Green Banana Flour

Green Banana Flour is well known in Africa and Jamaica as a popular alternative to wheat flour. The texture resembles lighter wheat flours, with a mild banana flavour when eaten raw and an earthy flavour when cooked.

Green Banana flour is a resistant starch, that functions like soluble fiber, thereby behaving like a slow release carbohydrate. Due to the characteristics of resistant starch, Green Banana Flour promotes healthy gut bacteria, lowers pH levels and maintains healthy cells. 

4LifeZA Green Banana Flour is sourced from Adore Nature, the only South African Producer of Green Banana Flour and Chips.

Green Banana Flour Benefits

May Reduce Negative Effects of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is not so much a disease as it is a set of risk factors involving high blood pressure, high blood sugar, obesity and high cholesterol levels. The combination of these conditions, poses an increased risk of diabetes and heart related disease.

Promotes a Healthy Colon

A healthy colon requires a healthy gut,  which is why probiotics and prebiotics are so popular today.  When the bacteria eat the resistant starch, the process produces a short-chain fatty acid called Butyrate.  Butyrate maintains the health of the cells lining the colon, and also combats cancerous cells. The combination of potassium present in banana and Butyrate, provides powerful cell support.

Could Reduce Insulin Sensitivity

Scientific research indicates that dietary Butyrate, can assist in the prevention of diet-induced insulin resistance.

Possibly Aid Weight Loss

Resistant starch helps to manage blood sugar levels and may also assist with weight management.  Green Banana Flour offers bulk and when eaten creates a feeling of fullness sooner than with other foods, thereby promoting satiety.

May Reduce Cholesterol Levels

Foods that are considered a source of resistant starch may help reduce cholesterol levels, which means Green Banana Flour itself is a cholesterol-lowering food.

Precautions

Start with small amounts when using Green Banana Flour it can potentially cause digestive issues like bloating, gas or soft stools when introduced too quickly.  Individuals with a latex allergy should also be careful, as green bananas contains proteins similar to those in latex that can cause a reaction.  Due to its unique properties, Green Banana Flour should be blended with other flours in baking to prevent dry, crumbly results.   It works well as a thickener in sauces and stews

Green Banana Flour Brownie Recipe

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 160C
2. Combine coconut oil and honey well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the banana flour and cacao powder together.
4. Gradually add the flour mix to the coconut oil and honey.
5. Add in the eggs, one a a time, and beat well.
6. Fold in the nuts and dates, and gently mix up to even distribution.
7. Pour the batter into a lined baking pan.
8. Bake at 160C for 20 minutes or until a prick test shows a few moist crumbs.
9. Sprinkle desiccated coconut on top for flavour and serve with fresh cream or ice cream.