In the grand medleys of our lives, the threads of happiness, health, and food are woven intricately, painting a vibrant picture that comes into full bloom on International Happiness Day. This global celebration not only shines a spotlight on the joyous moments that lift our spirits, it also underscores the profound connection between our well-being and the sustenance we choose.
The path to happiness is often sprinkled with the flavours of nutritious meals and the shared experiences of dining with loved ones. It’s a day that calls us to acknowledge that true contentment lies in the harmony of mind, body, and soul, nurtured by the food that fuels us and the laughter that heals us.
On International Happiness Day, it’s fitting to spotlight bananas, famously dubbed the “happy fruits,” for their mood-boosting properties. Beyond their well-known role in elevating serotonin levels, bananas harbour a trove of lesser-known benefits that contribute to overall well-being. They serve as natural sleep aids due to their magnesium and potassium content.
They relax muscles for a restful night and provide a sustainable energy boost with their natural sugars, making them ideal for athletes. The dietary fibre in bananas, particularly the resistant starch found in slightly green ones, promotes digestive health and can aid in weight management by increasing feelings of fullness, while potassium supports heart health, potentially lowering the risk of stroke.
Bananas are referred to as “happy fruits” as they contain high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid which the body converts into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of well-being and happiness. Additionally, bananas are rich in vitamins, including Vitamin B6, which also helps in the synthesis of serotonin and minerals like potassium and magnesium, contributing to overall brain health and mood regulation.
The natural sugars in bananas, including fructose, glucose, and sucrose, provide an energy boost that can alleviate feelings of lethargy and improve mood. Additionally, dietary fibre stabilises blood sugar levels, preventing mood swings.
The combination of these mood-boosting nutrients makes bananas a go-to snack for a quick mood lift, justifying their nickname as the “happy fruit.” Incorporating a banana into your daily diet can be as simple as enjoying it as a quick on-the-go snack, blending it into a smoothie, slicing it onto your morning cereal or oatmeal, or even incorporating it into savoury dishes and desserts that reflect India’s rich culinary traditions.
Furthermore, their history as the world’s first cultivated fruit adds a delightful heritage aspect to their consumption. Moreover, bananas play a crucial role in promoting environmental well-being through their substantial contribution to atmospheric oxygenation—a facet of immense significance, particularly for the residents of Guwahati.
Given the city’s lamentable distinction as the second most polluted metropolis globally, the oxygen-producing capacity of bananas emerges not merely as an ecological asset but as a vital element in the quest for urban environmental remediation and sustainability. Given India’s status as a leading banana producer in the world, embracing the habit of consuming this readily available and affordable fruit daily can significantly contribute to a healthier lifestyle while supporting local farmers and the economy. Consuming one banana a day can be an easy and effective way to boost your intake of essential vitamins and minerals, support overall health, and enjoy the diverse culinary heritage of India.
While Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka were among the top banana-producing states, Assam is also a significant producer of bananas, particularly known for its unique varieties like the Bhim Kol or Athiya Kol.
The Bhim Kol, a variety native to certain regions, has been highlighted for its exceptional nutritional value, particularly as a potential baby food.
Research has revealed that Bhim Kol bananas are rich in vital nutrients, including potassium, manganese, zinc, and selenium, capable of satisfying 100% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for six-month-old infants with a mere 100g of fresh pulp. Additionally, the same serving size can provide significant portions of the RDA for magnesium, copper, iron, and phosphorus.
Beyond its mineral content, Bhim Kol bananas also offer a notable energy value and carbohydrates, with an increase in these nutrients as the fruit ripens. Vitamin C content, although it decreases upon maturation, still contributes a beneficial amount to the diet. The fruit is distinguished not only by its macro- and micronutrient profile but also by its amino acid composition, offering higher concentrations of essential and non-essential amino acids compared to commercial bananas.
Assamese cuisine creatively incorporates various parts of the banana plant, showcasing its versatility and sustainability. Dishes such as Banana flower chicken (Koldil Chicken), Banana cake (Kol Pitha), Banana stem curry/fry (Posola), Banana Kheer/ sweet dessert (Bhimkolor Payox), Bhapot Diya Maach, fish marinated and wrapped in banana leaves for steaming or grilling, highlight the aromatic benefits of the plant. Khar, an alkaline food adjuvant in North East India, is one of the popular traditional food items used by many ethnic people.
The Kolakhar (the name derived from the local term of Banana, “kol” or “kola”, and kshara, as khar) is made from banana stem, rhizome, and peel. Among the available varieties of banana in the NE region, Khar made from Musa balbisiana Colla (a wild variety of heavily-seeded banana locally known as “athiya kol” or “bhim kol” ) has the best quality. These dishes not only represent the rich culinary heritage of Assam but also its commitment to using every part of the banana plant.
Bananas nature’s comedic gold that packs a nutritional punch. It’s the only fruit that gives you a smirk before peeling back its layers to reveal its true, potassium-rich essence. In a world full of complex carbohydrates, the banana stands as a beacon of simple, sweet energy. On this day dedicated to joy, the humble banana stands out not just for its immediate effects on happiness and health but also for its rich contributions to a joyful, well-rounded life. It is the only acceptable form of slipping on nutrition and landing on good health as the fruit peels away the seriousness of dietary advice, one yellow jacket at a time. Peel one for a dose of happiness, and remember, a banana a day keeps the gloom away!
The author is a Senior Research Fellow at the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Thanjavur. Views expressed are personal.
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