Description:
Banana is an edible fruit, variable in size, color, and firmness, but is usually elongated and curved, with soft flesh rich in starch covered with a rind, which may be green, yellow, red, purple, or brown when ripe. The fruits grow in clusters hanging from the top of the plant. Almost all modern edible parthenocarpic(seedless) bananas come from two wild species – Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. Bananas which are Creamy, rich, and sweet, a favorite food for everyone from infants to elders. Banana contains Nutrition like Energy, Carbohydrates, Sugars, Dietary fiber Protein and
Vitamins -Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid (B5), Vitamin B6, Folate (B9), Choline, Vitamin C
Minerals - Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc
Other constituents - Water 74.91 g
Health Benefits:
1. Banana is the best sources of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure, heart health and bone strength. One banana contains 450 mg of potassium and contributes to the prevention of hypertension, atherosclerosis and building our bones. Bananas also reduce the risk of stroke.
2. Bananas are low in sodium, and contain one mg per unit. Reduction in sodium consumption is important in preventing high blood pressure, heart disease and blood vessels and loss of calcium from the bones.
3. Bananas contain pre-biotic fiber that contributes to the digestive system. This helps to prevent diarrhea resulting from infection in the intestine, strengthen the immune system, protect against colon cancer etc. Pre-biotic fibers also contribute to increased mineral absorption from the intestine, reducing cholesterol absorption and balance sugar levels.
4. Bananas help protect against kidney cancer.
5. Bananas contain substances that help operate the cells that make up the lining of the stomach, and thus they form the protective mucous barrier against acidity. Other compounds in bananas called protease inhibitors, help destroy bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.
6. The high potassium content of bananas helps improve the health condition after consuming much alcohol, and helps prevent the feeling of a hangover.
7. Banana contains tryptophan, an amino acid that makes serotonin, an active ingredient in the nervous system. Among other functions, it regulates sleep and appetite and aids in creating a sense of relaxation.
