I am 5’3″ and I eat between 5 and 10 bananas on an average day.

Double take. Wait, how many bananas?

Oh yeah, 10 bananas, no problem. And there’s nothing crazy about it once you understand how healthy this extraordinary fruit is for you.

You see, there’s a particular nutrient that every single cell in your body is craving—every single day. (My body is craving it too.)

Humans used to get an abundance of it in their diets—to the tune of 10,000 milligrams daily—but now, with a modern Western diet, we’re missing out. These days, you’re lucky if you get in 3,000 milligrams per day.

This key nutrient most of us are lacking is none other than potassium. The recommended daily minimum is 4,700 milligrams—and 98 percent of Americans are not getting enough. To put things in perspective, 4,700 milligrams of potassium would be the equivalent of at least five bananas.

Bananas are just one source of this crucial element. Plants are full of it, too. Get your daily veggie fix, and you’ll have all the potassium you need.

But if you want to eat loads of bananas (and why wouldn’t you?!) this one-minute easy, dreamy banana ice cream recipe is the perfect place to start.

Are you ready to get nourished?

One-Minute Vegan Banana Ice Cream

Simple Ingredients

5 ripe bananas, peeled and frozen (freeze when there are black spots on the peel for optimum nutrition)
1/4 cup coconut milk (or coconut cream for a richer treat)

Optional Toppings

Crushed macadamia nuts
Maple syrup (100 percent pure only!)
Vegan chocolate sauce
Chopped fresh fruit

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine the frozen bananas in a food processor with just enough coconut milk (or other non-dairy mylk) to get them moving. Process until smooth. Serve in small bowls, topped with the tasty additions of your choice.

Enjoy the wildly satisfying experience of delicious nutrition!

~

Sources:

Cogswell ME, Zhang Z, Carriquiry AL, Gunn JP, Kuklina EV, Saydah SH, Yang Q, Moshfegh AJ. Sodium and potassium intakes among US adults: NHANES 2003-2008. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Aug 1.

Eaton SB, Konner M. Paleolithic nutrition. A consideration of its nature and current implications. N Engl J Med. 1985 Jan 31;312(5):283-9.

Jew S, AbuMweis SS, Jones PJ. Evolution of the human diet: linking our ancestral diet to modern functional foods as a means of chronic disease prevention.

 

Author: Donna Wild
Image: Author’s Own
Editor: Catherine Monkman
Copy Editor: Travis May
Social Editor: Yoli Ramazzina