Banana Ice Cream & Chocolate Smoothie
These 2 simple recipes can satisfy a sweet tooth and as you read on you will discover how good bananas are for you.
Banana ice cream is made from only bananas which are peeled and frozen. Until you’ve tried it, you won’t believe how delicious it tastes.
You can buy bananas cheaper when they have brown dots on them (not black) as the starch has turned to sugar making them much sweeter to the taste.
Japanese Study Findings
Bananas which are fully ripe produce a substance called TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) which has the ability to combat abnormal cells, according to Japanese scientific research.
As the banana ripens it develops dark spots or patches on the skin which increases immunity enhancement. The effect is higher the more dark patches and speckles it has.
According to the Japanese study this substance can help in empowering the immune system to do its job effectively.
So eating the ripe bananas may just prevent certain lifestyle diseases and carcinogenesis.
Let’s Go Bananas
When they are frozen it changes the texture and as you add water or rice milk/almond/hemp milk it turns into ice cream and tastes delicious. When you add more liquid it turns into a smoothie.
Here is another of my favourite recipes;
Coffee Frappe
Coffee frappe starts with the same frozen banana base with added liquid.
Ive added a barley coffee to the mix to turn it into a frappe. The heavier taste of the coffee hides the banana taste, so even if you don’t like bananas you may enjoy this.
If you want it to be sweeter the add some dates soaked for 20 minutes or so.
Remember to check and remove the stones. ( I didn’t and one was in my mix!)
If you want your smoothies really smooth then strain your smoothie first as the dates don’t seem to blend completely into a liquid. Leave them in if you want something to chew on. ( they are very sweet).
More About Bananas
- One of the most nutritional fruits readily available today.
- Water-rich: 76% water.
- Vitamins: B6, C.
- Minerals: manganese, potassium, copper.
- Can be eaten on the go.
- Strengthen nervous system.
- Reduce blood pressure.
- Help to maintain a healthy, strong immune system.
Tryptophan Help To Be Happier
Bananas contain tryptophan which is a natural amino acid that is vital in the human diet. Without this amino acid, the body cannot manufacture serotonin, which is a hormone linked to happiness.
Research has suggested that low levels of serotonin can lead to depression.
Therefore, it is essential that tryptophan is included in your diet to keep your serotonin levels, and your moods, regular. If they are not, this could lead to comfort and emotional eating, which wouldn’t be good for your plan.
Research has also found a link between low levels of serotonin and aggression. In a study of vervet monkeys, Raleigh et al (1991) found that those fed on a diet low in tryptophan showed increased aggression. Therefore, this amino acid plays a vital part in ensuring that you are a pleasant, happy person.
Furthermore, tryptophan also leads to the production of melatonin, known as the “sleep hormone”. A good night’s sleep is essential when trying to lose weight as research has found that people who were sleep deprived were more likely to buy junk food when shopping.
Metabolism functioning is also affected by sleep deprivation, which may make it harder for you to shift the pounds. Furthermore, if you are tired, you are less likely to be motivated to exercise which will have a negative impact on your weight loss goals. You may also feel irritable which may lead to emotional eating.
Tryptophan is available as a supplement, however it is also found in many foods. Some healthy plant based delicious foods high in tryptophan, are:
- Seeds and nuts
- Bananas
- Avocado
- Coriander
- Seaweed
