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15 Bendy Facts About Bananas

They are a type of fruit that grows in primarily tropical regions. They are usually the color yellow when ripe but can also be green, purple, and red. Bananas have soft and sweet flesh that has a creamy texture. They can be eaten on their own but some people prefer to add them to baked goods or sliced over cereal or even yogurt. 

Bananas are commonly used in desserts like banana bread and as a natural sweetener in recipes. Due to the fact that bananas are high in carbohydrates, they are often recommended for people with digestive issues. Their peel can be used for polishing silver or soothing insect bites.

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However, as much as bananas are among the most healthy fruits, many people are allergic to bananas. People who consume a lot of bananas within a short period of time end up having excess sugar and calories. Doctors advise people to eat bananas in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

1. They Have Identifiable Characteristics

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Bananas are the most identifiable fruits with their slightly curved shape and bright yellow are the basic characteristics. Before they turn ripe, they start as green, and over time they turn yellow. However, there are variants of bananas with the colors reddish or purple skin when fully ripe.

The skin of bananas is smooth and thin making it easy to peel. The inside is soft, creamy, and moist. They are naturally sweet in flavor with a hint of tartness when not overly ripe.

2. Bananas are Very Nutritious

They are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The benefits of eating a banana are gaining vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber. However, bananas are also low in calories and are fat-free as well as cholesterol-free.

Bananas also have several health benefits like aiding digestion, regulating blood pressure, and promoting heart health. Due to this, many people enjoy bananas regularly.

3. Banana is an Arabic Word

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The scientific name for the banana plant is Musa. However, the popular name came from an Arabian trader. This is because bananas it is believed that they originated from Southeast Asia. The name banana was derived from an Arabic word, banan.

4. They Have a Short Shelf Life

Compared to other fruits, bananas have a shorter lifespan. Due to the fact that they ripen quickly, which leads to them being overripe and developing brown spots. If not consumed in a timely manner, they can be thrown out as fast as they are bought. 

5. Bananas are The Most Cultivated Fruits

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They are available all year round in most grocery stores and markets. They are widely cultivated and consumed globally. The perfect environment for growing bananas in tropical regions. Countries such as India, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Brazil. The entire continent of Africa grows bananas in almost every country.

6. Bananas Can be Used for Numerous Purposes

Primarily, they have a number of purposes that benefit human beings as well as animals. On their own, bananas can be eaten for breakfast, snacks, or even as an ingredient in various recipes. 

Bananas can also be used for detoxification properties. Because they contain soluble fiber, they are able to flush out toxins from the body and help maintain a healthy digestive system.

7. They Promote the Mental and Physical Well-being of People

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Bananas have been considered a mood-enhancing food that produces serotonin which is also known as the feel-good hormone. Consuming bananas help in reducing anxiety, and promote relaxation.

The rich composition and high potassium content in bananas are favored by athletes as a pre and post-workout snack. Natural sugars in bananas also provide an energy boost while potassium helps prevent muscle cramps and aid in recovery.

8. Bananas can be Used for Industrial Purposes

As much as they are fruits, they have some industrial uses that can benefit the economy of a country. The plant fibers from banana stems can be used to make paper, bio-plastics, and textiles. Countries like Japan and Nepal are known for using bananas for making ceremonial garments that were used by the wealthy.

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9. Bananas can be Consumed in Various Ways

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The common way to eat a banana is by simply peeling it. However, over the years, people have created new and fantastic ways of consuming a banana. Some chose to add it to their cereal and oatmeal. While others mash the banana and use it as a natural sweetener in baking recipes. 

Some of the recipes are very helpful for babies. They include making a banana smoothie, using it as an alternative to jelly or butter, and making a nice cream that is smooth, creamy, and easy for infants to eat.

10. Bananas are Categorized as Berries

Even though bananas are basically labeled as fruit, they have been a global debate on what category they actually belong to. Many people have come to the conclusion that bananas are technically berries. However, others believe that bananas are herbs because of the plants they grow on.

11. They can Float on Water

Bananas have a dense composition which helps them float in water. This is also caused by the air pockets within the structure of bananas that make them denser than water. Due to this bananas can float on water for some time before they rot and begin to decompose.

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12. Bananas Have a Popular Catch Phrase

The phrase “Going Bananas” originated from the behavior of monkeys who became overly excited after eating a banana. This phrase throughout the world and has been used in film, TV Shows as well as comedy shows. The phrase is used when a person or animal goes wild or exhibits extreme excitement.

13. They Referred to as Hand

When purchasing bananas, they are called a hand when referring to a cluster. However, when talking about each individual banana, it is called a finger. These terms are normally used in markets and grocery stores especially when deciding how many bananas one wants.

14. They Were used In Ancient Rome

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Bananas can be traced back to the 1st century when they were commonly used as a culinary ingredient in ancient Rome. They were used for a number of dishes and also eaten as a dessert.

15. Bananas Can Cause Allergies

Some individuals can have an allergic reaction to bananas.  However, it should be noted that allergies can occur because of increased intake or simply a health problem.

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Bananas are among the most traded fruits in the world. With its numerous purposes and health benefits, many people have it as a common fruit in their households. Bananas have become the common solution to digestive issues, and constipation. All in all, they are very beneficial to human beings and animals alike.