ONE of Mother Nature’s most precious gifts to mankind is banana. It is one of the most popular fruits among people from all walks of life, because bananas are available fresh all-year-round, and much cheaper compared with other tropical fruits.
For the ordinary consumer, banana is just a simple name for that yellow or green and elongated fruit which is usually served as dessert.
But according to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), the word “banana” is a general term embracing a number of species or hybrids of the genus Musa of the family of Musaceae – closely related to plantains.
SOURCE OF VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Banana is a good source of fiber, Vitamin C, and potassium. Potassium is a mineral which is important for controlling the body’s fluid balance. It is also needed for muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, and the proper functioning of the heart and kidneys.
Potassium helps regulate water balance and blood pressure in cells, together with other minerals like sodium, calcium, and magnesium.
Besides being a good source of vitamins and minerals, banana is also a natural remedy for a number of illnesses and conditions.
A study made by the FNRI showed that a ripe banana relieves diarrhea, whereas an unripe banana relieves constipation.
Banana is also highly recommended for patients suffering from high blood pressure because of its potassium content.
A piece of banana each day restores the balance of potassium. So it is highly advisable to include banana in your daily meals.
Bananas are classified either as dessert bananas or as green cooking bananas. It can be a delicious addition to fruit salads or simply eaten out of hand. Overripe bananas can be used to make excellent breads, cookies, muffins and cake.
The unripe or green bananas, on the other hand, are used in cooking – it can be fried, boiled, baked or made into chips.
UNIQUE FRUIT
According to the FNRI, banana is the most unique fruit because it does not come from trees, but from large plants that are giant herbs related to lily and orchid families.
Bananas in general, such as Saba, Gloria, and Latundan, contain 400 milligrams of potassium. Most individuals receive approximately 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams of potassium from various foods.
Banana is also a great source of instant energy – whether you are watching your diet or just trying to eat healthy.
Like most fresh fruits, bananas do not contain fat, sodium, or cholesterol.
It is a known fact that a low fat, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, may reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Bananas are also rich in Vitamins A, C, K, and B6, fiber, and magnesium.
Lack of Vitamin B6 in the diet can cause weakness, irritability and insomnia.
While Vitamin K helps to regulate blood pressure, and may reduce the risks of high blood pressure and stroke.
Vitamin K is also essential for helping muscles to contract properly during exercise and reduces cramping up.
Bananas also contain plenty of carbohydrates which is the body’s main source of energy.
MOOD ENHANCER
It also contains a natural mood enhancer – tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts to serotonin. Serotonin is known to make the body feel relaxed and improves good mood too – preventing depression.
Due to its great taste, banana can also be a substitute for sweets to satisfy one’s craving for sugar.
The convenience and nutritional value of bananas make them good post-exercise snack. During long exercises, bananas can give the immediate energy that a person may need.
Taking into consideration these health benefits, banana is truly a wonderful and delicious fruit – and very affordable too./PN
