Without doubt, bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world and believe it or not, more than 150 countries cultivate more than 105 million tones of this fruit per year.
The banana we know and commonly eat is with a yellow color; however, many do not know that there are other types of bananas with other colors such as the blue java banana. In addition to being blue, this variety has a lot of health benefits to offer too.
What Kind of Bananas Are the Blue Java Bananas?
Also known as Ice Cream or Hawaiian Banana, this variety is rather chubby and may get as big as 7 inches long. The skin of the fruit has a silvery-blue color while the flesh is white.
This cold-tolerant fruit is sweet and aromatic with a consistency similar to ice cream and a flavor reminding us of vanilla. It originates from Southeast Asia and prevails throughout the Hawaiian Islands. When the banana is unripe, it has a silvery blue color and once it ripens, it turns pale yellow.
The Amazing Health Advantages of Java Bananas
These bananas, similarly to the Cavendish ones we regularly eat, have a lot of benefits to offer. They are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins B6 and C, as well as protein, manganese, copper, magnesium, and potassium.
Here are some of its best health advantages explained in detail:
- Balance the blood sugar
Thanks to the pectin and resistant starch in not-fully-ripe java bananas, you will balance your blood sugar after meals and lower your appetite by slowing down the emptying of the stomach. Since they have a low to medium GI, in healthy individuals, these bananas will not cause blood sugar spikes.
- Boost the mood
Since they contain vitamin B6 which is pivotal for the synthesis of serotonin, blue bananas can help you boost your mood. The RDA for this vitamin in adults is 1.3 mg and one medium banana has approximately 0.4 mg of this vitamin. Therefore, preparing a smoothie or homemade ice cream with two to three blue bananas supplies you with more than 75 percent of the RDA of this vitamin.
- Enhance the digestion
Bananas have non-digestible fibers like alpha-glucans and cellulose that help avert constipation and regulate the bowel function. The resistant starch found in unripe bananas does not get digested and goes into the large intestine where it feeds good gut bacteria. Some studies also suggest that the pectin in bananas may lower the risk of colon cancer.
- Improve the heart health
Potassium is pivotal for a healthy heart and a good thing is that blue bananas have plenty of it. Getting sufficient amounts of potassium helps lower the blood pressure and minimize the risk of heart illness by 27 percent.
Where to Find Blue Bananas?
Unfortunately, finding these bananas in the US and Canada may be challenging; however, a good thing is that you can order them online from Miami Fruit in Florida.
You can also find tips online on how to grow your own blue bananas in your garden and always have a batch ready!
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