Dried Organic Banana
Introducing our delectable treat: Dried Organic Banana. These ripe bananas are dried naturally without the use of any added sugars or oils. What emerges is a fruit that's not only bursting with flavor, but also packed with essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. These bananas are nature's candy, embracing the fruit's natural sugars to create a taste sensation that might just convert even the staunchest banana skeptics to go bananas for our dried banana!
What sets our dried organic banana apart is the meticulous care with which they are cultivated and prepared. Sourced from small family-owned farms committed to organic, sustainable, and fair-trade practices, each banana is hand-harvested at peak ripeness. Unlike most dried bananas on the market, ours undergo no deep-frying or any sugar addition. The result? A naturally sweet flavor, softer texture, and richer color, free from added preservatives or artificial enhancers.
Nutrient-rich and bursting with natural goodness, our dried organic banana slices are more than just a snack; they are a nutritional powerhouse. Enjoy them straight from the bag to rejuvenate after a long day, or an intense workout. Feeling creative? Add them to trail mixes, oatmeal, cereals, or desserts for a delightful twist. Versatile, delicious, and crafted with care, our dried organic banana packages offer a guilt-free indulgence that's as good for you as it is for the planet. So go ahead, savor the flavor of nature's bounty, one bite at a time!
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Nutritional Benefits
Bananas are a nutritional powerhouse packed with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber that contribute to overall health and well-being.
Here is the nutritional information for one medium-sized raw banana.
(DV= Daily Value) (Recommended daily dietary intake)
         Calories |
105 Calories |
         Fiber |
10%Â Â (DV) |
         Manganese |
14%Â Â (DV) |
         Copper |
10%Â (DV) |
         Potassium |
 9% (DV) |
         Magnesium |
 8% (DV) |
         Vitamin B6 |
 25% (DV) |
         Vitamin C |
 11% (DV) |
         Riboflavin |
   7% (DV) |
          Folate |
  6% (DV) |
          Niacin |
  5% (DV) |
Bananas are best known for their high potassium content, a mineral critical for maintaining fluid balance, regulating muscle contractions, and bolstering heart health. Consumption of potassium-rich foods like bananas contribute to the reduction of blood pressure, mitigate the risk of stroke, and promote kidney health by inhibiting the formation of kidney stones.
Meanwhile, magnesium contributes to blood pressure regulation, bone health, and immune support. It also helps nerve and muscle function
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Bananas are also high in vitamin B6, a nutrient involved in more than 100 enzymatic reactions in the body, including metabolism. Vitamin B6 is also involved in brain development during pregnancy and immune function. It may also help you sleep better, lose weight, and improve brain health.
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The fiber content in bananas aids in digestive health, weight management, and cholesterol reduction. It can also reduce the risk of colon cancer.
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Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage and boosting immune function.
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Speaking of antioxidants, bananas are rich in compounds like dopamine and catechins, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. With each bite, you are not only satisfying your taste buds but also nourishing your body with natural antioxidants that promote longevity and vitality.
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In summary, bananas offer a treasure trove of nutrients essential for optimal health.
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Health Benefits
Supports Heart Health
The rich potassium content in bananas plays an important role in regulating blood pressure, thus reducing the likelihood of cardiovascular ailments such as heart attacks and strokes. Moreover, bananas boast a wealth of magnesium, soluble fiber, vitamin C, and B vitamins, all of which contribute to overall heart health.
Potassium is particularly important here, with bananas serving as an excellent source, providing an average of 10% of the recommended daily intake. A diet abundant in potassium has been associated with lower blood pressure levels and a remarkable up to 27% reduction in the risk of heart disease. In addition, bananas offer a significant 8% of the recommended magnesium consumption, another essential mineral crucial for heart health. Magnesium deficiency may heighten the risk of heart disease, elevated blood pressure, and elevated blood lipid levels.
Moreover, the incorporation of soluble fiber into the diet further bolsters heart health by lowering LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels, thereby diminishing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
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Bone Health
Bananas contain several nutrients important for bone health, including manganese, vitamin C, and vitamin K. These nutrients contribute to bone density by increasing the absorption of calcium, and help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
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Digestive Health
Bananas are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps prevent constipation. The fiber content also supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
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Bananas are also considered an easy-to-digest food useful for people with gastrointestinal conditions such as gastrointestinal reflux disease or GERD, traveler's diarrhea, diverticulosis, and for individuals recovering from gastrointestinal-related surgeries. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America recommend banana as a snack food in their diet plan.
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Supports Kidney Health:
The potassium in bananas plays a crucial role in kidney function and blood pressure regulation. Adequate potassium intake can help prevent kidney stones from forming and protect against age-related decline in kidney function.
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May Help Manage Diabetes
Studies suggest that regularly eating healthy fiber may improve insulin sensitivity, making your body more responsive to the blood sugar-regulating hormone insulin. It is a medical fact that insulin resistance is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. A 2018 review noted that eating a high fiber diet may also lower blood sugar levels in those who already have the disease. Â
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Might Help Prevent Anemia
Bananas have a significant content of copper, which is an important element in the creation of red blood cells. By increasing your red blood cell count, not only do you prevent anemia, but you can also increase circulation to all parts of the body, thereby oxygenating them and optimizing their functionality.
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Promotes Muscle Function
Bananas are often hailed as an ideal fuel for athletes, thanks to their combination of easily digestible carbohydrates, potassium, and magnesium. During intense physical activity, the body loses electrolytes through sweat. Replenishing potassium and magnesium levels post-exercise can help alleviate muscle cramps and soreness associated with exertion. Insufficient potassium can lead to muscle weakness, making adequate potassium intake crucial for sustaining energy levels during exercise. Ensuring optimal potassium levels is particularly vital for athletes, as inadequate levels can result in muscle fatigue and compromised exercise performance.
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Preserving Memory and Enhancing Mood
Eating bananas may help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to enhance mood and memory, boosting a person’s ability to learn and remember things.
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Weight Management
Bananas are useful for weight loss, as they are relatively low in calories, high in fiber, and contain no fat. Their high fiber content contributes to feelings of fullness, potentially aiding in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.
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Maintain Eye Health
Bananas are packed with antioxidants and carotenoids, as well as a healthy mix of minerals that can seriously boost the eye health. Macular degeneration, cataracts, night blindness, and glaucoma have all been shown to decrease with normal intake of bananas and other similar fruits.
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Our organically dried bananas can be enjoyed in various ways, just like fresh bananas, and they make a convenient and delicious snack. Here are some suggestions:
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On their own: Enjoy dried bananas as a simple and portable snack straight out of the bag. They are sweet, chewy, and packed with flavor.
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Trail Mix: Mix dried bananas with nuts, seeds, and other dried fruits to create a homemade trail mix. This combination provides a balanced snack with protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
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Oatmeal or Cereal: Mix dried bananas into your morning oatmeal or cereal for a sweet and fruity addition. They rehydrate slightly when mixed with hot cereal, adding a burst of flavor.
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Baked Goods: Incorporate chopped dried bananas into homemade granola bars, muffins, cookies, or bread for a naturally sweet and chewy texture. They pair well with oats, nuts, chocolate chips, and other dried fruits.
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Smoothie Boost: Add a handful of dried banana slices to your favorite smoothie recipe for extra sweetness and thickness. They blend well with other fruits, yogurt, milk, or plant-based milk alternatives.
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Dessert Topping: Use dried banana slices as a topping for ice cream, yogurt parfaits, or puddings. They add natural sweetness and a chewy texture to desserts.
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Sandwiches and Wraps: Include dried banana slices in sandwiches or wraps with nut butter, honey, or jam for a sweet twist on classic combinations.
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      Resources Used for NWWF Blog #30: Dried Organic Banana
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/banana.html
https://www.health.com/bananas-8413931
https://www.verywellhealth.com/are-bananas-good-for-you-8363756
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271157
https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8009266/benefits-of-bananas/
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-bananas
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-bananas#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2