Did you know that banana bread was the most googled food back in 2014? Granted, it’s not longer 2014, but bananas are still ever popular, and one of my favorite fruits to bake with because of how versatile they are.

Before we get into all theses fabulous healthy banana recipes, I want to share a little bit more about bananas, their nutritional profile & what they can do in recipes:

Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, an essential mineral our bodies need to maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Bananas help promote healthy bacteria in our guts. They contain fructooligosaccharides, which are a unique carb that aren’t often broken down by the enzymes in our digestive tract. Instead, they are metabolized by bacteria in our gut, which helps maintain the balance of good bacteria. (Source: WHfoods.com.)

Bananas may taste sweet, but actually have a low GI impact (depending on how ripe they are). They recieve a low rating in the GI scale, which measures the impact of food on our blood sugar.

When’s the best time to eat bananas?

The answer really depends on the situation. If you’re looking to increase your blood sugars quickly and replenish, a very ripe banana is the way to go. If you don’t want the fast hike, you could eat the banana with some nut butter, as the fat will help to slow down digestion. You can also eat the banana when it’s yellow or still slightly green to avoid any blood sugar spikes.

Green(er) bananas contain a high resistant starch, however they can also cause bloating and gas.

Yellow bananas tend to be the best to eat (before they are too ripe). They are digested fairly quickly and easier on the stomach.

If you want to bake with bananas, the best time to eat them is when they are extra ripe with cheetah like brown spots.

Now, who’s ready to dive into some healthy banana recipes? Let’s do it!

Paleo Zucchini Banana Muffins from Ambitious Kitchen

Healthy Banana Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies from Ambitious Kitchen

Raspberry, Almond Butter & Banana Oatmeal Muffins from Ambitious Kitchen

Chocolate, Almond & Sea Salt Banana Baked Oatmeal from Ambitious Kitchen

Double Chocolate Paleo Banana Bread from Ambitious Kitchen

Chickpea Flour Banana Bread from Ambitious Kitchen

Flax Almond Meal Paleo Banana Muffins from Ambitious Kitchen

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Quinoa Banana Bread from Ambitious Kitchen

Chia Quinoa Banana Granola Bars from Ambitious Kitchen

Chocolate Chip Coconut Flour Banana Bread from Ambitious Kitchen

30 Minute Skinny Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins from Ambitious Kitchen

Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Oat Bars from Ambitious Kitchen

Healthy Pumpkin Banana Muffins from Ambitious Kitchen

Skinny Zucchini Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins from Ambitious Kitchen

Banana Oat Protein Muffins from Ambitious Kitchen

Strawberry Coconut Chia Seed Banana Bread from Ambitious Kitchen

Oatmeal Cottage Cheese Banana Pancakes from Ambitious Kitchen

Carrot Cake Banana Bread from Ambitious Kitchen

Banana Ice Cream with Toasted Coconuts, Almonds, and Dark Chocolate from Ambitious Kitchen

Peanut Butter & Banana Ice Cream Sandwiches from She Likes Food

Banana Nut Overnight Oats from The Healthy Maven

Banana Bread Overnight Oatmeal from The Roasted Root

Banana Zucchini Oatmeal Cups from Hummusapien

Chocolate Chip Banana Oat Waffles from Food Pleasure and Health

Baked Banana Oatmeal Cups from Eating Bird Food

Nice Cream Blizzard Recipe from Eat Healthy Eat Happy

Chunky Monkey Quinoa Breakfast Cookies from Simply Quinoa

Banana Bread Gluten-free Doughnuts with Maple Hemp Heart Glaze from Tasty Yummies

Healthy Blueberry Banana Blender Muffins from Buns in My Oven

Zucchini Banana Brownies from Kitchen Confidante

Chocolate Banana Quinoa Muffins from Kitchen Confidante

Sweet Potato Banana Bites from The Lean Green Bean

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Granola Bars from Sweet Phi

Two Ingredient Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Bites from The Baker Mama

Healthy Chocolate Banana Bread from The Baker Mama  

Healthy Flourless Morning Glory Muffins from Making Thyme for Health

Chocolate Chip Coconut Flour Banana Blondies from Heartbeet Kitchen

Banana Breakfast Cake from Fit Foodie Finds

Green Tea Banana Smoothie from Namely Marly

Peanut Butter Banana and Honey Granola from Two Peas and Their Pod

Banana Blueberry Smoothies from What’s Gaby Cooking

These healthy banana recipes I’m loving right now. Hope you find some healthy inspiration. xo!