Food & Drink 

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A-Z of bananas

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J is for Jungle
The best bananas grow in dense jungles that provide sufficient protection from winds, which can blow over trees or disrupt their growth, and the sun, which can scorch the leaves. The best position for a banana plant is next to a building or asphalt road, as these can radiate much needed heat to the plant.

K is for Knife
The 'proper' way to eat a banana is, according to Debrett's Guide to Etiquette and Modern Manners, with a knife and fork: 'The eating of fruit can be a social minefield for the uninitiated.Bananas must never be eaten monkey-style at the table. Firstly, peel with a knife, pulling off the skin in vertical strips. Cut off around one third of an inch at each end and then cut small discs of fruit and eat either with the fingers or a fork, if provided.'

L is for Lottery tickets
Only lottery tickets and petrol outsell bananas, which are the most valuable food product in supermarkets.

M is for Mosquito
In some tropical regions, the insides of banana skins are rubbed on mosquito bites to reduce the swelling and irritation.

N is for Nibblers
Psychologists have identified five personality types based on the way people eat bananas:

Nibblers peel the banana slowly, carefully eating only the exposed area - they tend to be cautious, thoughtful and conservative.

Munchers peel the banana fully and take large greedy bites - these people are positive and independent types.

Breakers break their bananas into quarters and eat them section by section - revealing creativity, sensuality and thoughtfulness.

Cutters eat their bananas from plates, cutting the fruit into pieces and eating with a knife and fork - they tend to be highly organised control freaks.

Eccentrics are unpredictable, eating their bananas in a variety of different ways: breaking it into three, for example, or eating from the middle. These people are non-confirmists, rebellious and impulsive.

O is for Overweight
Nutritionists researching obesity in Austria have found that bananas are the ideal food for avoiding panic-induced bingeing. The Austrian Institute of Psychology concluded that eating a banana every two hours would mean no more cravings for chocolate or crisps.

P is for Potassium
Per 100g, bananas provide a whacking 400mg potassium. A lack of potassium in the diet is now known to be a significant factor in the nation's rising blood pressure, so a banana or two a day can both help prevent and treat hypertension.

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