We know foods impact on the body is huge – inside and out. Since the beginning of the whole food for the whole body journey, we have proven the brilliance of the avocado, discovered why Extra Virgin Olive Oil is referred to as liquid gold. We’ve explored natures very own multivitamin – the egg, we’ve found out how to cure-all with chamomile and have benefited from ‘the fruit of the Angels’ – papaya. This week I found out how nature’s ultimate energy snack can do more for you than you might think.

Nourish from within:

Beat depression with bananas high levels of tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid which converts to serotonin; serotonin is the neurotransmitter responsible for balancing mood.

Sleep better with the combination of serotonin production and the magnesium contained in this fruit. It is the perfect before bed snack.

Recover quicker with the high levels of B-vitamins, potassium and magnesium bananas contain. This vitamin and mineral combo speeds up recovery from illness and exercise.

How to: 

Banana Bread – this convenient comfort food has endless variations. Don’t be fooled by the shop brought banana breads that are likely to be laden with refined sugar, give this recipe a go instead: http://trainerluke.com/recipes

Banana Brekkie – who doesn’t love pancakes for brekkie? Excite your taste buds and nourish your body with this brilliant recipe:

Easy-Peasy Protein Pancakes:

Ingredients

• 1 Banana (the larger sugar bananas work best, or 2 small lady fingers)
• 2 eggs
• Pinch of nutmeg and a teaspoon of cinnamon
• A little organic butter, or coconut oil (for frying)
• Toppings of choice. BUF loves frozen berries and CoYo coconut yoghurt. We’re also partial to a little almond butter, or a drizzle of organic maple syrup.

Method:

• Pop bananas, eggs, a pinch of nutmeg and generous serve of cinnamon in your blender and mix well.
• Pour your batter into a slightly oiled or buttered pan and cook as you would regular pancakes. Recipe makes one large, or two small cakes.
• Serve with your topping/s of choice.

Top Tip: Best eaten on a sunny balcony, with the Jack Johnson song, ‘Banana Pancakes’ playing in the background. Sigh…

Banana Break – of course, a simple banana alone is a great and easy snack. Try freezing one for instant healthy ice cream – perfect!

Treating the outside:

Packed with all the essential vitamins and minerals needed for healthy, glowing skin. The benefits of a banana don’t stop at eating them. Available all year round the banana is the perfect addition to anyone’s beauty regime.

How to:

Face mask

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• ¼ cup plain yogurt
• 2 Table spoons honey

Method:

Mash all the ingredients together in a clean bowl, apply to the face and neck avoiding the eye area. Lay back and relax for 15-20 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Follow with your favourite moisturiser.

Tips:

• If your skin is on the oily side add a teaspoon of lemon juice.
• For a dryer skin add a couple of drops of almond oil.
• If you are looking to reduce those wrinkles, replace the yogurt with ½ an avocado.