There are many meal combinations – going from the good to the great, the ridiculous, the wacky and the downright incredible. From good old pap and beans to the curious noodles and bread. And the snack options present another blue cloud of possibilities As for me, however, one of my favourite snack combos (and most Nigerians’ alike) is banana and groundnut. They are packed with several health benefits and can be found all year round. So it’s a win-win!
Banana
Bananas are very delicious and are a staple fruit all over the world – it’s not just a monkey thing (lol). It has multiple wonderful health benefits and should be added regularly to your daily dietary requirements.
Bananas are classified as nutritional powerhouses which contain several important vitamins and minerals such as potassium calcium, magnesium, iron, folate, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, as well as antioxidants which can boost your overall health.
Here are some compelling reasons to eat bananas
- It’s a great source of energy to start your day and also keeps your brain alert
- Due to Its high amounts of potassium, bananas are great for Heart health as it can regulate heartbeat, lower blood pressure, etc. it is also good for your kidneys and bones.
- It is high in fibre content and is low on calories but fills you up for longer periods of time
- It has strong anti-oxidant properties which can help protect you from free radicals
- Rich in Tryptophan, be guaranteed that eating bananas will boost your mood
- Ladies, you would love this next reason – It reduces symptoms of PMS and also relieves morning sickness
- Unripe (green) bananas have pectins and resistant starch that support the growth of good bacteria in the large intestine.
- Some studies have shown that ripe bananas are about 8 times more effective in boosting white blood cells than green (unripe) bananas
Peanut
Peanuts (more popularly known as groundnuts here in Nigeria) are one of the cheapest, most popular nuts in Nigeria and are very readily found at every corner of the country. Just like the banana, its health benefits are numerous and can easily be carried around.
It’s amazing how Nigeria, at a point in time, was very renowned for its groundnut pyramids and how everything slowly faded out. The Chinese often recommend the use of peanut skin for people with low platelet counts. Here are reasons you need to take groundnuts more seriously and stock up on them.
1. Studies show that it is an excellent source of biotin which increases your cognitive function and protects you from Alzheimer’s.
2. It reduces the risk of mortality and developing chronic diseases
3. It contains antioxidants and is a good source of fibre
4. It lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.
5. It is high in protein and is a great source of energy.
6. Groundnuts contain a trace amount of copper which is an essential micronutrient necessary for important physiological processes.
A creative way to combine them is by making a banana smoothie with sprinkled crushed groundnuts.
Bananas and groundnuts are tasty, perform wonders on the body and very pocket-friendly. So, when next someone calls you ‘local’ for snacking on them, just ignore and your body will thank you later!