Banana nut bread is just a variation of the banana bread. The exact origin of the recipe is not known although some experts say that it comes from Southeast Asia. The Greeks were known to have known about the banana plant, although there are documents showing if they used the plant as the main ingredient in bread making. This type of bread became popular in the 1930s with the popularity of baking soda and baking powder. It was also during this time that it became a staple recipe in most American cookbooks.

Banana Bread Recipes

The basic recipe consists of ripe banana mashed and mixed with flour, leavening agents, sugar, as well as nuts. You can add virtually any type of nut into this mixture but top favorites are peanuts, pecans, and walnuts. For more health benefits, you can add ground flaxseed or wheat germ. There are other recipes to choose from, from sour cream banana bread lightly dusted with cinnamon dust to sweet banana bread made creamier with buttermilk. Fruits such as cherries and pineapples can also improve the texture of your banana nut bread and will give the finished product a distinct Hawaiian flavor.

Health Benefits of Banana Nut Bread

Banana bread is known for its health benefits. For one, bananas are among the best sources of potassium, which are known to counteract the effects of sodium. Bananas are also helpful in strengthening bones, reducing one’s risk for atherosclerosis, and keeping the eyes healthy. Wheat germ is full of zinc, thiamine, phosphorus, and con-enzyme Q10, among others. Flax seed is an excellent source of fiber as well as essential nutrients such as ALA and omega-3 fatty acid, both of which are helpful in preventing the development of heart disease. The high fiber content may also be helpful in warding off colon cancer.

Finally, nuts, whether you are using walnuts, peanuts or pecans, are also great sources of fiber and unsaturated fats. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are responsible for warding off heart diseases. Nuts are also great sources of Vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant known to fight off the destructive effects of free radicals on the cells.