At the height of modern civilization and breakthrough, fitness and health remain some of the top concerns. Many research studies are conducted in attempts to discover healthier foods and lifestyles that can protect us from diseases. Studies are also conducted to identify cheaper alternatives to commonly consumed food options.
In recent times, primal diets have become popular and more people are getting drawn into a new way of thinking when it comes to dietary choices. This requires informative decision making where people understand their food, what value it brings, and the “bad” ingredients to be avoided if possible.
Green Banana Flour is one of the popular options that have recently entered the global market, but it has existed in several communities for centuries.
About Green Banana Flour
Green banana flour has been gaining popularity in the modern market as a replacement to various flours (including wheat), and is supported by revolutionary diets like the paleo diet and primal cuisines. However, banana flour is not new as it has been used in Jamaica and Africa for decades as a cheaper alternative to wheat flour.
In modern times, studies have shown that green banana flour contains resistant starch (which has several benefits) and unlike wheat, contains no gluten. When raw, the flour contains the strong banana scent and taste.
However, this quickly turns to an earthy-taste when cooked. It is basically flour sieved from dried green bananas. The flour also has a fine light grain consistency that results in consistent evenness when used in pastry.
The Benefits of Green Banana Flour
In Africa and Jamaica, green banana flour is used to replace wheat not only because it is cheaper, but also because it provides many other benefits.
Green banana flour is one of the most highly recommended alternatives to gluten products like wheat. It also has a high starch content that requires you to use less of it in pastry products.
As a rule of thumb, it is advisable to use 20-30% less flour in your recipes when using green banana flour. Compared to wheat, banana has the same properties, although you may need extra binding (like gums) in some recipes. Perhaps the biggest advantage banana flour has over wheat is as a gluten substitute.
Another benefit of green banana flour has to do with its high nutrient content. Green banana in itself is a fruit that contains various vitamins, minerals, andantioxidants . It is perhaps the best source of naturally acquired potassium and also contains calcium, dietary fiber, protein, sugar, and resistant starch. The lasts in particular has attracted a lot of attention following research studies that showed the benefits of resistant starch.
Basically, this is starch that won’t get digested in the small intestine, but still gives you a satisfied feeling. Resistant starch is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer and diabetes. It is also ideal for anti-obesity as it does not result in starch/sugar absorption and is passed out.
Banana flour is also an all natural product without additives or preservatives, making it one of the safest and healthiest gluten free alternatives in the market. People suffering from Celiac disease can benefit from replacing their starch requirements with green banana flour. They can fit any recipe and add more resistant starch content.
In other non-health related benefits, banana flour contributes to a better environment as it uses unripe green bananas, including those that are culled and thrown out during export. This provides a way to use even the small top-end bananas that are not fully developed. Additionally, the flour is widely available and finding it should be no problem.
Downsides
No side effects have been associated with green banana flour thus far, especially since bananas are already a common healthy food item. The only concerns that arise are with regards to production. In the past, most companies that produce banana flour have been linked with exploitation of third world countries in the plantations.
Nevertheless, a new agreement was reached to ensure plantation workers are treated fairly and given what they deserve from the produce. Other than these concerns, green banana flour is very healthy for use both as a nutritional alternative and in animal (calf) feed.
If you are allergic to bananas you should obviously avoid the use of green banana flour.
Top Green Banana Flour Products
With all the benefits it provides and a “no-side-effects” status, green banana flour is in high demand across the globe and there are several brands and offers available. Although no single brand can be identified as the best, there are various hallmarking attributes that can be used to distinguish top products from the rest.
Not all flours offered come without additional preservatives and potentially harmful ingredients. It is therefore important to carefully review your options.
Some of the reliable offers known to provide high quality green banana flour include:
Zuvii Banana Flour
This is one of the popular products in the market featuring pure green banana flour and contains 20g resistant starch, 330mg potassium, 2g dietary fiber, 4mg calcium, 1g protein, and 1g sugar. It comes in a durable re-sealable container and can be used to replace most wheat recipes including pasta, breads, and yellow noodles, among others.
Let’s Do Organic
This is another top product frequently bought by customers of Zuvii when they need a replacement.
Let’s Do Organic green banana flour goes a step further by ensuring that only natural organic bananas (farmed using organic guidelines) are used for production of the flour. This gives you more nutrition and quality compared to other mixed hybrid green bananas floating around the market.
NuNaturals Organic
Like Let’s Do Organic, NuNaturals only use organic bananas to produce their flour, resulting in excellent quality, nutrition, and consistency. They also promote their flour as vegan as it blends perfectly into a vegetarian diet and contains no additives.
Other top offers include Mountain Delight, WEDO banana flour, and Blue Lily Organics. These choices use organic bananas and are also some of the most highly sold and reputed products in the category.
Green Banana Flour Review Summary
When looking for green banana flour, there are several reliable quality offers in the market. It shouldn’t take much time separating top offers from the rest. Organic options are usually more recommendable than brands that use any other green banana available.
Organic qualification follows unique standards that ensure you get the best quality yield without any modifications or exposure to chemical fertilizers and pollutants. Only purchase from credible licensed retailers who can guarantee genuine quality flour.
