ISSN 2278- 4136

ZDB-Number: 2668735-5
IC Journal No: 8192
Volume 1 Issue 3
Online Available at www.phytojournal.com

Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry

Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Banana
K. P. Sampath Kumar1*, Debjit Bhowmik2, S. Duraivel3, M. Umadevi4

1. Department of pharmaceutical sciences, Coimbatore medical college, Coimbatore, India.

2. Karpagam University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu,
India. [E-mail: debjit_cr@yahoo.com]
3. Nimra College of Pharmacy, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India.
4. Centre for Plant breading and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.

Banana is the common name for herbaceous plants of the genus Musa and for the fruit they produce. It is one of
the oldest cultivated plants. All parts of the banana plant have medicinal applications: the flowers in bronchitis
and dysentery and on ulcers; cooked 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 on hemorrhoids, insect and
other stings and bites; young leaves are placed as poultices on burns and other skin afflictions; the astringent
ashes of the unripe peel and of the leaves are taken in dysentery and diarrhea and used for treating malignant
ulcers; the roots are administered in digestive disorders, dysentery and other ailments; banana seed mucilage is
given in cases of diarrhea in India. Antifungal and antibiotic principles are found in the peel and pulp of fully ripe
bananas. The antibiotic acts against Mycobacteria. A fungicide in the peel and pulp of green fruits is active
against a fungus disease of tomato plants. Norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin are also present in the ripe
peel and pulp. The first two elevate blood pressure; serotonin inhibits gastric secretion and stimulates the smooth
muscle of the intestines.
Keyword: Musa paradisiaca, Medicinal Applications, Beneficial Effects, Immunity Booster

1. Introduction burns and wounds. For immediate pain relief,

Fruits and vegetables are an important component beat a ripe banana into a paste and spread it over
of a healthy diet. Some fruits like bananas offer a burn or wound. For best results, cover the area
great medical benefits. This is partly because with a cloth bandage. Even banana leaves can be
bananas aid in the body's retention of calcium, used as a cool compress for burns or
nitrogen, and phosphorus, all of which work to wounds. Other medical benefits of bananas
build healthy and regenerated tissues. In the include aiding in constipation and diarrhea relief,
following paragraphs, we will discuss some of treatment of arthritis, treatment of anemia
these benefits. Bananas can be used to fight
intestinal disorders like ulcers. Bananas are one Nutritional Value of Banana
of the few fruits that ulcer patients can safely Bananas are an excellent source of potassium.
consume. Bananas neutralize the acidity of Potassium can be found in a variety of fruits,
gastric juices, thereby reducing ulcer irritation by vegetables, and even meats, however, a single
coating the lining of the stomach. Not only can banana provides you with 23% of the potassium
bananas relieve painful ulcer systems, and other that you need on a daily basis. Potassium benefits
intestinal disorders, they can also promote the muscles as it helps maintain their proper
healing. The fruit is also used as treatment for working and prevents muscle spasms. In addition,

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K. P. Sampath Kumar

recent studies are showing that potassium can Medicinal Properties of Banana
help to decrease blood pressure in individuals
who are potassium deficient. Potassium also Beneficial effects
reduces the risk of stroke.
 The fruit has a mild laxative property
Bananas are also an excellent source of vitamins,
 It is used as a remedy of constipation in
including:
children
1. A - aids in healthy teeth, bones, soft  It is believed to be helpful in curing diarrhea
tissue, and more and dysentery
2. B6 - aids the body's immune system,
promotes brain health, heart health, and  The fruit is used to heal the intestine lesions
more  It forms the part of diets of children
3. C - aids in healing, growth of tissue, suffering from malnutrition
ligaments, and more
4. D - helps the body to absorb calcium  The core of the stem is believed to be useful
in stomach upset and diabetes
 The extract of core of the stem is considered
As you can see by the vitamins present, bananas
to be useful in dissolving the stones in the
aid in keeping the body healthy in a number of
kidney and urinary bladder and reducing the
ways, but there is a major benefit to the bones
weight. The inflorescence mixed with
and muscles in the human body.
coconut oil and spices is used for flushing
Because bananas contain 41% of what you need
the urinary blocks
each day in vitamin B6, you will find that eating
bananas helps to increase your focus and mental  The fruit is believed to reduce the worm
acuity. In addition, bananas aid in vitality, which problems in the kids
means that you will have more energy both Adverse effects
mentally and physically. In fact, some studies
show that bananas can help improve your mood  High carbohydrate presence combined with
whether you have the blues or are suffering from tryptophan content in this fruit is feared to
PMS. affect user's state of awareness influencing
Bananas are also an excellent food for people brain activity and bringing sleepiness.
who want to lose weight. Although they are
rather high in calories (200 per banana) and carbs  Migraine headaches may be aggravated by
(51 gm), they are a great source of energy. A consumption of bananas and alcohol. Hence,
banana eaten before a workout can provide you consumption of bananas is not advisable
with the necessary energy to complete a longer with alcohol.
workout.  Consumption of bananas may have allergic
reactions in few people.
Bananas provide you with many health benefits,
but in addition to all of that, most people enjoy Nutritional properties:
eating bananas as well. The can be eaten alone or
 Hundred grams of ripe Banana provides
combined with a fruit salad, added to jello, or
approx. 116 KCal energy that makes it a
made into a smoothie or a milkshake. They are
supplementary staple food.
one of the most affordable fruits in the
marketplace and can be found year round nearly  Banana has relatively less proteins compared
everywhere in the world! to cereals, absence of other protein rich
foods in the diet can cause protein
deficiency in people depending mostly on
Banana as staple food

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  Cooked or ripe Banana are easily digested reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
 Banana is a fair source of Vitamin B and According to the FDA, “Diets containing foods
Calcium that are good sources of potassium and low in
sodium may reduce the risk of high blood
 Banana contains about 20% sugar. pressure and stroke.” Plus, potassium helps your
body maintain normal fluid and electrolyte
Medicinal Qualities balances in the cells.
Bananas are a highly nutritious fruit, but do they Scientists report that natural compounds in
have any medicinal properties beyond their bananas act in a manner similar to anti-
nutritive value. While it may come as a surprise hypertensive drugs. The team studied six popular
to those of us accustomed to using bananas for banana varieties and found that all had ACE-
baking and banana splits and little else, Perdue inhibiting properties, though the ripened bananas
University boldly states that every part of the had a stronger action than unripe ones.
banana plant has medicinal properties. Among Researchers have reported that blood pressure fell
the properties cited: by 10% in people who ate two bananas daily for a
week.
 Flowers: Used to treat dysentery,
Reduced Risk of Stroke
ulcers, and bronchitis. Cooked, flowers
Scientists suggest that people with a low amount
are considered a good food for
of potassium in their diet may have an increased
diabetics.
risk of stroke. A study of 5,600 people aged over
 Sap: Chemically, banana sap has 65 found that those with the lowest intake of the
astringent qualities. In traditional potassium were 50% more likely to suffer a
medicine, the sap is used to treat a wide stroke. High-potassium foods, like bananas, may
variety of ailments, including leprosy, lower the risk of stroke, but researchers say that
hysteria, fever, digestive disorders, more studies are needed to confirm whether
hemorrhage, epilepsy, hemorrhoids, increasing potassium in the diet can prevent
and insect bites. strokes.
 Roots and Seeds: Treat digestive
Restore normal bowel Activity
disorders
Because the banana is rich in nondigestible fibers
 Peel and Pulp: Scientifically shown to (including cellulose, hemicellulose, and alpha-
have both antifungal and antibiotic glucans) it can help restore normal bowel activity
components. These structures have also and help with both constipation and diarrhea.
been identified as containing the Bananas normalize the colon’s function to absorb
neurotransmitters norepinephrine, large amounts of water for regular bowel
serotonin and dopamine. movements. Their usefulness is due to their
Medicinal Importance richness in pectin, which is water-absorbent and
this gives them a bulk producing ability.
Reduced risk of high blood pressure
Bananas are an exceptionally rich source of
Bananas are one of the best sources of potassium,
an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood fructooligosaccharide, a compound called a
pressure and heart function. A medium-sized prebiotic because it nourishes probiotic (friendly)
banana provides 350 mg of potassium. The bacteria in the colon. These beneficial bacteria
effectiveness of potassium-rich foods in lowering produce vitamins and digestive enzymes that
blood pressure has been demonstrated by a improve our ability to absorb nutrients, plus
number of studies. The US Food and Drug compounds that protect us against unfriendly
Administration have allowed the banana industry microorganisms. When fructooligosaccharides
to make official claims for the fruit's ability to are fermented by these friendly bacteria, not only
 do numbers of probiotic bacteria increase, but so Perfect Baby food
does the body’s ability to absorb calcium. For this Bananas are the best solid food to introduce to
reason, ingesting antibiotics harm these beneficial infants. A mashed ripe banana is an extremely
bacteria. simple and healthy baby food. Potassium, Fiber,
Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Selenium,
Research published in Digestive Diseases and Iron, Vitamins A, B2, B6, C, E, Niacin, Folate,
Sciences underscores just how much bananas can and Pantothenic Acid. Furthermore, bananas are
improve nutrient absorption. In this study, 57 very easy to digest and rarely cause allergic
babies (5-12 months) with persistent diarrhea of reactions. Bananas are part of the BRAT diet, a
at least 14 days duration were given a week’s diet many physicians recommend for children
treatment with a rice-based diet containing either recovering from gastrointestinal problems,
green banana, apple pectin or the rice diet alone. particularly diarrhea. Recent study found
Treatment with both green banana and apple evidence that a higher consumption of bananas
pectin resulted in a 50% reduction in stool and apple juice from concentrate may protect
weights, indicating that the babies were absorbing against wheezing in children.
significantly more nutrients.
Cholesterol-lowering effect
Protection from ulcers & Heartburn remedy Animal studies have shown that banana has the
Bananas have long been recognized for their potential to lower cholesterol. It was suggested
antacid effects that protect against stomach ulcers that the dietary fibre component in banana pulp
and ulcer damage. A flavonoid in the banana, was responsible for its cholesterol-lowering
leucocyanidin, has been found to significantly effect. The amount of dietary fibre in banana is
increase the thickness of the mucous membrane relatively constant during banana ripening.
layer of the stomach. Since bananas help to
neutralize acidity, they are also a great way to get
Kidney Health
rid of heartburn. In an animal study, a simple
Bananas promote an overall improvement of the
mixture of banana and milk significantly
functional efficiency of kidneys. Benefits to the
suppressed acid secretion.
kidneys are again due to the high potassium
content of bananas. A normal intake of potassium
Protection against neurodegenerative diseases suppresses calcium excretion in the urine and
(Alzheimer’s disease) minimizes the risk of kidney stones.
Researchers at Cornell University investigated The results of the Swedish population based
the effects of apple, banana, and orange extracts prospective study (13.4 years) of 61,000 women
on neuron cells and found that the phenolic aged 40-76, show that women eating more than
phytochemicals of the fruits prevented 75 servings of fruits and vegetables per month
neurotoxicity on the cells. Among the three fruits, (which translates into 2.5 per day) cut their risk of
apples contained the highest content of protective kidney cancer 40%. Among the fruits, bananas
antioxidants, followed by bananas then oranges. were especially protective. Women eating
These results suggest that fresh apples, banana, bananas four to six times a week halved their risk
and orange in our daily diet along with other of developing the disease compared to those who
fruits may protect neuron cells against oxidative did not eat this fruit.
stress-induced neurotoxicity and may play an
important role in reducing the risk of
Hang-over
neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s
One of the fastest ways to cure hang-over is to
disease.
make a dairy banana cocktail with milk and
honey. Bananas are known to calm an upset
stomach and help rehydrate your body. Bananas
are rich in the important electrolytes, magnesium
and potassium, which are severely depleted packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils
during heavy drinking. Banana with the honey more alert.
builds up the depleted blood sugar levels, Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect
providing some energy. bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the
inside of a banana skin. Many people find it
Energy booster amazingly successful at reducing swelling and
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, irritation.
fructose and glucose combined with fiber. Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help
Potassium is also essential for helping muscles to calm the nervous system.
contract properly during exercise and reduces
cramping up. A banana gives an instant, sustained Industrial Uses
and substantial boost of energy. Research has The aforementioned antifungal properties of
proven that just two bananas provide enough banana pulp and peel have been successfully used
energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. to treat tomato fungus in an agricultural setting.
In their home countries, locals use banana leaves
Immunity booster for everything from umbrellas to construction
Bananas contain 25 percent of the recommended materials. Banana and plantain fibers are used
daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin B6, necessary throughout the world to weave ropes, mats and
for producing antibodies and red blood cells as other textiles. Tannins present in ripe banana peel
well as aiding in the metabolism of fat. In act as tanning agents in leather processing.
addition, vitamin B6 serves as an immunity
booster. So, this fruit strengthens your armor Cultural and Environmental Care
against infectious diseases. With each average-o Bananas prefer rich, fertile soils and a sunny,
sized banana, you ingest about 15% of the RDA sheltered location. These plants thrive under
for vitamin C, one of the strongest antioxidants. uniformly warm or hot conditions. Plant growth
slows if temperatures fall below 60 degrees
1.15 Depression: Fahrenheit, and irreversible freeze damage may
According to a recent survey undertaken by occur below 32 degrees. High winds can cause
MIND amongst people suffering from depression, leaf shredding and drying and may topple plants.
many felt much better after eating a banana. This Banana plants require ample water and will suffer
is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of if the soil dries out; however, they are not flood
protein that the body converts into serotonin, tolerant. Each stem only produces flowers and
known to make you relax, improve your mood fruits once, so the active stem must be cut away
and generally make you feel happier. to allow new suckers to emerge.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The Common Pests and Diseases
vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucoseo Banana plants, whether grown indoors or on a
levels, which can affect your mood. plantation, may be bothered by a number of pests
and pathogens. Nematodes are often a major
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the problem and are best controlled with nematicides,
production of hemoglobin in the blood and so repeated plowing and sun exposure or crop
helps in cases of anemia. rotation. Additionally, corms should be
disinfected in hot water solutions before planting.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham Other banana pests include the black weevil and
(Middlesex) school were helped through their various species of thrips and mites. Several fungi,
exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, bacteria and viruses can attack banana plants,
break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain causing the development of symptoms that range
power. Research has shown that the potassium- from leaf spots or streaks to rotting fruit or roots.
  6. The pounded inflorescence "puso" is
Food Uses used as poultice for skin ulcers and
o All banana plants can produce edible fruit, but the wounds.
fruit taste, seediness, color, size and other  7. The flowers are taken as an infusion in
characteristics depend on the species or variety. normal doses for painful menstruation.
Bananas can be peeled and eaten raw, baked  8. The fresh flower can be cooked and
peeled or unpeeled, made into a puree suitable for eaten to treat diabetes. It is also good for
infants and used in many other ways. In addition the weak heart.
to this plant's highly versatile fruit, peeled stems  9. Eating ripe bananas can prevent
can be chopped and added to salads or steamed constipation, colitis, and heartburn.
with other vegetables.  10. For bladder infection eat 3 to 4
bananas a day.
Non-Food Uses
o Banana leaves are commonly used as plants, for Hair Care
wrapping food and as an eye-shade or for
protection from rain. The banana pseudostem can  There are a number of benefits of
be utilized for its fiber. The pulp can be used to bananas. The benefits are not just limited
manufacture rope, paper, place mats and other to health but also extend up to beauty
goods, but the pseudostem is often most valuable treatments as well. It is an effective
economically if it is chopped and left in a field beauty treatment for skin as well as hair.
for its organic matter content. All parts of the  Bananas are great for your hair and scalp.
banana have medicinal value. For example, They improve manageability and shine
flowers can be cooked and eaten by diabetics or while moisturizing your skin and helping
used for bronchitis, dysentery and ulcers. Plant to prevent and control dandruff.
sap can be taken internally or applied externally  Banana is rich in: Potassium, Natural oils,
to stings and bites. The young leaves can be used Carbohydrates and Vitamins.
as a poultice for skin irritations. The roots, ashes  These help in softening the hair and
of peels and leaves and seed mucilage also serve protects the hair's natural elasticity
medicinal purposes in some regions and cultures. preventing split ends and breakage.
Bananas when used for hair has a number
of benefits such as it creates
1.21. Benefits manageability, shine, growth and controls
dandruff. These are simply the best for
 The ripe fruit is laxative when eaten early hair and the scalp.
in the morning.  Bananas enhance the strength, endurance
 2. An excellent food for those anemic and shine of the hair and can be referred
persons, having general weakness, to as the bananafood. Most of the
jaundice, nervous breakdown, obesity, banana hair products are available only at
weak digestion and vitamin deficiency. expensive spas and salons. However, you
 3. Decoction of the unripe fruit is good can make your own banana hair
for diarrhea and scurvy. conditioner or mask. Just like a facial
 4. The juice of the plant is taken to cure mask enhances the glow of your face
hemorrhages, cholera, epilepsy and immediately, a hair mask also improves
hysteria. your hair dramatically. Bananas are full of
 5. An extract of the trunk's juice can be vitamins and is a number one ingredient
used to massage scalp to promote healthy for strengthening and volumizing the hair.
growth of hair and preventing hair loss. It helps in repairing dry and sun-damaged
hair.
  The damages of hair that are caused to the  PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The
hair by exposure to the dirt, pollution and vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose
other environmental toxins can be treated levels, which can affect your mood.
with the banana mask. Banana helps in
 Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate
protecting the hair from further damage.
the production of hemoglobin in the blood
The vitamin B helps in the prevention of
and so helps in cases of anemia.
split ends.
 Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is
 The type of hair that is suitable for this
extremely high in potassium yet low in salt,
treatment are dry hair, dyed hair and for
making it perfect to beat blood pressure.
hair after perm. It also serves as an
 So much so, the US Food and Drug
excellent treatment for addressing the
Administration has just allowed the banana
problem of dandruff and is helpful in
industry to make official claims for the fruit's
retaining moisture on your scalp.
ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure
However, if you are allergic to any of the
and stroke.
ingredients used in the pack then it is best
to avoid using it.  Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham
(Middlesex) school were helped through their
 Bananas contain minerals and other
exams this year by eating bananas at
nutrients that promote hair recovery and
breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost
rehabilitation. Banana mask is perfectly
their brain power.
suited for dry, dyed hair and for hair after
 Research has shown that the potassium-
the perm.
packed fruit can assist learning by making
Traditional Uses of Banana pupils more alert.
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose,  Constipation: High in fiber, including
fructose and glucose combined with fiber. bananas in the diet can help restore normal
A banana gives an instant, sustained and bowel action, helping to overcome the
substantial boost of energy. problem without resorting to laxatives.
Research has proven that just two bananas  Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of
provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute curing a hangover is to make a banana
workout. milkshake, sweetened with honey. The
No wonder the banana is the number one fruit banana calms the stomach and, with the help
with the world's leading athletes. of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates
us keep fit. your system.
It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial  Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid
number of illnesses and conditions, making it a effect in the body, so if you suffer from
must to add to our daily diet. heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing
relief.
 Depression: According to a recent survey  Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas
undertaken by MIND amongst people between meals helps to keep blood sugar
suffering from depression, many felt much levels up and avoid morning sickness.
better after eating a banana.  Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the
 This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected
type of protein that the body converts into area with the inside of a banana skin.
serotonin, known to make you relax, improve
your mood and generally make you feel  Many people find it amazingly successful at
happier. reducing swelling and irritation.
 Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas
help calm the nervous system. as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of
 Overweight: Studies at the Institute of death by strokes by as much as 40%.
Psychology in Austria found pressure at work  Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives
leads to gorging on comfort food like swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a
chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 piece of banana skin and place it on the wart,
hospital patients, researchers found the most with the yellow side out Carefully hold the
obese were more likely to be in high-pressure skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
jobs.
 The report concluded that, to avoid panic- So, a banana really is a natural remedy for
induced food cravings, we need to control our many ills.
blood sugar levels by snacking on high
carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep 2. Research Activity on Musa paradisiaca
levels steady. Banana, plantain or Musa paradisiaca is a large,
 Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary herbaceous plant native to India and Southeast
food against intestinal disorders because of its Asia. Purple buds appear from the heart of the tip
soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw of the stem and develop into tubular, white
fruit that can be eaten without distress in over- flowers. Along with dietary fibers, proteins and
chronicler cases. unsaturated fatty acids, banana flowers are also
 It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces rich in vitamin E and flavonoids. They are part of
irritation by coating the lining of the stomach. many cuisines in the world. They also possess
 Temperature control: Many other cultures immense medicinal value. However, there is no
see bananas as a “cooling " fruit that can scientific information to determine the side
lower both the physical and emotional effects and drug interactions of banana flower. It
temperature of expectant mothers. In should, thus, be used only under the supervision
Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat of a doctor.
bananas to ensure their baby is born with a
cool temperature.
Infections
 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they Ethanol-based extracts of banana flowers inhibit
contain the natural mood enhancer the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as
tryptophan. Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia
 Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also coli in the laboratory and may help heal wounds
help people trying to give up smoking. The and prevent infections, says Mumtaz Jahan,
B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium author of a study published in a 2010 issue of the
and magnesium found in them, help the body "Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical
recover from the effects of nicotine Research." Another study published in the
withdrawal. January 2011 edition of the journal "Parasitology
 Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which Research" states that ethyl acetate extracts of
helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen banana flower may inhibit the growth of the
to the brain and regulates your body's water malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum in vitro.
balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic However, these benefits have not been proved in
rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium clinical studies.
levels. These can be rebalanced with the help
of a high-potassium banana snack. Diabetes
Oral intake of 0.15 to 0.25 g per Kg of body
Strokes: According to research in The New
weight of chloroform extracts of banana flowers
for 30 days may significantly reduce the blood Bananas are not only a good source of B vitamins
sugar levels and increase the total hemoglobin they also contain vitamin C, A and high levels
level in rats, as per the results of a study of potassium. The natural fiber in bananas also
published in the March 2000 edition of the contribute to the many health benefits listed
journal "Phytotherapy Research." However, as below.
with antimicrobial activity, the hypoglycemic
effects of banana flowers have not been proved Health Benefits of Eating Bananas
clinically. It is important to talk to a doctor
determine the dosage that is right for you. · healthy bowels
· cardiovascular health
Antioxidant Activity · protection from strokes
Methanol extracts of banana flowers possess · protection from ulcers
antioxidant properties and thereby stabilize the · improve blood pressure
free radicals formed as a result of various · may boost mood
metabolic processes in the body. If the free · boost energy
radicals are not neutralized, their unstable · help reduce water retention
electrons react with the DNA and proteins of
human cells and alter their properties. This can Bananas and losing weight: Bananas may be
lead to several chronic conditions, including one of the best fruits to eat when attempting to
cancer and heart disease. The authors of a study lose weight. They are full of nutrients for
published in October 2010 issue of the journal increased energy and vitality. Bananas are also
"Food Science and Biotechnology" recommend low in calories and fat, plus they have a high
the use of banana flower extracts to make health water content and potassium levels. A diet high in
supplements due to its antioxidant potential. potassium foods and lower in sodium-loaded
processed foods can help reduce water weight
Menstrual Bleeding
Consuming one cooked banana flower with one Banana Nutrition Health Benefits Banana has a
cup of curd or yogurt is one of the most efficient good nutritional value and one serving of banana
way of treating excessive bleeding during carries 70 calories. It is also a good source of
menstruation, says the website Himalayan Home potassium, fiber and other phytochemicals. One
Remedies. The cooked banana flower and curd may ask, "Does banana nutrition help weight
combination increases the level of progesterone loss?" or "What nutrition health benefits are
in the body and thereby reduces bleeding there?". In the following section, we are going to
associated with menorrhagia. review what the banana nutrition health benefits
based on scientific studies.
Benefits of Eating Bananas
Bananas are a great food for all round health Cancer: Banana nutrition may benefit people at
benefits, for the average person, dieter or even risk of certain cancers. In a study, family history,
athletes bananas may provide greater benefits past history of illness and dietary information of
than most fruits. The combination of 279 patients suffered from colorectal cancer were
carbohydrates and B vitamins present in a banana studied, a protective effect provided by banana
helps provide an energy boost which makes them and papaya on colorectal cancer was served.
great to eat 30 minutes before a workout, or even Dietary fiber was found to decrease the colorectal
at breakfast to help boost energy at the start of cancer risk.
every day.
Cardiovascular Protection: Banana is a good
source of potassium. Potassium maintains
normal blood pressure and heart function. One banana flake group had less diarrhea clinically,
serving of banana contains 467 mg of potassium, with 57% of the subjects diarrhea free on their
this makes people to believe that one banana a last study day as opposed to 24% of the
day may help to prevent hypertension or even medically treated subjects.
atherosclerosis. A number of studies have
demonstrated this banana nutrition benefit. Stomach Ulcer: Banana has been used as an
Potassium may further promote bone health. As antacid to protect stomach against ulcers and
potassium may prevent the calcium loss in urine, ulcer damage. A mixture of banana and milk may
which is caused by high salt diets. decrease acid secretion. It is believed that banana
allows a thicker mucus barrier against stomach
Cholesterol: In a study of male rats on a diet acids and contains protease inhibitors. Protease
containing lard (50 g/kg) and cholesterol (5 g/kg), inhibitors help eliminate bacteria causing the
freeze-dried banana pulp showed a marked stomach ulcers.
cholesterol-lowering effect when incorporated
into a diet at the level of 300 or 500 g/kg, while Home Remedies with Bananas
the hot-air dried banana pulp did not show the Eat banana at night to get relief from
effect. constipation. If suffering from diarrhea you can
use raw bananas. Boil the raw banana, mash it
Diabetes: In a study, chemical compositions and add a pinch of salt and butter. Eat it to get
and glycemic indices of four varieties of banana relief from diarrhea. This is considered to be one
were determined. Silk, Gros Michel, of the most important health benefits of raw
Pisang Awak and Mysore contained high bananas. To increase the effectiveness of bananas
percentages of starch (14%), sucrose (38%), free for diarrhea, you can puree a small amount of ripe
glucose (29%) and fructose (58%) as a banana and add a teaspoon of honey to it. Apply
percentage of the total available carbohydrate this spread to a slice of well-done toast as the
content respectively. Total dietary fiber contents toast will help to absorb excess fluids within the
of four varieties ranged from 2.7 to 5.3%. gastrointestinal tract as well as provide bulk to
Glycemic indices were about 65 and can be the stools which helps to reduce the severity of
categorized as low against white bread as the diarrhea. In order to treat chronic constipation
standard. A single banana of the four varieties with bananas, you can slice a banana along with a
elicited a low glycemic load. Researchers in the pear and an apple. Drizzle a spoon of honey over
study suggest that consumption of a banana from the chopped fruits and if you wish to you can
any of these varieties may be a snack for healthy sprinkle a spoon of crushed nuts over this fruit
or diabetic patients who are under dietary platter. Bananas, pears, and apples are all
management or pharmacological drugs to excellent sources of fiber and this will help to
regulate blood glucose responses in between reduce the risk of constipation. Honey is very
meals. easy to digest and helps to provide your body
with several amino acids and healthy sugars
Diarrhea: It has been thought that the while nuts help to provide your body with several
banana pectin (a soluble polymer) can help essential fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Have this
normalize bowel movement and fruit platter every morning as this will provide
ease constipation. However, intake of banana your body with the dietary fiber it requires.
may benefit people suffered from diarrhea. A
study also indicate this banana nutrition benefits.  Banana or plantain has been widely used
In a study, 31 patients with diarrhea and receiving as an anti-wrinkle treatment. Mash 1/4
enteral feedings were randomized to banana till it becomes a smooth paste.
receive either banana flakes or medical treatment Cover your face with it and leave it for 15-
for diarrhea. The researchers found that the 20 minutes before rinsing with warm
 water followed by splashes of cold water. method twice or thrice a day to help
Pat it dry. You can also make a reduce the discoloration and speed up the
moisturizing face pack out of pureed healing process. Make sure that you rinse
bananas. Puree a small piece of banana and dry the area gently before applying a
and add enough fuller’s earth to it to make new piece of banana peel to your skin as
it a thick paste. Scrub your face well to this will increase the effectiveness of this
get rid of the uppermost layer of grime treatment. The banana peel health benefits
and dead skin cells and then apply this are of immense use in the treatment of
paste to your face. Allow the paste to dry warts and one can follow this same
completely before washing it off with cold method of treatment for bruising on
water. Fuller’s earth helps to absorb persistent warts.
excess sebum from your skin and so this
face pack will leave your skin fresh and  To get rid of hangover you can drink
smooth. Use this pack at least once a banana milk shake mixed with honey.
week to help provide your skin with the Banana helps in soothing the stomach and
vitamins it requires to remain healthy and body. In very severe cases, where
wrinkle free. If you have dry skin, you can ingesting food causes nausea and
add a teaspoon of coconut milk to this vomiting, you can puree a small banana
paste as coconut milk contains several along with an apple and slowly consume
healthy fatty acids that will help to fortify one spoon of this mixture at a time. Drink
your skin and prevent wrinkles. only small amounts of liquids for the first
few hours and then have this mixture once
 Mash one ripe banana in one cup of milk more. This will help to stabilize your
and drink it at least 2-3 times a day to gastrointestinal system as well as get rid
treat skin allergies. of the waste products in your digestive
and urinary system.
 You can use banana peel inside out for
treatment of warts. Use the peel inside out  If you are pregnant, and want to avoid leg
and cover the wart by taping it. Once the cramps, eat bananas before going to bed.
peel turns black remove and continue this
for some weeks to get relief from wart.  Eat three bananas a day to prevent ulcers.
It will help to soothe your stomach and
 You can use banana peel for treating reduce the ulcer pain.
poison ivy rashes. Rub the peel inside out
over the rashes; it soothes the skin to  Consuming a banana after every meal
provide a cooling effect. If your skin is helps in reducing the heartburn. This can
very sore, rubbing the peel on your skin also be used to help treat acid reflux and
may actually increase your discomfort. In GERD.
such a case, you can use the blunt side of
a knife to scrape the insides of the banana  To decrease menstrual bleeding drink the
peel so that you get a thick grainy paste. mixture of boiled banana flower with
Gently apply this paste to the affected buttermilk.
portions of skin to help reduce the
irritation and inflammation.  Consuming two tablespoons of burnt
banana leaves mixed with honey helps
 Banana peel can be used if you have relief hiccups.
bruised yourself. Tape it overnight to see
the positive results in the morning. If the  Rubbing banana peel inside out is the best
bruising is rather severe, you can use this remedy for mosquito bites.
  Bananas can help Seasonal Affective a diet for high blood pressure as they contain
Disorder (SAD) sufferers as it contains potassium which helps to reduce and control high
natural mood enhancers and tryptophan. blood pressure. Furthermore, bananas do not
contain even trace amounts of fat, cholesterol, or
 It contains high levels of Vitamin C, A, sodium which makes it a healthy food option
B6, and B12 which helps people give up even for restrictive diet plans. There are several
smoking. The potassium and magnesium types of bananas which are classified according
found in bananas helps the body recover to their taste and the color of their skin. Red
from the effects of withdrawal symptoms. bananas have a red peel and the flesh of the fruit
is light pink in color. Red bananas are best if they
 Eat bananas in every form ripe, raw,
are allowed to ripen fully at room temperature.
cooked, milkshakes and desserts. It helps
They can be used to add a dash of color and
in treating many ailments related to your
sweetness to a mixed fruit platter. Apple bananas
body.
are smaller than the usual varieties of bananas
 Drinking extract from the stem attached to and are yellow in color. They tend to ripen much
the banana cluster helps kill tuberculosis faster and so it is important to check on them
bacteria. regularly to ensure that they do not get spoilt. The
baby banana is one of the smallest varieties of
 To combat alcohol addiction drink a small bananas and they are yellow in color. They are
glass of the boiled mixture consisting of 3 very sweet and are perfect for infants and
banana peels, Tabasco, water or milk from toddlers. It is best to blend these bananas into a
1 coconut, brown sugar or sugar loaf to thick puree before feeding it to infants. Baking
taste. Let it ferment for 3 days and add bananas are very large and are often used in
snifter of liquor. Do this for nine days. baked dishes as a unique and exotic substitute for
potatoes. Ripe banana health benefits are very
 When it comes to the health benefits of varied and so the health benefits of ripe bananas
bananas, it is not only the many uses of should be taken into account when deciding on a
the fruit and the peel that are important. diet plan.
Banana flower benefits are invaluable to
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