Nutritional value of banana

The nutritional value of any food crop depends on several variables such as growth stage climatic conditions, soil quality and of particular importance the genotype.

Healthy, filling and even already wrapped for the consumer, bananas are one of nature’s ideal foods and the world’s most popular fruit.

They are undoubtedly an extremely healthy food, and the healthy conscious late 1990s is a highly appropriate point at which to begin a study of the expanding international banana trade.

The pulp of banana consists essentially of sugar and is therefore easily digestible. The fruit is composed of approximately 70% water, 27% carbohydrate, 0.3% fat and 1.2% protein.

The total lipid content is low both in banana and plantain (less than 0.2%) and the energy the fruits provide is therefore not related to fat.

They are good sources of potassium and vitamin A. Bananas contain nearly all the essential vitamins – in particular vitamins C, B6 (pyridoxine), B2 (riboflavin) and folate – as well as magnesium.

Potassium is a vital mineral for muscle development and also helps to regulate blood pressure.

Bananas also contain a high level of natural sugar, in both their fresh and dried form, which they release quickly into the blood stream.

Each of 100 g of banana flakes contains 340 calories of energy, 2.8 mg of iron and 760 IU of vitamin A.
Nutritional value of banana

Health benefits of banana fruit

Bananas are considered cold and have a tendency to move energy inward in the body. Banana has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals when compared with apple.

They are sweet, being rich in carbohydrates (mostly the sugars glucose and fructose), as well as in folic acid, vitamins B6, and C, potassium, and pectin. They also contain an enzyme that aids in the production of sex hormones. As bananas are high in calories but low in fat, they are an excellent food for pregnant mothers, babies and children.

Banana also rich in fiber that helps in regulating the bowel functions. Bananas provide long term energy and improve stamina. They moisten the ‘yin’ fluid of the body, including the lungs and large intestines, and have some antiseptic activity.

They support the friendly intestinal flora (helpful bacteria within our bowel) and stimulate the proliferation of cells that provide a protective coating between the stomach and harsh digestive acids. Bananas also stimulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that improve sleep and elevate mood.

Banana can reduce the risk of heart disease and blood pressure. Banana high in potassium, yet low in sodium, this fruit is very effective in balancing blood pressure.

Depression peoples often feel better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body coverts into serotonin. This powerful hormone is known to make the body relax, improve mood and feeling happy.

Bananas have been used to treat alcoholism, arteriosclerosis, celiac disease, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, exhaustion, hemorrhoids, hypertension, weak muscle and ulcers. They also have been used to help treat insulin shock in diabetics.

Ripe bananas are very easy to digest – even easier when mashed – and are recommended for those suffering from weak digestion, vomiting or emaciation.
Health benefits of banana fruit

What are the main vitamins in Banana?

Banana is a good source of many vitamins and minerals particularly vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C.

Many of banana varieties contain high levels of provitamin A carotenoids, the source of the yellow or orange color of the fruit.

The importance of carotenoids becomes clear when one considers that vitamin A deficiency affects around 120 millions children a year. Vitamin deficiency has many effects including weakening the immune system and causing blindness.

Because they contain vitamin A bananas and plantains act as an aid to digestion, and it is reported that boiled mashed ripe fruit can be good for constipation, especially when mixed with other recommended plants.

Banana contains about 10-25 mg of vitamin C per 100 g, though figures as high as 50 mg have been quoted in some varieties.

The quantity is the same whether it is ripe or unripe. Vitamin C in banana helps the body to heal and defend against infections.

Vitamin C also is valuable in the absorption of iron, synthesis of connective tissue, and blood formation.
What are the main vitamins in Banana?