Go Bananas Over Blendtec Blenders

Bananas have a myriad of health benefits, which makes them even more enticing to add to your shake, smoothie, or drink.  Try this Blendtec recipe for a strawberry banana shake.  Don’t hold back on the bananas; about 4 a week can help you maintain general health.

Strawberry Banana Shake

Published 01/23/2006

• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, thawed
• 1/2 cup vanilla nonfat frozen yogurt or ice cream
• 1 tablespoon sugar or other sweetener, to taste
• 1/2 cup low fat milk
• 1/4 cup ice cubes
• 1 Peeled Banana

Place ingredients in blender jar in order listed above. Secure lid on top and press button #2.

6 (of many) Reasons to Go Bananas

Diet
These babies are loaded with fiber.  One banana has up to 14% of the RDA of dietary fiber.  The fiber in bananas not only keeps digestion regular, but also helps maintain low blood sugar and curbs overeating.  They are also ideal for an immediate and slightly prolonged source of energy

Lower Blood Pressure
Bananas are extremely high in potassium (about 4673mg), yet very low in sodium (1mg), thus having a perfect ratio for preventing high blood pressure.

Studies show that the high amounts of potassium in bananas (over 13% of the RDA) can lower one’s blood pressure, which in turn lessens the possibility of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.  In fact, the US Food
and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Bone Health
Along with lowering blood pressure, potassium prevents the weakening of the body’s bones. A high sodium intake, which is typical of many American diets, can cause excessive amount of calcium to be lost through the urine.  The potassium found in bananas neutralizes the high amounts of sodium in one’s diet, thus allowing for healthy amounts of calcium to remain within the body.

Stress and Depression
Bananas have protease inhibitors, a substance that breaks down bacteria in the stomach that cause ulcers. Bananas also contain tryptophan, an aminoacid that can be converted to serotonin, leading to improved mood.  Additionally, bananas are high in potassium.  During periods of high stress, our body’s potassium levels tend to be rapidly depleted: eating bananas is a healthy way to rebalance them without using drugs.

Cancer Prevention
A large study by the Internal Journal of Cancer illustrates that the probability of developing kidney cancer is greatly lessened (about 50%) by frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially bananas.

Vitamin B6
One banana has 34% of the RDA of vitamin B6, which serves many important roles in the body’s health. For example, the B6 in bananas acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that helps ward off cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, as well as obesity. B6 also contributes to the maintenance of the lymphoid glands that ensure the production of healthy white blood cells that protect the body from infection. Finally, the vitamin B6 in bananas plays a pivotal part in cell formation and proper nervous system function, making one banana a day a healthy and delicious choice.

Related articles

• Strawberry Banana Shake For The Blendtec Blender (buyblenders.net)
• Lemon Banana Sorbet Recipe For the Blendtec Blender (buyblenders.net)