By Faith Ellis, Contributor 
WHEN SOMEONE tells you that you've 'gone bananas',
they are usually not paying you a compliment. The implication is that you are crazy and possibly a bit intellectually challenged. Ironically, going bananas (meaning, in this case, eating a lot of bananas), can be good for you. The banana has been linked to increases in brainpower. In one study, 200 students at an English school were greatly helped during their exams by eating bananas at breakfast, break and lunch. The research implies that the potassium-rich fruit significantly enhances learning capabilities.
POTENT POTASSIUM
What exactly is potassium, and is it necessary that our consumption of it should warrant attention?
An essential mineral that comes in a multiplicity of forms it is sometimes referred to as potassium amino acid as well as potassium acetate. The purpose of this mineral in the body is to control the water balance. It does this by working in conjunction with sodium, another vital mineral to keep water levels in the body constant.
Another crucial function of potassium in the body is to store carbohydrates, which are then broken down for energy.
Potassium is also necessary for the proper functioning of nerve impulses, the contraction of all muscles in the body and the maintenance of a normal and regular heart rhythm.
FINGERING THE BANANA
As Jamaicans become increasingly health-conscious
streetside fruit stalls are rising in popularity. It has become
customary for people to begin their workday by stopping at the nearest fruit stall to purchase an assortment of fruits. Included in this assortment is usually a finger or two of bananas. What are some of the things that we should look for when purchasing these fruits?
Ideally, bananas should be bought when they are slightly green. They should be firm and without bruises.
A slight grey tint suggests that the fruit has been refrigerated and the ripening process interrupted.
Unripe bananas should never be stored in the refrigerator. Returning the bananas to room temperature once they have been stored in the refrigerator will not reverse the process.
However, once the bananas are ripened they can be refrigerated for up to two weeks though the skin will become black.
As most fruits ripen they will give off an ethylene gas. In bananas this gas is released in a higher concentration and as a result bananas ripen considerably faster than most fruits.
BANANA AID
Medical doctors worldwide have studied this fruit intently and have come to the conclusion that the fruit has medicinal uses for a variety of ailments, including the following:
Blood Pressure: The fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect food for helping to beat blood pressure.
Constipation: Because they are high in fibre, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without having to resort to laxatives.
Depression: According to a recent survey, conducted undertaken amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain
tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Instead of reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
PMS: Forget the pills, eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The high levels of Vitamin C, A1, B6, B12 as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral which helps normalise the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be re-balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronic ulcer cases. It also neutralises over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
So the next time you are told you're simply gone bananas, it's probably a very good thing.
Banana Cream Cheese Bread
8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup margarine
1 cup mashed bananas
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 tsps. baking powder
1/2 tsp. soda
1 cup chopped nuts
METHOD
Combine softened cream cheese, sugar and margarine, mixing until well blended. Blend in bananas and eggs. Add combined dry ingredients, mixing just until moistened. Fold in nuts. Pour into greased and floured 9 x 5 loaf pan. Bake at 350 F for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan.
Banana Drop Cookies
2 1/4 cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsps. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
2/3 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 small bananas, sliced
1 tsp. vanilla
METHOD
1. Mix dry ingredients together. Cut in
shortening. Add eggs, bananas and vanilla.
2. Beat until thoroughly mixed.
3. Drop on ungreased cookie sheets.
Sprinkle with mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
4. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
Banana Flambé
2 bananas
2 tbsps. sunflower oil
4 tbsps. sugar
12 cup white rum
1 lime, squeezed
METHOD
1. Peel and halve the bananas lengthwise.
2. Heat the oil in a frying pan over
medium heat.
3. Brown the bananas 5 minutes on each side. Add the sugar and pour in the rum. Cook for
2 minutes.
4. Flambé. Sprinkle with lime juice and serve at once.
Yields 4 servings.
Banana Liqueur
2 medium bananas
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 cups vodka
1 cup sugar syrup
METHOD
1. Mash peeled bananas and add to vodka, cooled sugar syrup, and vanilla extract.
2. Shake gently and let sit one week.
3. Strain and filter. Let sit longer for additional flavouring, but may be used now. You may also add cinnamon or nutmeg for additional flavouring.
Banana Shake
1 banana
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
METHOD
Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.
Faith Ellis of Excelsior Community College
