Banana Smoothie Recipe Promotes Overall Wellness

banana smoothie recipe image of banana apple and celery

A banana smoothie recipe provides energy and long-term health benefits. With origins linked to Malaysia, the banana is a member of the Musaceae family of flowering plants. The banana as a key ingredient in a smoothie recipe boasts significant levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, manganese, potassium, fiber and phytochemicals. These nutrients work towards healing, preventing disease and raising energy levels.

Banana Smoothie Recipe Increases Energy and Muscle Performance

Due to the nutritional qualities of the banana fruit, a banana smoothie recipe energizes the system naturally. Along with fiber, the sugars of bananas sustain energy levels.  The sugars of fructose, glucose and sucrose present in bananas are in their simplest form. These carbohydrates are quite digestible. The body can burn these calories quicker than calories derived from fat and protein. Bananas also help the muscles by replacing glycagon which is used as fuel during exercise. Studies show that the carbohydrates in bananas efficiently convert to muscle glycagon to prevent fatigue and dehydration.

The potassium levels of this fruit also help with muscle contraction and relaxation.  Potassium is an electrolyte which is a mineral that carries an electrical charge.  Other electrolytes include sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium and magnesium. They transmit electrical signals between nerves and cells. An imbalance of electrolytes can cause muscle cramping due to the misfunction of electrical impulses. Muscles have trouble relaxing. Potassium deficiencies are said to cause problems with the ability of the muscle in using glycagon as well.

Banana Smoothie Recipe Supports Digestive Health

banana smoothie recipe fruit image

Bananas contain prebiotic fiber which supports probiotics (good bacteria) in the digestive system. The prebiotic fiber guards against damaging pathogens to ensure healthy digestion, effective nutrient absorption and elimination. One such benefit is the body's ability to absorb calcium. Regarding soluble fiber, the pectin content of bananas helps in the elimination process, allaying constipation. Overall, fiber keeps blood sugar levels intact and allows a feeling of fullness to prevent overeating. A steady release of natural energy is enjoyed.

Other digestive benefits come from the banana and their ability to prevent ulcers. Compounds known as protease inhibitors get rid of the bacteria which cause stomach ulcers. Bananas also act as natural antacids by coating the stomach lining with excess mucus to neutralize and protect against stomach acids.

To further assist the digestive process, create a banana smoothie recipe with a sub-acid fruit such as raspberries or blueberries and a vegetable such as celery or lettuce. Bananas are classified as a sweet fruit and combine well with sub-acid fruits and leafy greens. Certain combinations of fruit and vegetables may hinder digestion due to the differing amount of time foods need to digest. For example, fruits in the melon category digest very quickly while sweet fruits take a little more time because of their water content. Sometimes fruit can ferment while waiting for slower digesting foods.

Sample Banana Smoothie Recipe

  • 2 Bananas
  • 1/4 Cup Raspberries
  • 1/2 Cup Lettuce
  • 1/2 Cup Filtered Water

Vitamin Content

banana smoothie recipe image of a raspberryDue to the bananas and raspberries, this banana smoothie recipe provides a high amount of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant which defends against free radical damage to cellular structures and functions.  Vitamin C also helps the body to absorb iron and rebuild tissues.  The Vitamin B6 in bananas and romaine lettuce supports the immune system through synthesis of antibodies. In addition, Vitamin B6 helps digest proteins and  has a role in red blood cell formation.  The Vitamin A content found in romaine lettuce fights disease causing antigens.  Not only giving moisture to the body, Vitamin A has a major influence on vision and skin health. 

Mineral Content

A good source of the trace mineral manganese is found in raspberries and bananas.  Manganese is necessary to activate certain enzymes which use vital nutrients such as asorbic acid and thiamin.  This mineral also works toward optimal health of the body's nerves, bones, thyroid gland and blood sugar levels. Aside from supporting muscle function, the potassium found in bananas and romaine lettuce are responsible to balance the amount of water in the body and the acid alkaline environment as well.

Thus a simple and unrefined banana smoothie recipe packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients has vast health benefits.

Related Article

Healthy Breakfast Smoothie Recipes Detoxify The Body

Learn more about a banana smoothie recipe and others. Look about the site and find healthy smoothie recipes for weight loss, increased energy, detoxification and balancing the body's internal systems for self-healing:

Banana Smoothie Recipe