36 Celebrities With Allergies To Foods, Animals, And Beauty Products
Experience: I Ate A $120,000 Banana
I'd been to Seoul's Leeum Museum of Art years ago, but last April was my first visit to see the artwork Comedian by Maurizio Cattelan, which is a banana duct-taped to a wall. It's a work of conceptual art and comes with a certificate of authenticity giving precise diagrams and instructions for its correct display. It was famously sold for $120,000 at Art Basel Miami in 2019. The banana is changed every few days.
Entry to the gallery was free. There were a lot of visitors, and about 10 people were standing around Comedian. The atmosphere inside the museum was calm. Interestingly, when I got close to another artwork to see it more clearly an alarm sounded and the guards stopped me. But when I approached Comedian, there was no alarm. So there was nothing stopping me when I pulled off the tape to remove the banana from the wall and peeled it.
I ate the banana at 12.30pm on Thursday 27 April. I think they exhibited it so that someone would eventually eat it. I wasn't feeling much at the time, but I remember the taste. One of my tutors later asked if the banana was delicious, and I told him it was fresh, fresher than I thought it would be. I ate it as I would normally eat a banana. Nobody tried to stop me.
After I finished, I placed the banana skin under the tape on the wall. Then, a guard said, "excuse me", but didn't try to restrain me in any way. I talked to the guards. They looked embarrassed.
00:57
'Hungry' South Korean student eats banana from $120,000 artwork – videoI've been called an art student, but I'm actually studying religious studies and aesthetics at Seoul National University. I suppose aesthetics is the philosophical study of art, exploring what beauty and art is. Since I was young, I've always liked the Taoist philosopher Laozi's book the Tao Te Ching, which was written about 400BC and can perhaps be translated as "the way of integrity". I became more interested in religious and aesthetic experiences as a result – it's a beautiful book about freedom and nature.
People who know me don't think it's a big deal that I ate the banana. I've done some strange things, so they're pretty much immune to anything I do now. For instance, in 2015, I took a leave of absence from university and lived like a homeless person for a month in Seoul railway station. Later that year, I lived in the Mudeungsan, a mountain range in Hwasun County for about two months. I learned about oriental astrology there.
Then for three years from 2017, I snuck into the centres of various cults and learned about the mechanics of how people are enticed to join. I visited different prayer houses and meditation groups. I didn't believe in them, of course. But I'm interested in religion, even though I don't have one myself.
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I'd like to be able to tidily explain why I broke those boundaries and did those things, but there is no special reason. They all looked interesting and dragged me in. It's the same impulse for discovery that drove me to eat the banana.
I'm graduating from university this year. After my studies, I want to create my own art. I'm very interested in artificial intelligence paintings, and it would be fun to express the religious aspects of the east through AI. I believe AI paintings will gradually encroach on all our lives. I am curious and fearful about what the future holds, though artworks driven by philosophical insights inspire me.
It was reported in the press that my banana eating was an act of rebellion or that I was hungry. I think it's up to the public to decide on that. Some people see my banana eating as simply vandalism. Others say it was done for publicity – and I agree. The act of damaging someone else's artwork has made me famous. I was an ordinary person, and now thanks to the "comedy" of eating a banana, I'm in the Guardian.
I'm not familiar with Cattelan's work, other than the banana. I think Comedian can be considered a work of art, apart from the ridiculous price. But there will be different opinions. I've never met him, so I don't really know what he thought of my eating the banana, but I read an article in which his response was "no problem at all".
As told to Anna Derrig
Do you have an experience to share? Email experience@theguardian.Com
11 Evidence-Based Health Benefits Of Bananas
Bananas are native to Southeast Asia but now grow in many warm climates around the world.
They're an excellent choice if you're interested in adding more healthy fruits to your diet.
Bananas contain fiber and many beneficial nutrients, including:
Here are 11 science-based health benefits of bananas.
Bananas contain a fair amount of carbs, water, fiber, and antioxidants but little protein and no fat.
One medium banana contains:
Bananas are rich in soluble fiber. During digestion, soluble fiber dissolves in liquid to form a gel. This may also contribute to a banana's sponge-like texture.
Unripe (green) bananas also contain resistant starch, a type of fiber that your body does not digest.
Together, these two types of fiber may help moderate your blood sugar levels after meals and regulate your appetite by slowing the emptying of your stomach.
This means that despite their higher carb content, bananas may not cause major spikes in blood sugar levels in people who don't have diabetes.
However, for those who have diabetes, eating a large portion in one sitting may cause blood sugar levels to rise too high, so it's best to stick to one banana at a time.
Dietary fiber has been linked to many health benefits, including improved digestion.
Resistant starch, the type of fiber found in unripe bananas, is a prebiotic. Prebiotics escape digestion and end up in your large intestine, where they become food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut (probiotics).
What's more, pectin — a fiber found in both ripe and unripe bananas — may help prevent constipation and soften stools.
Some test-tube studies even suggest that pectin may help protect against colon cancer, although further research in humans is needed to learn more about this possible benefit.
No study has directly investigated the effects of bananas on weight loss. However, bananas have several attributes that could make them a weight-loss-friendly food.
Bananas have relatively few calories — just over 100 calories in an average banana — but are nutritious and filling.
They're also packed with dietary fiber and resistant starch, which may help you feel full longer and therefore reduce the frequency and size of your meals.
If you'd like to include unripe bananas in your diet, try using them as you'd use plantains.
Potassium is a mineral that's vital for heart health and especially for blood pressure management. However, few people get enough potassium in their diet.
Bananas are a great source of potassium, with a medium banana providing 10% of the DV.
A potassium-rich diet could help lower your blood pressure, reducing your risk of hypertension. A 2017 study in mice also suggests that potassium may lower the risk of heart disease by 27%.
Additionally, bananas contain 8% of the DV for magnesium, another important mineral for heart health.
Magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) may be linked to an increased risk of heart disease, elevated blood pressure, and high levels of fats in the blood. Therefore, it's essential to get enough of this mineral from either your diet or supplements.
Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of dietary antioxidants, and bananas are no exception.
They contain several types of potent antioxidants, including flavonoids and amines. These antioxidants are linked to many health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease and macular degeneration.
Antioxidants help prevent oxidative damage to your cells caused by free radicals. If you do not consume enough antioxidants, free radicals can build up over time and cause harm if their levels become high enough in your body.
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The soluble fiber in bananas may help keep you full by adding bulk to your digestive system and slowing digestion.
Additionally, bananas are relatively low in calories for their size.
Combined, the low calorie and high fiber content of bananas make them a more filling snack than some other options, such as processed or sugary boxed snacks.
Protein is filling, but bananas are low in this macronutrient. For a hunger-reducing snack, you can try eating a sliced banana with a protein-rich food such as Greek yogurt or blending a banana into a protein shake.
Insulin resistance is a significant risk factor in several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.
Studies suggest that regularly eating resistant starch may improve insulin sensitivity, making your body more responsive to the blood sugar-regulating hormone insulin.
But more research is needed to investigate how the resistant starch in bananas might affect insulin sensitivity.
Potassium is vital for healthy kidney function and blood pressure regulation.
As a great dietary source of potassium, bananas could be especially beneficial for keeping your kidneys healthy.
A 2019 study that included more than 5,000 people with early stage chronic kidney disease linked potassium with lower blood pressure and a slower progression of kidney disease.
However, some people who have late stage kidney disease or are undergoing dialysis need to restrict their potassium intake. If you fall into one of these categories, speak with a healthcare professional before increasing your potassium intake.
Bananas are sometimes referred to as the perfect food for athletes. This is largely due to their content of easily digested carbs along with potassium and magnesium, which act as electrolytes.
You lose electrolytes through your sweat during vigorous exercise. Resupplying your body with potassium and magnesium after sweating may reduce exercise-related muscle cramps and soreness.
Specific research on the effects of bananas on exercise performance, cramping, and exercise recovery is lacking. But bananas can provide excellent nutrition before, during, and after exercise.
Bananas are not only healthy and tasty but also convenient.
They make a great addition to yogurt, cereal, or smoothies, and they work well as a topping for whole grain toast with peanut butter. You can even use them in place of sugar in your baking and cooking.
Bananas are also easy to transport and are usually well tolerated and easily digested. All you need to do is peel them and you're good to go.
Is it good to eat a banana every day?Bananas are healthy, delicious, and versatile fruits. They're full of nutrients that could help prevent constipation, improve digestive and gut health, and promote recovery from intense activity.
Eating one banana per day will provide:
Eating one banana per day is a healthy option. But since most of the calories in bananas come from carbs, eating too many bananas may result in high sugar intake, which could lead to high blood pressure.
What are the benefits of eating a banana?Bananas are a nutritious, low calorie fruit that may help:
Bananas are a common breakfast food because they are nutritious, filling, and easy to eat.
However, since bananas are high in carbs, they may increase blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Pairing a banana with a food that's high in protein and fat, such as Greek yogurt, may be more beneficial.
Bananas are a popular fruit with many potential health benefits.
They may improve your digestion and heart health, thanks to their fiber and antioxidant content. Plus, they may support weight loss because they're relatively low in calories, nutrient-dense, and filling.
Both ripe (yellow) bananas and unripe (green) bananas can satisfy your sweet tooth and help keep you healthy.
18 Foods That Pack More Potassium Than A Banana
Here are 18 foods that pack more potassium than a banana.
1. AvocadosAvocados are packed with healthy fats, vitamin K, and folate.
Half an avocado without the skin and seed (68 grams) contains 345 mg of potassium, or 7% of the DV. If you eat a whole avocado, you'll get almost 15% of the DV at once (5).
What's more, avocados may benefit people with high blood pressure, who often need to increase their potassium and reduce their sodium intake. Like most other fruits, avocados are low in sodium, with half an avocado providing just 0.2% of the DV (1, 3, 5).
Summary
Avocados are packed with nutrients, and one avocado provides roughly 15% of your daily potassium needs. They're also rich in vitamin K and folate.
2. Sweet potatoesSweet potatoes are often used as an alternative to white potatoes.
They're an exceptionally nutritious way to support your potassium intake. A 1-cup (328-gram) serving of mashed sweet potato boasts 16% of the DV (6).
What's more, sweet potatoes are low in fat, offer a small amount of protein, and are a good source of complex carbs and fiber.
They're also an excellent source of vitamin A, which is critical for vision. The same serving of sweet potatoes provides more than 200% of the DV of vitamin A (1, 6, 7).
For a balanced and filling meal, you can pair these delicious root vegetables with a protein source such as beans or meat, some dark greens or colorful vegetables, and a little fat.
Summary
Sweet potatoes boast 16% of the DV for potassium in just 1 mashed cup (328 grams), plus some protein, fiber, and vitamin A.
3. SpinachSpinach is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables.
Just 1 cup (190 grams) of frozen spinach packs 12% of the DV for potassium. Similarly, about 3 cups (90 grams) of raw spinach contain roughly 11% of the DV (8, 9).
It's also loaded with other nutrients. The same serving of frozen spinach contains 127% of the DV for vitamin A, 857% for vitamin K, 58% for folate, and 37% for magnesium (1, 8).
Summary
Spinach provides about 12% of the DV for potassium per 1 cup (190 grams) frozen or 3 cups (90 grams) fresh. This vegetable also offers folate, magnesium, and vitamins A and K.
4. WatermelonWatermelon is a large, delicious fruit with high water content.
Just 2 wedges (about 1/8 of a melon, or 572 grams) provides just under 14% of the DV for potassium (1, 10).
The same serving also contains 44 grams of carbs, 3.5 grams of protein, 0.8 grams of fat, and 2.2 grams of fiber. What's more, this lush, red melon is a great source of magnesium and vitamins A and C (10).
Summary
Watermelon is a tasty summertime fruit that provides about 14% of the DV for potassium in just 2 wedges. It also offers several other vitamins and minerals.
5. Coconut waterCoconut water is a particularly hydrating drink.
It's an excellent natural alternative to sports drinks, as it contains key electrolytes that help draw water into your cells. Its natural sugars also provide energy during exercise and help replenish lost glycogen stores afterward (11).
Just 1 cup (240 mL) of coconut water contains 13% of the DV for potassium. Plus, it's a good source of magnesium, sodium, and manganese (1, 12).
Coconut water is very refreshing when served chilled with ice after a sweaty workout. Just make sure to avoid varieties with added sugar.
Summary
Coconut water is not only a great hydrating drink but also an excellent source of potassium, containing 13% of the DV in just 1 cup (240 mL). It's also a good source of magnesium, sodium, and manganese.
6. BeansBeans are a nutritious source of complex carbs and plant-based protein.
Just 1 cup (179 grams) of white beans has twice as much potassium as a banana, clocking in at a whopping 21% of the DV. The same serving of black beans provides 13% of the DV (1, 13, 14).
While black beans contain phytates — an antinutrient that may reduce your body's mineral absorption — you can soak dried beans overnight to help reduce their phytate content, as this compound will leach into the water (15).
Both white and black beans are incredibly versatile and easy to add to salads, burritos, and stews.
Summary
Beans are a terrific source of potassium. While white beans pack more potassium than black beans, both are delicious ways to add more of this mineral to your diet.
7. LegumesAside from beans, the legume family includes lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, and peanuts — all of which are high in potassium.
For instance, a 1-cup (198-gram) serving of lentils packs 15% of the DV for the mineral, while the same serving of chickpeas, soybeans, and peanuts provide 10%, 19%, and 23% of the DV, respectively (16, 17, 18, 19).
Certain legumes, such as lentils and chickpeas, contain phytates. Therefore, remember to soak them overnight to reduce their phytate content. You can also try sprouting them (15).
Summary
Legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, and peanuts are rich in potassium. Soaking or sprouting them before eating them may improve mineral absorption.
8. Tomato pasteTomato paste is made from cooked tomatoes that have been peeled and seeded.
Just 3 tablespoons (50 grams) contain more than 10% of the DV. Tomato paste is also a good source of vitamin C and lycopene, a potent antioxidant with cancer-fighting properties (1, 20, 21).
This concentrated condiment adds flavor to all tomato-based sauces and dishes, but watch out for products that have added sugars, additives, or preservatives. You may want to pick the product with the fewest ingredients.
SummaryTomato paste not only enriches the taste of your food but also provides ample amounts of potassium. Just 3 tablespoons (50 grams) pack around 10% of the DV.
9. Butternut squashButternut squash is a sweet-tasting winter squash. While technically a fruit, it's cooked like a root vegetable.
Just 1 cup (205 grams) provides 12% of the DV for potassium. It's also a great source of vitamins A and C and has smaller amounts of B vitamins, vitamin E, and magnesium (1, 22).
You can easily roast, boil, steam, or chop butternut squash for dishes such as baked veggies or hearty soups.
SummaryButternut squash is a great source of potassium, boasting 12% of the DV in a single cup (205 grams).
10. PotatoesPotatoes are a starchy root vegetable that remains a staple food in numerous countries.
One medium boiled potato (167 grams) offers 12% of the DV for potassium (1, 23).
However, there are many varieties of potatoes, and their potassium content may depend on the soil in which they're grown.
SummaryPotatoes are rich in potassium and are a staple in many households. One medium spud typically provides 12% of the DV for this mineral.
How to peel potatoes 11. Dried apricotsDried apricots have a long shelf life and are usually pitted. Just 1/2 cup (65 grams) provides 16% of the DV for potassium (1, 24).
These fruits are also a good source of fiber and vitamins A and E (24).
Dried apricots are delicious mixed into muesli or as a healthy snack for hikes or camping trips.
SummaryDried apricots are a great alternative to bananas for a potassium boost. Just 1/2 cup packs 16% of the DV, as well as fiber and vitamins A and E.
12. Swiss chardSwiss chard, also known as silverbeet or simply chard, is a leafy green vegetable with a thick stalk that ranges from red to orange to white in color.
It's also highly nutritious. Just 1 cup (175 grams) of cooked chard offers 20% of the DV for potassium — more than double the potassium in a banana (1, 25).
The same serving packs 476% of the DV for vitamin K and 60% of the DV for vitamin A, all while being low in calories and high in fiber (25).
Swiss chard makes a delicious base for salads and is easy to steam or saute with a little oil.
SummarySwiss chard contains more than twice as much potassium per cooked cup (175 grams) as a banana — about 20% of the DV.
13. BeetsJust 1 cup (170 grams) of boiled beets gives you 11% of the DV for potassium (1, 26).
Plus, this root vegetable contains nitrates, which have been shown to support blood vessel function and overall heart health when converted into nitric oxide in your body (27).
Beets are also an excellent source of folate — a vitamin needed for DNA synthesis and repair — with 1 boiled cup (170 grams) providing 34% of the DV (26, 28).
You can eat beets boiled, pickled, or raw.
SummaryBeets provide 11% of the DV for potassium per boiled cup (170 grams). They're also a good source of folate and contain nitrates, which have been shown to support heart health.
14. PomegranatePomegranates are an extremely healthy, many-seeded fruit that vary in color from red to purple. One whole fruit (282 grams) gives you 14% of the DV for potassium (29).
Moreover, pomegranates are packed with folate and vitamins C and K. They also pack more protein than most other fruits, at 4.7 grams per fruit (282 grams) (29).
SummaryPomegranates offer 14% of the DV for potassium, as well as sizable amounts of folate, fiber, protein, and vitamins C and K.
15. Fruit and vegetable juicesDrinking fruit and vegetable juices is another easy way to increase your potassium intake.
Citrus juices seem to provide the most potassium (3).
For example, 1 cup (240 mL) of 100% orange juice offers about 10% of the DV for potassium, while the same serving of grapefruit juice provides 9% of the DV (30, 31).
Juices from potassium-rich fruits such as pomegranates are also great alternatives. A 1-cup (240-mL) serving of pomegranate juice packs 11% of the DV (32).
Some vegetable juices are also rich in this mineral.
For instance, 1 cup (240 mL) of carrot juice boasts 15% of the DV, and the same serving of tomato juice provides 10% of the DV (33, 34).
SummaryFruit and veggie juices such as orange, grapefruit, pomegranate, carrot, and tomato juice all provide 9% or more of the DV for potassium in 1 cup (240 mL).
16. FishCertain lean and fatty fish offer potassium.
For example, just half a fillet (154 grams) of cooked cod provides 12% of the DV, and a whole fillet (150 grams) of haddock offers 11% (35, 36).
Similarly, half a fillet (154 grams) of cooked salmon has a whopping 21% of the DV, and the same serving of tuna boasts 17% of the DV (37, 38).
In addition, fatty fish such as salmon and tuna are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which may further reduce your risk of heart disease (39).
SummaryVarious lean and fatty fish species are excellent potassium sources. In addition, omega-3s in fish such as salmon and tuna may help reduce heart disease risk.
17. YamsYams are starchy tubers popular in South America, Western Africa, and the Caribbean. They're very similar to yucca or cassava, but their flesh varies in color from yellowish-white to purple or pink.
Yams also happen to be rich in potassium, with 1 cooked, cubed cup (136 grams) providing 19% of the DV (40).
Summary
A 1-cup serving (136 grams) of cooked yam provides more than twice as much potassium as a medium banana.
18. Salt substitutesSalt substitutes were designed to help reduce sodium intake, because excess salt consumption may lead to high blood pressure (3, 41).
These substitutes replace sodium with another element or mix of elements — typically potassium — to reduce heart disease without reducing perceived salt intake or diminishing the taste (41).
Unlike regular salt, which is 100% sodium chloride, salt substitutes may be composed of 65% sodium chloride, 25% potassium chloride, and 10% magnesium sulfate. Others may offer 100% potassium chloride, which packs 11% of the DV in just 1 gram (41, 42).
However, keep in mind that people with kidney or liver disease may need to avoid salt substitutes that are high in potassium (43).
SummarySalt substitutes consisting of 100% potassium chloride provide 11% of the DV for the mineral in a single gram.
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