Go Bananas!

We’re not monkeying around— bananas are a wellspring of nutritional sustenance. Along with vitamins B and C, bananas pack an impressive punch of potassium and fiber as well. And that’s not all—bananas have medical and cosmetic benefits as well. Costa-Rican farmers may not have been aware of the full range of banana benefits when they started growing them in 1870, but they’re certainly happy to hear them. One of the largest banana harvesters in the world, Costa-Rica is finally being rewarded with a special sticker—no, not a gold star—even better. As of 2011, Costa Rica’s bananas will don a label denoting its country of origin, allowing consumers to be choosier when it comes to selecting their favorite fruit.

Fabulous Fruit

By far the most popular fruit in America, bananas are loved by both kids and adults nationwide. Perhaps appreciated primarily for its unique taste and texture, bananas offer much more in terms of both nutritional and medical benefits. Here are just a few of the advantages of going bananas:

Fast Energy-Move over Redbull, bananas are a natural source of quick energy. Quite popular among runners, bananas are portable, easy to peel and eat, and offer an average of 114 nutrient-packed calories, including a good bit of natural sugar to boost low glucose levels.

Cure-all- Well, almost. Bananas can be used to treat a variety of different medical conditions including anemia, stomach ulcers, constipation, infertility, macular degeneration, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and even some forms of cancer. This miracle fruit has also been shown to prevent potentially-fatal strokes and is often recommended during pregnancy to ward off morning sickness and maintain blood sugar. People wishing to conquer their addiction to nicotine may find eating bananas helpful as well since their vitamin content (particularly vitamin B6 and B12) help the body adjust to the lack of nicotine in its system.

Non-Food Uses of Bananas

Although typically appreciated for its taste and nutritional value, the banana has other uses besides filling one’s stomach. The peel of a banana, for instance, can be used to lessen the effects of a mosquito bite. A mashed banana mixed with honey and vanilla and then rubbed into the hair can smooth the cuticles and help hair appear healthier and shinier.

Costa-Rican Cash Crop

One of the primary cash crops and second only to tourism as the country’s biggest money-maker, bananas thrive in Costa-Rica’s warm and humid climate. Costa Rica has been harvesting bananas since the end of the Spanish Inquisition, becoming the first Central American country to grow the fruit. Now one of the biggest banana exporters, Costa-Rican bananas will finally be distinguished by their own "country-of-origin" label, a move from the National Banana Corporation intended to increase the value of the bananas grown in Costa-Rica. The country hopes this label will help distinguish it from other Central American-based exporters accused of mistreating workers, facilitating drug trade, and tainting the environment with dangerous pollutants. This patriotic plan to build its reputation is quite a step forward since the 1999 claim that Costa Rican bananas contained flesh-eating bacteria (a rumor that later was proven to be completely false, by the way).

So, next time you feel your tummy rumbling, resist the chips and pick up a banana instead—preferably, a Costa-Rican one.

About the Author: Steve Linder is the marketing manager for Pacific Lots of Costa Rica, www.PacificLots.com, the largest expat development in Costa Rica and located in the southern Pacific region of the country. Now in their 22nd year, Pacific Lots is the largest seller of real estate, ocean view home sites and custom homes and properties for expats in Costa Rica. Click here to request more information.