In 1951, world renown New Orleans restauranteur Owen Brennan was charged with creating a new dessert to honor the city’s recently appointed Chairman of the Crime Commission, Richard Foster. Together with his staff, Brennan gave the world Bananas Foster … and thus was born a love affair with the crescent-shaped delicacy here in the aptly named Crescent City. But New Orleans isn’t the only place celebrating the versatile yellow fruit. August 27 is National Banana Lovers Day, and Southshore is joining the party by indulging in all things banana – because the time is ripe. And they’re so a-peel-ling. Plus they’re ready in a split. (I think I’ve gone bananas. I just can’t stop monkeying around.)

Let’s talk health benefits and the mighty banana.

Potassium. Even a chimpanzee knows bananas are high in potassium, but what does that mean for your health? As one of the most abundant minerals in the body, potassium functions like an electrolyte helping to regulate our internal fluids and prevent dehydration.  It’s also been associated with heart and blood pressure as well as the prevention of strokes, kidney disease and osteoporosis.

Antioxidants. Our friend the banana contains bunches of powerful antioxidants including the potent flavonoid catechin. Serving as an anti-inflammatory, catechins have long been linked with the prevention of a broad cross-section of cancer types and other chronic diseases. Additionally, they are credited with boosting gut health and overall immunity.

Tryptophan. Like the infamous Thanksgiving turkey, bananas contain tryptophan, one of the nine essential amino acids that the body uses to break down food, repair tissue, build muscle and maintain healthy hair, skin and nails. What’s more? Tryptophan can also help regulate your mood, sleep, appetite and cognitive skills in case your memory, like a banana peel, is causing you to slip a little.

Digestion. As a good source of soluble fiber, bananas can to help regulate your blood sugar levels. Additionally, both ripe and unripe bananas contain the fiber pectin which aids in digestive regularity and has been credited with preventing colon cancer. Just remember … don’t be yellow about eating green bananas.

As you know, we never miss the chance for a party around here. So, how do we feel about the tropical treat at Southshore Physical Therapy? Maybe these pictures from Banana-palooza 2024 will tell the tale.

Happy National Banana Lovers Day!!