Banana Pancakes Recipe


Pancakes Topped With Banana Slices

Banana Pancakes Recipe

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed

DIRECTIONS

  • Gather all ingredients.
  • Combine flour, white sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Mix together egg, milk, vegetable oil, and bananas in a second bowl. Stir flour mixture into banana mixture; batter will be slightly lumpy.
  • Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake.
  • Cook until pancakes are golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Serve hot.

SUGGESTED TOPPINGS

  • Maple or Pancake Syrup
  • Honey & Peanut Butter
  • Fruit & Whipped Cream
  • Nutella
  • Jam or Jelly

Recipe Source: AllRecipes.com

Bananas: Nutritional Facts and Wellness Boost


Fresh Bananas

What Are The Health Benefits of Bananas?

Bananas provide a quick energy boost due to their high natural carbohydrate content. Bananas contain Vitamin B6, which plays an important role in converting food to energy. The fiber in bananas helps to regulate blood sugar levels , providing a steady release of energy.

How To Incorporate Bananas Into Your Diet

  • Convenient Snack
  • Banana Smoothie
  • Bake Banana Bread, Cookies or Muffins
  • Cereal Topping
  • Frozen Banana Ice Cream

Chilled Yellow Squash Soup With Dill


Yellow Squash Soup

Chilled Yello Squash Soup With Dill Recipe

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds yellow summer squash – halved, seeded, and sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 quarts vegetable broth
  • 4 ounces plain yogurt
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill

DIRECTIONS

  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and cook onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add yellow squash. Cook and stir until starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until soft, about 20 minutes.
  • Puree soup using a stick blender until smooth. Let cool to lukewarm. Stir in yogurt and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir in dill and chill in the refrigerator at least 4 hours. Serve chilled.

Recipe Source: AllRecipes.com

Why Yellow Squash is Great for Healthy Aging


Yellow Squash

What Is Yellow Squash?

Yellow squash is a type of summer squash that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes cucumbers, pumpkins, and melons. It’s typically harvested while still immature, which gives it a tender texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. Yellow squash is commonly used in a variety of dishes, both cooked and raw.

Botanically, yellow squash is actually a fruit since it comes from a flower and contains seeds. Foods such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers are also considered fruits by botanists, but treated as vegetables in the kitchen.

What Are The Nutritional Benefits of Yellow Squash?

Yellow Squash is a nutritious vegetable, rich in vitamin C, fiber, vitamin B6, folate, beta-carotene, potassium, fiber, lutein, manganese, antioxidants, and low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Yellow squash is low in calories and has a low glycemic index of about 15. These factors makes it a popular choice for healthy cooking.

Nutritional Support and Healthy Aging

Yellow squash offers several nutritional benefits that support healthy aging, thanks to its content of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Here’s how it contributes to aging well.

  • Brain and cognitive health
  • Heart health
  • Eye health
  • Bone health
  • Muscle maintenance and metabolism
  • Immune support and cellular protection
  • Digestive health

How To Prepare Yellow Squash

  • Sautéed, grilled, roasted, or steamed.
  • Added to stir-fries, casseroles, soups, or salads.
  • Spiralized as a low-carb pasta alternative.

Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: What Older Adults Need To Know


Plain Yogurt With Added Fresh Strawberries


What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria that support a healthy balance in your digestive system . They help crowd out harmful bacteria and support digestion.

Probiotic Health Benefits

  • Helps prevent or ease constipation.
  • Reduce inflammation in the gut.
  • Boost the immune system.
  • May even improve mood and memory.

Best Probiotic Food Sources

  • Yogurt with live cultures
  • Kefir
  • Miso
  • Tempeh
  • Kimchi
  • Sauerkraut
  • Kombucha

Tip: Always check labels for phrases like “live and active cultures” to make sure you’re getting real probiotics.

What Are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are a type of fiber your body can’t digest. Your good gut bacteria love to eat them. They act as “fuel” to help probiotics thrive.

Prebiotic Health Benefits

  • Helps probiotics multiply and stay active.
  • Supports better nutrient absorption.
  • Promotes regular bowel movements.
  • Improves calcium absorption and bone health.

Best Food Sources

  • Garlic
  • Onions
  • Leeks
  • Asparagus
  • Bananas
  • Oats
  • Apples
  • Barley

📝 Tip: You likely already eat some prebiotics without realizing it. Just aim to eat them more consistently.

Why You Need Probiotics & Prebiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics work best together, similar to a garden and fertilizer. You plant the good bacteria (probiotics), then feed them (prebiotics) so they grow and flourish.

This combo is sometimes referred to as “synbiotics.”

Easy Prebiotic and Probiotic Meal Pairings

  • Yogurt + banana
  • Oats + apples
  • Stir-fried tempeh + garlic and onions
  • Miso soup + mushrooms and green onions

Should You Take A Supplement?

Food is the best source for pre and probiotics. But a supplement can help if any of these reasons apply.

  • You’ve recently taken antibiotics.
  • You have ongoing digestive issues.
  • Your diet lacks variety.

What To Look For In A Supplement

  • Contains multiple strains, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
  • Contains at least 10 billion CFUs.
  • A label that ensures shelf stability or refrigeration.

📌 Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting new supplements.


Ths article is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the advice of your healthcare practitioner.