to other dishes. For example, a banana can be added to porridge to make it more flavorful and sweet without sugar.
Thus, the beneficial properties of cereals are added to the benefits of a banana, and it is valued for its high content of potassium, iron, calcium, vitamins of group B, vitamin C, useful for the heart, fiber necessary for comfortable digestion, starch - a source of energy.
Banana porridge can be prepared by yourself. To do this, in an almost ready dish, you need to add a banana, mashed until smooth, and cook for about five minutes, mixing thoroughly.
And you can give your baby an industrial-made porridge, for example, whole-grain Nutrilak Procereals milk rice porridge with banana.
It is easy to prepare - even an inexperienced mother will not be mistaken. The finished product has a delicate smooth texture and a pleasant taste without sugar, while the natural value of banana and whole grains is carefully preserved.
Is it possible to be allergic to a banana?
An allergy to a banana in a child is rare, but not completely excluded. It can occur on the fetus itself, more precisely on the amino acid tryptophan contained in it, a substance that provokes the production of serotonin by the body, or maybe on the chemicals that bananas are processed for transportation and storage.
It is precisely because of the risk of allergies that bananas are not introduced into complementary foods as the first of the fruits, they introduce the child to them gradually, starting with small doses, and follow the age norms for consumption.
Can I give a banana to a child with diarrhea?
You can find a recommendation that a banana is useful for diarrhea, as it has fixing properties. But when it comes to whether a banana can be used for diarrhea in a child, there is no need to rush to apply such advice.
In the acute phase of the disease, do not give a banana to a baby with diarrhea. In general, for young children, diarrhea is a dangerous condition that can quickly lead to dehydration and serious consequences, even death.
This is important!
In no case should you treat diarrhea in a child with folk remedies, with the help of bananas or something else. You need to immediately call a doctor and follow his recommendations.
Banana or banana porridge can be offered to the child later, at the stage of recovery from the disease.
Conclusions:
- Banana can be given to children in the second half of life, after the introduction of vegetables, cereals and meat into complementary foods.
- Children can use both ordinary bananas and mini bananas, the main thing is that they are ripe, but not overripe, with a bright yellow peel without spots.
- Up to a year, a child can have no more than half a banana 2-3 times a week, one and a half - three quarters, three - daily for the whole fetus.
- Banana porridge combines the benefits of fruits and cereals. It is more convenient to use industrially prepared porridge that meets safety and age standards.
- Banana allergy occurs, although rarely.
- If you have diarrhea, do not give a banana to a child, you need to call a doctor and follow the diet prescribed by him.
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The health benefits and harms of dried bananas
In regions where a banana grows, no one is surprised that it has been dried. As for our regions, this product appeared in such processing not so long ago, but has already become popular. Customers are attracted to delicious, sweet and salty fruits that can be eaten as seeds. At the same time, the beneficial and harmful aspects of using such a treat have long been studied.
Which bananas are healthier: fresh or dried?
It should be noted that the benefits of dried bananas are very similar to the healing properties of fresh fruits:
- Both types of treats contain a significant amount of potassium and magnesium, which ensures the normal functioning of the circulatory system.
- They have a mild laxative effect, which has a positive effect on the intestines.
- Regardless of the type of berries, the product is rich in vitamins, which are representatives of group B, which ensures the functioning of the nervous system.
However, the energy value of this product is several times higher than the energy value of fresh fruit.
Dried fruits have a number of advantages over fresh ones:
- First of all, we are talking about the shelf life, because the dried dessert has a much longer shelf life and at the same time retains all its important ingredients.
- Dried bananas are much more nutritious and do not take up much storage space.
- In addition, this product is excellent as a sweet snack, it can be easily used in the preparation of breakfast, dessert or fruit salad.
A special technology for obtaining such a delicacy allows you to save all medicinal elements, including vitamins and minerals. Dried fruits are enriched with carbohydrates, which supply the human body with energy.
Composition and calories
- Dried bananas contain a large amount of potassium. This element has a positive effect on cardiac activity. People prone to heart disease, as well as smokers, should definitely consume such products. It has been scientifically proven that the banana product reduces the harmfulness of nicotine and all the dangerous compounds found in tobacco. The lack of such an element in the body leads to disorders in the cardiovascular system.
- In addition, dried banana contains the daily requirement of the human body for B vitamins. They are responsible for healthy brain activity and nervous system function.
- Also, these components lead to the normalization of metabolic processes. These elements have a beneficial effect on the nail plates and hair. To do this, it is recommended to consume several pieces of this exotic dessert daily.
- Dried berries contain high levels of ascorbic acid. Although dried banana fruits do not have a sour taste, 100 g of this dessert contains almost 10 mg of this substance. If you have a cold, you can add this healthy product to your diet. Regular consumption of dried berries will strengthen the immune system and thereby reduce the likelihood of diseases.
- Candied banana contains vitamin E, which is responsible for the beauty, tenderness and smoothness of the skin. This product will help smooth wrinkles and folds, get rid of acne.
- Dried banana fruits are rich in minerals. They contain a lot of P, Fe, Mg, Zn. They also contain organic acids, vitamins A, K and PP. All these ingredients have a positive effect on the human body.
Fresh bananas have a rather high calorie content, as in the case of dried fruits, in this case the figure increases several times. Therefore, 100 g of dried exotic fruits contains 390 kcal.
What are the benefits of dried bananas?
General benefit
Dried bananas are characterized by high nutritional value, due to which they can have a complex effect on the human body.
- Dietary fiber by its composition will help determine the functioning of the digestive tract, so it can be used to treat diseases such as ulcers, gastritis, constipation.
- Dessert stimulates the production of a substance called serotonin, which is also called the hormone of joy. This makes a person feel good.
- High iron and sugar levels make this treatment suitable for anemia associated with iron deficiency and general weakness.
- Dried fruits can be used as a snack for high physical activity. Dried banana will provide your body with energy and restore muscle tone.
- Candied bananas are used for weight gain. The product is high in calories and if you use it with milk, you can easily gain weight. However, in this case, it is important to consult a specialist, as he must determine the required amount of such an ingredient in the diet. Otherwise, you will be able to gain weight in a short time.
The results of scientific experiments have shown that dry treats can be safely included in the diet of children. At the same time, keep an eye on the amount of food your child eats. After all, the product will quickly saturate the body, perhaps then you will not want to eat anything.
For women
Candied bananas are recommended for women during PMS. In addition, this product has a pronounced cosmetic effect. Regular consumption of these fruits will improve the appearance. Nutrients contained in delicacies help to smooth, soften and moisturize the dermis. The use of dried fruits makes the skin more elastic.
Despite the high calorie content and high glycemic index, dried banana helps in the fight against extra centimeters at the waist. The use of such fruits in food stimulates metabolism, ensures the removal of excess fluid from the body. Dessert is able to saturate the body quickly and for a long time, given that it is enough to eat a small portion.
For men
A significant percentage of potassium in dried fruits contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, protecting against stress and neuroses.
It should be noted that such disorders of the nervous system are an indispensable condition for the appearance of impotence. In addition, the rich composition of vitamins from bananas provides the body with energy and tones it, which allows a person to feel an explosion of energy and a positive mood.
The addition of bananas to food stimulates the synthesis of serotonin, which improves mood. Banana fruit is also used as a preventive measure to protect against blood clots. As already mentioned, dried bananas increase physical endurance, which is important for male potency. However, this is achieved through continuous consumption of the product.
Another benefit of using this fruity treat for men is that the mineral compounds found in bananas help fight tobacco addiction. Banana helps to cleanse the body of toxic elements, helps to strengthen the immune system and lower high blood pressure.
In addition, banana has been proven to be a herbal aphrodisiac that increases libido and sex drive.
The main value of such bananas for the male body is saturation with various vitamins and minerals that are involved in the production of hormones and blood circulation. Dried fruits are also important for the brain. They strengthen memory, increase concentration, which increases productivity.
When you are pregnant
It is recommended that a woman eat dried bananas during fruiting. They can be used as a healthy alternative to unhealthy sugary foods with minimal risk of allergies and other side effects. The absence of a pungent odor does not cause nausea. In addition, the product helps to restore strength. It also fights heartburn and relieves discomfort.
While breastfeeding
Every lactating woman should carefully monitor what they eat so as not to harm the baby's health. As for bananas in the form of dried fruits, it should be remembered that this fruit is still considered exotic, which does not exclude the occurrence of allergies and digestive disorders. For this reason, you may want to start eating delicate foods in small portions. A moderate amount of product will help protect your child from developing various side effects.
For a young mother, dried banana is a storehouse of vitamins, it is characterized not only by its pleasant taste, but also by the fact that it is good food and performs a number of functions. For example, when you use the product, irritability decreases, pain disappears, the body of a nursing woman is replenished with useful substances. In addition, bananas improve overall health, increase hemoglobin.
There is a risk of developing allergies in the first month after birth. Including such a product in your diet, you must control how your child feels. If no negative reactions are found, you can continue attaching the treat. While breastfeeding, a woman can eat 20 g of dried bananas per day.
For children
Dried banana fruits are also good for children. Due to the presence of vitamin C, the product enhances the protective function of a small organism, which is especially important in winter. Bananas in this form are involved in the treatment of colds.
During weight loss
Nutritionists have different opinions about the use of dried berries in weight loss. Some of them believe that such an exotic fruit is contraindicated for use in weight loss. Others believe that bananas should be present during the morning meal, as they contain complex carbohydrates that replenish the body's energy reserves.
Since there is no clear answer to the question of the possibility of using dried bananas during the diet, it is recommended to use such a product with caution . And it is better to eat it in the morning in a small portion, because in the morning a person needs carbohydrates.
In any case, candied fruits are an excellent substitute for sugary foods that are dangerous for the waist. It will be useful to walk or play sports while consuming dried fruits. If your diet involves regular exercise, you can certainly include this dessert in your menu. You just need to remember that everything should be in moderation.
Proper consumption of dried bananas will help you get rid of extra pounds, but given the high calorie content of the delicacy, you should follow a few recommendations from experts:
- snacks.
- In addition, when using a banana, it is better to refuse other sweets.
- When compiling the menu, take into account the caloric content of the product and calculate the content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
- It is important to pay attention to the daily dose of the product.
Harms and contraindications
Along with a long list of positive qualities, dried banana has some contraindications:
- This product may be harmful to diabetics due to increased glucose levels in diseases associated with blood clotting, as it can condense blood.
- If you are overweight, you should not get carried away with this fruit. Again, this is due to the high calorific value.
- After a stroke or heart attack, bananas should not be used as food for coronary heart disease.
- It should be noted that there are dried bananas and banana chips, which are prepared by frying in vegetable oil. In addition to the fact that heat treatment kills some of the beneficial components of the product, such products are dangerous to health because they contain a lot of easily digestible fats, cholesterol and carcinogens. In addition, the calorie content increases in this case to almost 500 kcal per 100 g of bananas.
Nutritionists recommend eating no more than 100 grams of candied banana fruit per day to get the most out of this product and cause the least damage.
The use of a small portion of dried fruit between main meals allows the body to energize, enrich it with vitamins and minerals.
How to select and store
If the fruit is to be dried by itself, bananas must be selected accordingly. Fruit of any size and variety is suitable for this type of preparation. The main condition is maturity, the banana peel must be yellow, without defects in the form of dark spots.
There are two ways to store dried fruit. The first option is to put candied fruits in bags that should be sent to the refrigerator.
You can use glass jars with sealed lids, put dried bananas in them and pour over the syrup. This method will preserve all the taste and medicinal properties of the dessert throughout the year.
How to dry bananas at home
To save money and be sure of the quality of the finished product, it is recommended to dry them yourself at home:
- Before starting the process, you must first select the raw materials.