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If we want a convenience food, then the banana is the original. Neatly packaged in its attractive yellow skin it can easily be put in a handbag or lunch box to be unwrapped later in the day. In fact there are stories to suggest that it was not a fig leaf that Adam and Eve used for their modesty but a bunch of bananas - it would certainly have covered them a little more!

Banana Health Facts

This wonderful fruit is highly nutritious and is eaten by athletes all over the world because of its slow releasing energy which can keep you going just when you need it. What's more, children love the creamy sweet texture of this fruit and there is no other food that I can think of that a growing child loves to eat more than the banana, with the added secret of it being nutritionally sound.

For a teenager or anyone who is worried about, " Are bananas fattening ?" this is the perfect food for weight control, with the added bonus of clear healthy skin. Included in this little yellow package is lots of fibre which is something we all need to help remove waste and prevent constipation.

If you are a little anaemic, then a banana, which has lots of iron in it, can actually stimulate the haemoglobin in your blood which in turn helps restore your energy levels.

• Rich in potassium, riboflavin, niacin and fibre
• Full of vitamin A and C and calcium and iron
• Low in salt and cholesterol free

Are Bananas Fattening ?

No is the simple answer! As they have around 99 calories per 100g, this is where you can really get excited. Although bananas do not qualify for the fruit with the least calories they do compare to eating a snack of empty calories such as a packet of crisps or a chocolate biscuit which might have around about the same calories. If you are on a diet then replace your lunch with a banana smoothie which can help keep your energy levels balanced throughout the day while giving you the satisfaction of a delicious drink.

Store bananas in a cool place but not a refrigerator as they will go black.

1 banana will give you about 125ml of juice they are too soft to go into the juicer so use a blender instead.

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• 250ml low fat milk
• 1 banana
• 1/2 mango
• 1 teaspoon of peanut butter - high calorie warning, this is optional

Place all ingredients into a blender and pour into a tall glass.

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• 1/4 pineapple
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 grapefruit

Juice the pineapple and grapefruit together in a juicer. Pour the juice into a blender with the banana and mix until smoothe.

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• 1 banana
• 2 tablespoons of coconut milk or low fat milk
• 3 handfuls of strawberries

Blend in a blender before pouring into a large glass.

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