Food: Bananas: Recipe for banana cake

 Food : Bananas

Probably the commonest fruit  sold in the twin cities is the humble banana .  You see them almost throughout the year being sold off hand carts as well as  regular fruit shops. It is the poor man’s fruit and is very casually eaten  by people of all ages. And so it should be!

 It used to be a regular fix when I was a kid, it was there  when my kids were growing up and now it is a regular fixture in their homes! My two foster kids are growing by leaps and bounds ---I would like to give the credit for their growth to the daily banana.

I can hear a snort from a corner--- ‘Ha! it is meant for monkeys only!’

For just  such disbelievers,  let me elaborate on  all the things that are good and great about the humble banana

 A banana contains tryptophan-- an amino acid that is converted to serotonin which is the greatest  improver  of  moods.   So people who eat it just can’t help liking it.   Okay! What else?   It contains Vitamins B6 and B12 , potassium, iron, and  has been found to  help  in cases of anemia, constipation and diarrhea, maintaining healthy bones and teeth, regulating blood pressure, kidney health, improved nerve function, and stress relief.

Health benefits of banana
  Eating  a  banana  everyday makes one feel energetic.  In extreme weight loss or extreme fever where the body becomes weak ,  a  banana is a most appropriate food . It  is  a good source of potassium and magnesium which aid in maintaining normal blood pressure and protect the  heart.

 The high potassium content in a banana  promotes bone health. 

Bananas have an antacid effect and are said to protect against stomach ulcers. Consumption of  a banana helps to restore the potassium that is   lost when a patient suffers with diarrhea. Bananas are rich in the soluble fibre pectin. This  assists healthy digestion and eases out constipation. Bananas  stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria in the intestine.   This protects us from harmful bacteria that cause gastric disturbances.

Bananas are a good source of carotenoids which are antioxidants and have a protective effect against chronic disease condition. They also have a high content of antioxidant phenolic compounds.
. After a strenuous workout,  it is one of the ideal foods to be eaten . The simple sugars present in them quickly provide energy and normalize the blood sugar levels.

 Common Side Effects Of Banana

 Having said all of the above there are a few side effects  that can affect a few people if there is an overdose of bananas. For those who are on a diet, there is a possibility of gaining weight . To avoid this  one must   eat a  banana  along with other fruits. Excess of bananas can lead to severe headaches. The amino acids present in the banana are known to increase the blood flow to the brain and thus cause headaches.

Sleepiness: A banana is also known as a  sleep inducing fruit.  It  provides tryptophan to the brain. This in turn induces the body to produce more serotonin and melatonin which causes sleepiness. This side effect can be positive for those who  cannot sleep at night--- a banana eaten a few hours before bedtime can help you snooze.

  Lower blood pressure---  those Individuals on blood pressure medications should take necessary precaution; else banana may interfere with the blood pressure level. One banana a day can be beneficial for leveling the pressure, it is the excess of bananas  that can cause problems

Eat it or drink it!

 The best way to eat a banana is to peal it and eat it—as simple as that! But then there a few interesting combinations that  make the  eating of the banana  quite a treat!

A banana smoothie: Blend lemon, honey, yogurt and a banana for a super smoothie recipe and a big boost of energy to begin the day.

Ingredients:

• 2   whole  over ripe Bananas  (peeled and kept  aside)
• 2  cups Ice
• 1   cup Milk OR Vanilla Yogurt (dahi)
• 1   Tbsp. Honey
• Juice of 1/2    Lemon (optional)

Instructions

Pour all ingredients in blender pouring ice in last. Blend on high for 30 seconds or until smoothie thickens.

* Over ripe bananas work well for smoothies; however, you can use less ripe bananas,

*The lemon juice is a nice touch to cut the sweetness of the bananas. It is up to your personal taste

Banana milk shake: One ripe banana, one 250 ml glass of cold milk—Run the two together in the blender. No extra sugar is required as the blend   has  just the right amount  of sweetness. A perfect energy drink on the run!

The banana  cake

Ingredients:

3 over ripe bananas—mashed and kept aside

250 gms sugar

250 gms wholewheat atta

60 ml refined oil

3 eggs,

 1 ½ tsps baking powder, 60 gms walnut chopped fine, 1 tsp vanilla essence

Instructions

 Preheat oven at 190 degrees.

Add the mashed bananas and sugar in a blender and mix well. Add eggs one at a time. Sieve the whole wheat atta with baking powder, twice , so that it is well mixed. Do not throw away the bran after the sieving. Add it back to the mix.. Chop the walnuts and sprinkle a little atta on them. Add the atta mix to the banana-egg-sugar mix. Add the walnuts last and  the vanilla

Quickly pour into a cake tin and bake for 40 mins.

Check if it is done by inserting a clean dry knife. It should come away clean with nothing stuck on it. If  there is something still stuck on it,  Put it back in the oven for a few minutes more.

* If the top is brown and getting darker, cover with a dish before putting it back in the oven. Covering and baking helps the inside of the cake to cook evenly.

* Serve while it is hot

* If you have to take it out of the fridge, before eating,  then pop it into the microwave for 15 seconds—the flavors come out better!

Enjoy and let me know what it was like!