All About Banana Flower/ Banana Blossom
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MBBS, NA, Department of cyco
The banana flower is the flower of banana plant and is native to the Andes mountains of Colombia.Banana flower is also known as a banana heart or a banana blossom and it is a drop-shaped purple flower that hangs at the end of cluster of bananas. The tough maroon petals that surround the blossoms are known as bracts and need to be removed and discarded as they are inedible.
The light yellow floret encased within the bracts can be diced and eaten raw in salads or they can be cooked in curries. Like apples, potatoes and bananas, the flowers oxidize and turn black when they come in contact with air and so they should be immersed in water to prevent this from happening.
Nutrient Composition of Banana Blossom
- Food Energy 51 Kcals
- Protein 1.6 g Fat 0.6 g
- Carbohydrate, total (incl. fiber) 9.9 g
- Fiber 5.7 g
- Ash 1,2 g
- Calcium 56.0 mg
- Phosphorus 73,3mg
- Iron 56.4mg
- Copper 13.0mg
- Potassium 553.3mg
- Magnesium 48.7mg
- Vitamin E (mg/kg) 1.07mg
Health Benefits of Banana Flower
Almost all the parts of banana tree has great uses and the banana flower is no exception. Banana flowers have wonderful medicinal values and we should include it as often as we can in our diet. The banana flower serves the health benefits which are as follows:
Curing the infection
Banana flower has the ability to treat infection because it possesses ethanol flowers which helps to prevent the pathogenic bacterial growth as well as cure the wound .The extracts of banana flower helps to prevent the growth of malaria parasites.
Improves lactation
Banana flowers are good for lactating mothers as it helps increase the breast milk supply. It helps to cure the excessive bleeding and maintains healthy uterus and also restrict constipation during pregnancy and improves lactation. It has a bland, starchy taste so always mix it with other spices to make it taste good.
Overcoming diabetes and anemia
The diabetic patients could consume banana flowers either boiled or alone so that it lowers the level of blood sugar and raise the hemoglobin in the body as it is rich in iron and fiber which assists in red blood cell production. It works a great for diabetic patients.
Reduce Free Radical Activity
The free radicals lead to so many problems. The antioxidant property is possessed in the banana flower. It also treats the health problems like cancer and premature aging. Banana flowers should be included in health supplements in order to make the full use of antioxidant properties.
Menstrual problems and weight loss
Banana flower is one of the best home remedy for bleeding in women as it helps increase progesterone in the body.Excess bleeding could be treated if it is eaten with rice. As it is rich in fiber and nutrients, it results in weight loss. It gently calm the stomach as well. For weight loss, the banana flowers should be added to the salads and soups.
Rich source of Vitamin and minerals
The banana flowers possess the Vitamin C, E, A fiber and potassium which are good sources of healthy nutrient.
Boost Mood and Reduce Anxiety
It improves the mood and lowers anxiety due to the magnesium present in banana flowers. They serve as anti-depressants without side effects.
Anti-ageing power
It helps to encounter the free radicals and heal the health problems related to it such as cancer and early aging.
Banana flower for pregnant women
It helps to prevent from the uterus problems. You must have been advised to include banana flower in diet during pregnanacy. Banana stem is rich in fiber and it prevents constipation during pregnancy.
Gastrointestinal health
Banana flowers are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. A soluble fiber allows the food to pass easily through the digestive tract as it dissolves in water and forms a gel. Insoluble fiber assist the bulk to undigested products as it is not dissolved in water. Both of it boost the healthy digestion and absorption of food.
Banana Flower for Gastrointestinal Health
Banana flowers contains insoluble and soluble fiber. A soluble fiber allows the food to pass easily through the digestive tract and it dissolves in water and forms a gel. People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and those who often suffer from diarrhea are often advised to increase their intake of soluble fiber and so they must include banana flowers in their regular diet plan. Insoluble fiber assist the bulk to undigested products and it is not dissolved in water. Both types of dietary fiber promote healthy digestion and absorption of food in the gastrointestinal tract.
Cancer and Heart disease
Banana flowers are rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins various other antioxidants. These antioxidants neutralize the free radicals and prevent oxidative damage. Since oxidative damage greatly increases the risk of several diseases including heart disease and cancer, antioxidants can play an important role in preventing or even slowing down the progression of these conditions.
Neural disorders
The free radicals may cause Parkinson’s and Alzheimer disease which may be prevented by consuming banana flowers regularly.
How to select
The fresh and firm flower should be purchased. It should be free from the cuts and blemishes, smooth look and bright. The overlapping of outer leaves should be tight.
How to store
Fresh flower should be used. It should be wrapped in transparent plastic, cover in zip lock bags and store it in a refrigerator.