You always hear the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away", but you may not have realized that those same people who were eating apples to avoid a visit to their doctor probably also have a banana to go with your fruit snack. Why? Because bananas are packed with healthy goodness.

A single banana can contain up to 452 milligrams of potassium, 33 milligrams of magnesium, and just over 2 grams of fiber. Bananas are low in calories, and they have been shown to be helpful in replacing electrolytes, and help people who are suffering from diarrhea. And other studies have revealed that people with high potassium diets have shown to have a lower incidence of hypertension.

Bananas however don't grow in the same regions as apples. The banana tree is cultivated mostly in the Tropics, however they are native to Southeast Asia, the Malay Archipelago, and Australia. While most of use appreciate the banana as a fruit, many cultures cook with banana tree leaf using it to wrap food such as rice, or for its rich oil.

And bananas aren't just for eating. In fact the red banana tree is used more for decorative purposes as its fruit is somewhat tart and filled with seeds.

Fortunately for us, we and our children like the banana just the way it is, and our kids like to eat them with or without its healthy properties.