Health Benefits of Banana (केला)

Health Benefits of Banana केला

Scientific Name:  Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana

Bananas are an excellent source of vitamin B6, soluble fiber, and contain moderate amounts of vitamin C, manganese and potassium. Along with other fruits and vegetables, consumption of bananas may be associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer and in women, breast cancer and renal cell carcinoma. Banana ingestion may affect dopamine production in people deficient in the amino acid tyrosine, a dopamine precursor present in bananas. Individuals with a latex allergy may experience a reaction to bananas.

Banana gives instant surge of energy and this is one of the reasons sportsmen consume it during intervals. Bananas are an excellent breakfast for kids and adults as it provides required energy throughout the day. It helps keep blood pressure under control because bananas are rich in potassium, calcium & magnesium. It helps lower cholesterol and supports renal health. Bananas improves nerve function and enhances brain power. Banana is a rich source of B vitamins and therefore perks up nerve function.  Potassium, in banana keeps the mental faculties vigilant and boosts learning abilities. Rich in antioxidants and dietary fibre, consumption of bananas reduce risk of various types of cancer, especially bowel cancer. Probiotic bacteria present in bananas is said to have astonishing ability to absorb calcium in the body. Hence, consuming bananas help in building better bones. It is very rich in fructooligosaccharide which acts as a probiotic (friendly bacteria). It stimulates the growth and activity of probiotics in the colon and produces enzymes that enable absorption of nutrients thus enhancing the digestive ability and preventing unfriendly bacteria from harming the body. Certain substances in bananas stimulate the cells which make up the stomach lining, this enables production of a thicker protective mucus barrier against stomach acids.  Also the substance known as protease inhibitors in banana, help getting rid of bacteria in the stomach that produces stomach ulcers, thus protecting against damage of stomach and ulcer. Raw bananas are astringent in nature and are effective in treatment for diarrhoea.  They also regulate fluid balance. Pectin found in Bananas, help to alleviate constipation and improves bowel function. Bananas help regulate bowel movement they help cure piles. Bananas are good for Anaemic patients as they contain high levels of iron which help regulate the haemoglobin levels in the body.

1.    The antacid substance in banana gives immense relief from heartburn

2.    The presence of benign amino acids in banana helps combat allergies.

3.    Vitamins B6 and B12 along with magnesium and Potassium in Bananas helps recover from nicotine addiction

4.    Bananas when blended with honey and yoghurt cures hangover.

5.    The combination of milk and bananas enhances weight gain.  Bananas provide the body with necessary natural sugars and milk provides protein.

6.    Bananas are rich in amino acids known as Tryptophan.  This substance triggers production of melatonin (sleep hormone) which induces sleep.  Eating banana a few hours before bedtime ensures a peaceful night’s sleep.

7.    Itching and swelling caused by mosquito bites can be reduced by rubbing the inside of a banana on it. Vitamin B6, serotonin, tryptophan, dopamine, etc., in bananas help combat symptoms of PMS, erratic mood swings, and depression.

8.    They contain significant amounts of vitamin C and B6 which plays vital role in maintaining the integrity and elasticity of the skin.

9.    In addition, the large amount of antioxidants and manganese present in banana protect the body from damage caused by oxygen free radicals which lead to premature aging of the skin.

Read more for other benefits of BANANA

 

Bananas (Raw) Nutrient Vallue
Carbohydrate Factor: 3.6 Fat Factor: 8.37 Protein Factor: 3.36 Nitrogen to Protein Conversion Factor: 6.25
Refuse: 36% Refuse Description: Skin
Nutrient (Proximates)	Unit	1Value per100g
Water	g	74.91
Energy	kcal	89
Protein	g	1.09
Total lipid (fat)	g	0.33
Ash	g	0.82
Carbohydrate, by difference	g	22.84
Fiber, total dietary	g	2.6
Sugars, total	g	12.23
Sucrose	g	2.39
Glucose (dextrose)	g	4.98
Fructose	g	4.85
Lactose	g	0
Maltose	g	0.01
Galactose	g	0
Starch	g	5.38
Minerals
Calcium, Ca	mg	5
Iron, Fe	mg	0.26
Magnesium, Mg	mg	27
Phosphorus, P	mg	22
Potassium, K	mg	358
Sodium, Na	mg	1
Zinc, Zn	mg	0.15
Copper, Cu	mg	0.078
Manganese, Mn	mg	0.27
Selenium, Se	µg	1
Fluoride, F	µg	2.2
Vitamins
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid	mg	8.7
Thiamin	mg	0.031
Riboflavin	mg	0.073
Niacin	mg	0.665
Pantothenic acid	mg	0.334
Vitamin B-6	mg	0.367
Folate, total	µg	20
Folic acid	µg	0
Folate, food	µg	20
Folate, DFE	µg	20
Choline, total	mg	9.8
Betaine	mg	0.1
Vitamin B-12	µg	0
Vitamin B-12, added	µg	0
Vitamin A, RAE	µg	3
Retinol	µg	0
Carotene, beta	µg	26
Carotene, alpha	µg	25
Cryptoxanthin, beta	µg	0
Vitamin A, IU	IU	64
Lycopene	µg	0
Lutein + zeaxanthin	µg	22
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)	mg	0.1
Vitamin E, added	mg	0
Tocopherol, beta	mg	0
Tocopherol, gamma	mg	0.02
Tocopherol, delta	mg	0.01
Vitamin D (D2 + D3)	µg	0
Vitamin D	IU	0
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)	µg	0.5
Lipids
Fatty acids, total saturated	g	0.112
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated	g	0.032
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated	g	0.073
Cholesterol	mg	0
Phytosterols	mg	16
Amino Acids
Tryptophan	g	0.009
Threonine	g	0.028
Isoleucine	g	0.028
Leucine	g	0.068
Lysine	g	0.05
Methionine	g	0.008
Cystine	g	0.009
Phenylalanine	g	0.049
Tyrosine	g	0.009
Valine	g	0.047
Arginine	g	0.049
Histidine	g	0.077
Alanine	g	0.04
Aspartic acid	g	0.124
Glutamic acid	g	0.152
Glycine	g	0.038
Proline	g	0.028
Serine	g	0.04
Flavonoids
Anthocyanidins	mg	7.4
Flavan-3-ols	mg	6.1
Flavones	mg	0.3
Proanthocyanidin	mg	3.3