Why in the world are you reading an article about bananas? There's a lot more to the happy yellow fruit than just peeling it! I eat a banana with my oatmeal almost every morning and then I got to thinking, "I take bananas for granted." Laugh if you want, but I'm going somewhere with this. I never think about where they come from, how they got here, or the many uses they are capable of providing. After seeing this commercial several months ago promoting the "Despicable Me 2" movie, I decided to look up a few interesting facts about bananas that will enlighten you and have you reaching for a banana by the end of this article.

1. Bananas are radioactive.

So they're hazardous to our health? Heavens, no; they contain Potassium-40 which is a non-harmful radioactive isotope of potassium. Munch on peacefully.

2. (Cavendish) Bananas are facing extinction.

All commercial bananas are clones of one another and originate from one plant base in Southeast Asia. While they're grown elsewhere around the world, the bananas you buy at your local Walmart or Kroger come from Southeast Asia. Though there are over 1,000 varieties of bananas, the majority of them are not edible; none compare in flavor and travel ability to the Cavendish. Bulk up on those bananas while they're still around.

3. Americans eat more bananas than apples and oranges combined every year.

The ordinary American eats an average 26.2 pounds of bananas every year. We have nothing on Ugandans, though; they eat 500 bananas per person, per year! Eat your heart out American banana lovers, you'll never match that number.

4. An Indian man once at 81 bananas in 30 minutes. I read it on the internet, it must be true.

5. On a diet that leaves you empty and hungry again in thirty minutes? Bananas have 0 fat, sodium, and cholesterol! They contain potassium, fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin B-6. Their natural ingredients release serotonin which can help alleviate depression.

6. If you peel a banana like a monkey (stem down) you will avoid the stringy bits that cling to the fruit!

7. Grossed out by the brown-colored banana in your refrigerator? Don't be - the peel is brown but the fruit is still perfectly ripe and yellow unless it's been in there for a few weeks.

8. In the woods without bug spray but have a nearby banana? Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on a mosquito bite or poison ivy will keep you from scratching that pesky itch.

9. Brittle, coarse hair? As seen on Pinterest, banana hair masks can make dull hair shine again! https://weightdownweightloss.wordpress.com/2013/06...

10. I know most exercise gurus are investing in protein powder and drinking gallons of Gatorade before working out, but reach for a banana that's less expensive and proven to be as effective a carbohydrate matched sports drink. Plus, it has added nutritional benefits. If that's not enough to convince you to make the switch, Olympian athlete Yohan Blake reportedly eats 16 bananas every day!

Congratulations, you now know ten new facts about the all-star fruit, the banana. Every morning I peel and eat my banana and savor it's sweet nutrition, and now I can do so with greater appreciation. Fellow banana lovers and those new to the banana crew, enjoy bananas with pride and investigate more ways to use them!