BANANA NUTRITIONAL FACTS AND HEALTH BENEFITS
When we dig into our
history it tells us How plants have served as the primary source of food to
human beings. We all shall stand astonished about the versatile nutritional
value they hold. Likewise here also we are going to discuss the various
nutritional food derivatives we have from a single Banana plant or tree.
Banana plant as a whole serves useful to humans in all its available forms. From its stem, flower, leaf, and fruit each part holds a high nutritional value. In the Journal of pharmacognosy and phytochemistry 1(3), 51-63, 2012 by KP Sampath Kumar, Debjit Bhowmik, M Umadevi stated that all parts of banana plant have medicinal applications; the flowers in bronchitis and dysentery and ulcers; flowers are given to diabetics; the astringent plant sap in cases of hysteria, epilepsy, leprosy, fevers, hemorrhages, acute dysentery, and diarrhea and it is applied to hemorrhoids, insects, and other string bites.
In another study published in the Journal of Epidemiology titled as Food consumption by children and the risk of childhood acute leukemia. In this control study form 1995-2000 of a diverse California population in the early life of children they found that fruits rich in Vitamin C and Potassium may reduce the risk of childhood leukemia.
Banana as a fruit
Banana is majorly
consumed in the form of a fruit. Let us discuss two of its most important form:
-
1. Cavendish banana is the typical banana that we consume. They
are generally yellow with black spots. They account for about 47%of global
banana production between 1998 and 2000. It contains less sugar than other
varieties but is loaded with potassium.
Nutrient content (raw,
per 100 grams)
- Carbs – 23grams
- Calories- 89
- Potassium- 358milligrams
- Sugars- 12 grams
These bananas act as a
fuel for our muscles as they have a good source of unrefined carbohydrates.
Eating Cavendish banana after a strenuous workout will give you an instant
boost of energy. The best time to eat a banana is 10 minutes after as soon as u
wake up in the morning or 20 minutes before your workout or immediately after a
tiring workout.
According to a study
published in the European Respiratory Journal titled Childhood Asthma
and Fruit Consumption. The authors investigated fruit consumption and
wheezing. They found that a higher concentration of apple juice and bananas can
protect against wheezing.
2. Red banana
As their name suggests
they are generally reddish-purple in appearance. They are much sweeter and
softer than the Cavendish banana. They are full of fiber, vitamin D, vitamin C,
and vitamin B6. These are good for weight loss and give you instant energy.
Since it is red it has a high content of anthocyanin which acts as an
antioxidant.
Nutrient content
- Calories- 90
- Carbs- 21 grams
- Protein- 1.3 grams
- Fat- 0.3 grams
- Fiber- 3 grams
- Potassium- 9% of the RDI
- Vitamin B6- 28%of the RDI
Lutein and beta
carotene are two carotenoids in red bananas that support eye health. Being rich
in vitamin C they can serve as a great immunity booster. Also, red bananas are
rich in prebiotics, a type of fiber that feeds your beneficial gut
bacteria.
Banana as a leaf
Banana leaf is a form of eatery which is prominent in the southern part of our country, India. Banana leaves are an excellent choice for serving food because they are thick and waterproof.
Now, why should we consume our meal on a banana leaf?
- Anti-oxidant rich
They contain large
amounts of polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG which is also
found in the green tea that serves as natural antioxidants.
Food served on these
leaves absorb the polyphenols which can help in preventing many lifestyle diseases
such as
These leaves are also
known to have antibacterial properties that can help in killing the germs in
the food.
- Hygiene
Compared to other
utensils that are generally used during the meal these leaves are more
hygienic.
Banana leaves have a wax-like coating that is very useful in preventing the dirt particles to stick
on the surface of the leaves.
- Convenient and eco friendly
Instead of wasting
water to wash utensils, eating on banana leaves saves time and energy too
Since plastic and
thermocol plates are non-biodegradable and thus take many years to break down,
but banana leaves are considered more eco-friendly.
Banana as a stem
Banana stem is a popular vegetable throughout south India and parts of West Bengal. This part of the banana plant can be either cooked or consumed in the form of a juice. Being rich in fiber this component has the potential to eliminate fats. Also, the sugar and fats stored in our body’s cells are released slowly into the bloodstream, so we get an instant energy supply.
In the book, Beauty and health
through Ayurveda, Rajasthan- based Ayurveda practitioner Padma Shri Suresh
Chaturvedi, mentions that fresh banana stem juice curbs the thirst produced in
Choleric dehydration. Banana stem is known to effectively treat constipation
issues by making the bowel movements easy. when its juice is consumed in an
empty stomach it helps to treat hyperacidity due to its astringent properties.
Being diuretic in nature it helps to flush out the toxins in our body and
cleanses the urinary tract thus protecting our body against urinary tract
infections (UTI).
BANANA AS A FLOWER
The banana flower
which is also a part of the banana plant also astonishingly serves as a high
nutritional material.
Why should we include
banana flower as a part of our diet?
Prevents infections
Since they have
ethanol-based extracts they help prevent infections. They help inhibit the
growth of pathogenic bacteria. They also are useful in healing wounds.
Reduces menstrual bleeding
Those women who suffer
from severe PMS symptoms or those who bleed excessively, consuming banana
flowers regularly will serve as a great remedy. Cooked banana flowers with
yogurt increase the progesterone hormone in the body and reduce bleeding.
Source of vitamins and minerals
Including vitamin A. C
and E they also contain potassium and fibers.
So by concluding the article it wouldn’t be wrong to say that banana is indeed nature’s gift to us. There are so many hidden benefits of each plant. Let us make each of the above parts of the banana plant a part of our diet and fight strongly with all health issues and emerge victoriously.
References
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-health-benefits-of-banana-flowers/
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/plantain-nutrition-benefits
http://www.tidalimpex.com/blog/cavendish-banana-nutrition-facts-and-how-to-enjoy-them/
https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/29/6/1161.long
https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/160/11/1098/142422
By- Rajarajeswari
Nice (keep it up) welldone❤️
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