By Ada Zhu, Dietetic Intern
Banana bread is a timeless classic in the art of home baking, cherished for its simplicity and versatility. Beyond its traditional roots, this recipe offers a nutritional twist, blending the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the moist allure of grated zucchinis and the hearty essence of oats. These ingredients are void of added sugars while offering diverse nutritional profiles rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. This makes it suitable for individuals managing various health conditions involving cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and inflammatory disorders [i, ii]. Moreover, this recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian. It is a breakfast staple, a comforting snack, or even a dessert.
You can add to this recipe by spreading a layer of nut butter or yogurt, and then topping it with a variety of fresh fruits. For example, layering Greek yogurt, honey, and berries on top of the oatmeal zucchini banana bread creates a delightful way to enjoy this dish.
Ingredient Highlights:
Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a globally cultivated ancient grain that is gaining popularity due to its nutritional value and its wide range of health benefits. It provides individuals with an important source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, protein, antioxidants, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus, thiamine, magnesium, and zinc [iii, iv]. Many of the health benefits associated with oatmeal are associated with a type of dietary fiber called beta-glucan [iii, iv]. Much evidence supports the positive impact of beta-glucan in the reduction of cardiovascular disease risk, dermatologic disorders, inflammation, and type 2 diabetes [iv]. Some evidence also suggests that beta-glucan may potentially benefit individuals with obesity, cancer, and gut health disorders [iv]. In addition to the beta-glucan, oatmeal also contains a wide variety of bioactive compounds that possess antioxidant properties that offer significant health advantages [iv].
Banana: Bananas are tropical fruits that are extremely versatile and can be used as a natural sweetener in many recipes. They provide complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium [v, vi]. Furthermore, bananas are also rich in many health-promoting bioactive phytochemicals such as carotenoids that have been reported to boost immunity, decrease inflammation, and lower the risk of diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease [vi].
Zucchini: Zucchini, or summer squash, is a seasonal vegetable rich in a variety of beneficial nutrients such as fiber, potassium, magnesium, manganese, carotenoids, vitamin C, and phenolic compounds [vii]. Traditionally, it has been used in folk medicine to treat colds and relieve aches due to its antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties [vii]. As a result of these properties, zucchinis have been found to exhibit a protective effect on a number of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, certain types of cancer, and age-related cognitive decline [viii]. Additionally, zucchini’s high fiber content may also positively contribute to overall gut health [viii].
Eggs: Eggs have been long vilified for their high cholesterol content. However, various studies indicate that consuming eggs can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. Dietary cholesterol has been found to have a weak influence on blood cholesterol levels [ix-xi]. Eggs provide various beneficial nutrients such as choline, folate, vitamin A, vitamin D, iodine, B vitamins and protein [ix-xi]. Additionally, evidence suggests that the high-quality protein present in eggs can help to preserve lean muscle mass in adults [ix]. Overall, evidence suggests that eggs are a nutritious, healthy, and sustainable source of animal protein [ix].
Recipe, 10 servings, 1 hour total
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats, blended
- 3 large bananas, ripe
- 1 cup zucchini, grated (~1 medium zucchini)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp lemon juice (alternatively you can use apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, optional
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon, optional
- Optional Toppings of Choice: 1 cup of dark chocolate chips or dairy free chips and ⅔ cup of chopped raw nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9” x 5” loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Place oats in a blender or food processor and blend on medium to high speed for about 20-30 seconds until a flour forms.
- Use a box grater or a food processor to grate the zucchini and measure out 1 cup. Dry the excess moisture out of the shredded zucchini.
- Using clean hands, squeeze the grated zucchini over a bowl to remove excess moisture. Alternatively, blot the moisture from the zucchini with paper towels.
- Mash the bananas in a mixing bowl.
- Mix the wet ingredients together into the bowl with the bananas: grated zucchini, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Mix the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl: oat flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients and stir until everything is combined.
- Transfer the banana bread batter to the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer.
- Bake for 40 minutes, then cover with foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the bread tests clean.
- Remove the bread from the oven.
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread and remove from the bread.
- If the toothpick comes out clean, the bread is ready to be taken out of the oven. If the toothpick contains batter, place the bread back into the oven to bake for a longer period.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool for at least 30 minutes. Tug on the edge of the parchment paper to lift the loaf oat of the pan and place it on a cutting board. Cut thick slices and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegan alternatives: Replace each egg with a chia egg (Add 1 tbsp chia seeds to 3 tbsp water, let sit until a gel is formed).
- Stir and let rest for 5 minutes to thicken to a gel-like consistency.
- Simplified recipe: Use oat flour instead of blending your own oatmeal.
- For a less chewy texture: Mix ½ a cup of oat flour to 1 ½ cup of flour of choice (all-purpose, whole wheat, gluten-free).
- Storage tips: Within 2 hours of preparing, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You may also cut slices and store in the freezer for longer storage time. Warm the bread when ready to consume.
References:
[i] Lattimer JM, Haub MD. Effects of dietary fiber and its components on metabolic health. Nutrients. 2010;2(12):1266-1289. doi:10.3390/nu2121266
[ii] Sun J, Luo S, Deng J, Yang H. Phytochemicals in Chronic Disease Prevention. Nutrients. 2023; 15(23):4933. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234933
[iii] Oats. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. 2024. Accessed April 2, 2024. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/oats/.
[iv] Paudel D, Dhungana B, Caffe M, Krishnan P. A Review of Health-Beneficial Properties of Oats. Foods. 2021;10(11):2591. Published 2021 Oct 26. doi:10.3390/foods10112591
[v] Bananas. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. 2024. Accessed April 2, 2024. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/bananas/.
[vi] Sidhu JS, Zafar TA. Bioactive compounds in banana fruits and their health benefits. Food Quality and Safety. 2018;2(4):183-188. doi:10.1093/fqsafe/fyy019
[vii] Martínez-Valdivieso D, Font R, Fernández-Bedmar Z, et al. Role of Zucchini and Its Distinctive Components in the Modulation of Degenerative Processes: Genotoxicity, Anti-Genotoxicity, Cytotoxicity and Apoptotic Effects. Nutrients. 2017;9(7):755. Published 2017 Jul 14. doi:10.3390/nu9070755
[viii] Riverw. Enjoy Health Benefits of Zucchini. Riverwood Healthcare Center. August 22, 2023. Accessed April 3, 2024. https://riverwoodhealthcare.org/enjoy-health-benefits-of-zucchini/.
[ix] Myers M, Ruxton CHS. Eggs: Healthy or Risky? A Review of Evidence from High Quality Studies on Hen’s Eggs. Nutrients. 2023;15(12):2657. Published 2023 Jun 7. doi:10.3390/nu15122657
[x] 9 health benefits of eating eggs for breakfast. Keck Medicine of USC. October 25, 2016. Accessed April 3, 2024. https://www.keckmedicine.org/blog/10-healthy-benefits-of-eating-eggs-for-breakfast/.
[xi] Eggs. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. 2024. Accessed April 3, 2024. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/eggs/.
Your post is both informative and interesting; I appreciate it. Your writing approach simplifies otherwise difficult subjects. Thank you for taking the time to provide such detailed information. For anyone interested in this topic, this is an excellent resource.
olá, gosto muito da sua escrita, então compartilhe, mantemos uma correspondência extra sobre sua postagem na AOL. Preciso de um especialista nesta casa para desvendar meu problema. Talvez seja você. Olhando para frente para vê-lo
The degree of my fascination with your creations is equal to your own enthusiasm. The sketch is tasteful, and the authored material is of a high caliber. Yet, you appear uneasy about the prospect of heading in a direction that could cause unease. I’m confident you’ll be able to resolve this situation efficiently.
The degree of my fascination with your creations is equal to your own enthusiasm. The sketch is tasteful, and the authored material is of a high caliber. Yet, you appear uneasy about the prospect of heading in a direction that could cause unease. I’m confident you’ll be able to resolve this situation efficiently.
Excellent piece! Your thorough summary is much appreciated. I now see the issue from a different angle thanks to your insightful comments. You made your points quite clearly with the examples you included. You have my gratitude for penning this.
DMCA kaldırma prosedürü Google SEO stratejileri, web sitemizin görünürlüğünü artırdı. https://www.royalelektrik.com/adalar-elektrikci/
DMCA atan pic Google SEO, işimizi büyütmek için mükemmel bir araç. https://www.royalelektrik.com/taya-hatun-elektrikci/
DMCA ihlal raporu SEO sayesinde Google’da rakiplerimizi geride bıraktık. https://www.royalelektrik.com/besiktas-konaklar-elektrikci/
Your blog is one of my go-to resources.
Great job on this article, it was a good read.
This was a really valuable read, thank you.
I learned a lot from this article, thanks!
You’ve really helped clarify things for me.
Your blog is one of my go-to resources.
Arama motoru optimizasyonu Google SEO, arama motoru sonuçlarında görünürlüğümüzü artırdı. https://www.royalelektrik.com/esenler-cifte-havuzlar-elektrikci/
Hi Neat post Theres an issue together with your web site in internet explorer may test this IE still is the marketplace chief and a good component of people will pass over your fantastic writing due to this problem
This is really going to help me in my work.
I appreciate you taking the time to write and share this insightful piece. It was clear and concise, and I found the data to be really useful. Your time and energy spent on this article’s research and writing are much appreciated. Anyone interested in this topic would surely benefit from this resource.
DMCA yasal süreç Google SEO, dijital pazarlama stratejimizde önemli bir rol oynuyor. https://www.royalelektrik.com/sultangazi-yayla-elektrikci/
Site haritası SEO optimizasyonu, web sitemizin trafiğini büyük ölçüde artırdı. https://www.royalelektrik.com/beylikduzu-cumhuriyet-elektrikci/
I love how detailed your posts are.
Global SEO Google SEO ile e-ticaret sitemizin satışları ciddi oranda arttı. https://www.royalelektrik.com/elektrik-tamircisi/
I really appreciate how clear and concise this is.
I love how thorough this post is. You covered everything I needed to know.
Wow amazing blog layout How long have you been blogging for you made blogging look easy The overall look of your web site is magnificent as well as the content
Anahtar kelime yoğunluğu Google SEO ile web sitemizin trafiği gözle görülür şekilde arttı. https://www.royalelektrik.com/elektrikci/
DMCA atan piç Google SEO ile e-ticaret sitemizin satışları ciddi oranda arttı. https://www.royalelektrik.com/darica-elektrikci/
Arama motoru optimizasyonu SEO optimizasyonu, web sitemizin performansını inanılmaz derecede artırdı. https://www.royalelektrik.com/kavacik-elektrikci/
Real Estate This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
سورة مريم ١ – ١١ ادريس ابكر
Telif hakkı ihlali ve DMCA Google SEO çalışmaları ile web sitemizin kullanıcı deneyimi de iyileşti. https://www.royalelektrik.com/seyitnizam-elektrikci/
Our massive dildos have a better sex experience than real men’s penis. At least our large dildo will not give up halfway.
Our giant dildo is made of various materials. According to your hobbies, choose the dildo that suits you. We mainly supply huge jelly dildo/huge silicone dildo/big glass dildo etc.
Google algoritması Google SEO, dijital pazarlama stratejimizde önemli bir rol oynuyor. https://www.royalelektrik.com/kurna-elektrikci/
Great piece! Anyone with even a passing interest in the subject should read your in-depth analysis and explanations. Your inclusion of examples and practical ideas is really appreciated. We appreciate you being so kind with your time and expertise.
Telif hakkı yasası Google SEO, dijital pazarlama stratejimizde büyük bir fark yarattı. https://www.royalelektrik.com/atasehir-ornek-elektrikci/
I appreciate you taking the time to write and share this insightful piece. It was clear and concise, and I found the data to be really useful. Your time and energy spent on this article’s research and writing are much appreciated. Anyone interested in this topic would surely benefit from this resource.
Sex doll torso is very lighter than a full size sex doll. So it is very easy to use and store. If you don’t want to spend too much or don’t have a lot of space to store a full size sex toy, then a torso sex doll is perfect.
Site haritası Google SEO stratejileri ile işimizi büyüttük. Ziyaretçi sayımız katlandı. https://royalelektrik.com/
Hi, I’m Jack. Your website has become my go-to destination for expert advice and knowledge. Keep up the fantastic work!
Great piece! Anyone with even a passing interest in the subject should read your in-depth analysis and explanations. Your inclusion of examples and practical ideas is really appreciated. We appreciate you being so kind with your time and expertise.
The sex doll torso is a very light mini sex doll. Usually, its weight is 4kg to 20kg. These sex doll torsos are made of TPE or silicone. Of course, they are all very safe materials.
ümraniye elektrikçi Google SEO ile web sitemizin görünürlüğü ve erişilebilirliği arttı. http://royalelektrik.com/
Great Article bro, situs slot gacor bet 200
Å lese ditt essay var en sann glede for meg. Du var svært vellykket i å klargjøre emnet, og din skrivestil er både interessant og lett å forstå. Prinsippene var mye lettere å forstå etter å ha lest eksemplene du ga. Din ekspertise er sterkt verdsatt.
beylikdüzü elektrikçi Google SEO ile e-ticaret sitemizin satışları ciddi oranda arttı. https://royalelektrik.com/
Great Article bro, slot gacor bet 200 600
Jeg setter pris på at du tok deg tid til å skrive og dele denne innsiktsfulle artikkelen. Den var klar og konsis, og jeg fant dataene veldig nyttige. Din tid og energi brukt på forskning og skriving av denne artikkelen er sterkt verdsatt. Enhver som er interessert i dette emnet vil uten tvil dra nytte av denne ressursen.
Your blog is a true hidden gem on the internet. Your thoughtful analysis and in-depth commentary set you apart from the crowd. Keep up the excellent work!
Your passion for this subject really shines through in your writing. It’s inspiring to see someone so enthusiastic about what they do.
Great Article bro thanks, situs slot gacor maxwin
zeytinburnu elektrikçi Google SEO, dijital pazarlama stratejimizde önemli bir rol oynuyor. http://royalelektrik.com/
acıbadem elektrikçi SEO optimizasyonu, web sitemizin trafiğini büyük ölçüde artırdı. http://royalelektrik.com/
Your blog post was a much-needed dose of inspiration. Thank you for motivating me to chase my dreams.
Great Article bro thanks, situs slot gacor mudah maxwin
Reading your essay was a true pleasure for me. Even the most difficult subjects are easily understandable because to your clear and simple explanations. Thank you for taking the time to provide such comprehensive details. Anyone looking for information on this topic will benefit greatly from this site.
zeytinburnu elektrikçi SEO optimizasyonu, dijital pazarlama stratejimizi güçlendirdi. http://royalelektrik.com/
çekmeköy elektrikçi Google SEO sayesinde müşteri memnuniyetimiz arttı. https://royalelektrik.com/
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here The sketch is tasteful your authored subject matter stylish nonetheless you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike
What i do not realize is in fact how you are no longer actually much more wellfavored than you might be right now Youre very intelligent You recognize thus considerably in relation to this topic made me in my view believe it from numerous numerous angles Its like men and women are not fascinated until it is one thing to do with Lady gaga Your own stuffs excellent All the time handle it up
Utmerket stykke! Din grundige oppsummering er sterkt verdsatt. Jeg ser nå saken fra en annen vinkel takket være dine innsiktsfulle kommentarer. Du gjorde dine poeng veldig tydelige med eksemplene du inkluderte. Jeg er takknemlig for at du skrev dette.
Зарегистрируйтесь на https://888starz.today и получите свои первые бонусы уже сегодня.
allegheny county real estate Very well presented. Every quote was awesome and thanks for sharing the content. Keep sharing and keep motivating others.
Focused on finding and supplying the latest and premium adult sex toys, Lovetoyshub is the ultimate destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the best.
The article is too good bro thank you, situs toto slot 4D
Приложение для Android от 888Starz доступно для скачивания, начните играть прямо сейчас http://test.sozapag.ru/forum/user/244727/
What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It absolutely useful
and it has aided me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & aid different
users like its helped me. Good job.
The article is too good bro thank you, EDCTOTO
I’d like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this blog.
I really hope to check out the same high-grade content
by you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own, personal website now 😉
Simply Sseven I very delighted to find this internet site on bing, just what I was searching for as well saved to fav