New Year, New Healthy Habits, Let's Explore the Benefits of Consuming Bananas

New Year's Eve is synonymous with eating together. The tradition of eating to welcome the new year is actually carried out in almost all parts of the world. Even in welcoming the new year, there are several countries that have special foods that cannot be missed. For example, South America always serves the Hoppin' John menu, namely rice with pork and black-eyed peas as a coin symbol. There is also Spain with 12 Grapes that are eaten before the turn of the year. In Mexico there are Tamales which are corn dough filled with meat, cheese and other ingredients wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks. Next there is the Dutch with Oliebollen or fried balls with a dough like dumplings mixed with raisins. Austria and Germany also have a special food to welcome the New Year, namely Marzipan Schwein, which are small pigs made from candy and used to decorate tables. They celebrate the New Year by drinking wine mixed with cinnamon and spices as well as pork. And many other countries.

In Indonesia, the tradition of eating is usually grilled or barbequed. Indonesian people really enjoy holding welcoming parties by eating grilled corn, grilled sausages, grilled meatballs and several types of food that are often found at barbeque parties. But do young farmers know that eating excessive amounts of unhealthy food can have a bad impact on health? Excessive eating can trigger obesity, increase the risk of chronic disease, and can even cause mental problems. Let's start changing excessive and unhealthy food habits with healthy food choices such as fruit and vegetables. In the new year, there's nothing wrong with young farmers starting to change their habits by changing the menu at New Year's parties.

Fruit as a Healthy Food Choice

To welcome the New Year, young farmers may have a barbecue, but it must also be accompanied by healthy food such as fruit. Fruit is a source of various vitamins such as Vitamins A, B, B1, B6, C, E, and K as well as minerals and dietary fiber needed by the body. This nutritional content can certainly be an antioxidant in warding off free radicals. One fruit that young farmers can choose is bananas. Banana is a fruit that has many benefits for the body. The content contained in bananas is a good source for the body. Bananas contain vitamins B6, C, potassium, magnesium, fiber and carbohydrates. Not only that, bananas also contain compounds such as flavonoids and carotenoids which have antioxidant properties and can protect the body from free radicals and chronic diseases such as cancer.

Benefits of Bananas

Bananas have benefits for maintaining heart health due to their potassium content. Bananas are also known to help support digestive health as they are rich in fiber and can improve intestinal function, preventing constipation. Bananas are often consumed for weight loss and are a preferred fruit choice during dieting. They provide energy as they are a source of easily digestible complex carbohydrates. Bananas can also uplift mood and enhance brain health due to the presence of vitamin B6 and the amino acid tryptophan, which aids in the production of serotonin, a crucial hormone for mood and brain health. These components can also help young farmers improve sleep quality. The antioxidants in bananas contribute to protecting the body from free radicals and preventing chronic diseases. Bananas can be consumed by young farmers in various ways without compromising their nutritional benefits.

Banana Creations

Usually, young farmers consume bananas by eating them directly, in smoothies, and as accompaniments to other dishes. Here are some banana creations that young farmers can consider for menu options during the New Year celebration:

1. Banana Grilled Bugis:

A specialty from Bugis, this dish involves grilling bananas over charcoal until they are fully cooked and have a sweeter taste. Once cooked, young farmers can add a mixture of grated coconut, brown sugar, and honey as a topping.

2. Banana Oatmeal Nuggets:

A choice made from mashed bananas, oatmeal, milk, eggs, and sugar. The mixture is then shaped into squares or rounds and baked.

3. Sauteed Banana:

A dish made by frying bananas in hot oil until they turn golden brown, then served as a snack.

4. Banana Cream Pudding:

This dessert is made from mashed bananas mixed with ingredients such as milk, sugar, cornstarch, and heavy cream. It is then steamed until fully cooked and topped with whipped cream when served. (Nisa)