The banana tree is ideal to look upon when it comes to a no wastage policy. Almost all parts of the banana tree can be used the most obvious the fruit that we eat, but then there are other parts of the tree that has more health benefits.
Banana flowers are called banana hearts for a reason because they are very pretty. Hundred gram of banana flower has- 51 kcals, 1.6g protein, 0.6g fat, 9.9g carb, 5.5mg of fiber, and 56mg of calcium. The banana flower is also rich in phytochemicals like vitamins, flavonoids, proteins and has antioxidant properties too.
Musa sp. (Musaceae) also known as banana is a familiar tropical fruit and an important source of food throughout the world. It possesses numerous medicinal values such as stem juice is used in nervous affectations like epilepsy, hysteria, dysentery, and diarrhea.
Banana also contains oligosaccharides such as fructose, xylose, galactose, glucose, and mannose which makes it an excellent prebiotic for the selective growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine.
The consumption of bananas helps to combat diarrhea, dysentery and promotes healing of intestinal lesions in ulcerative colitis. Musa paradisiaca’s roots are antihelmintic, flowers are astringent and fruits are mild laxative. The flowers are useful for treating the celiac disease, bronchitis, constipation, and peptic ulcer.
Research evidence shows that the consumption of fruits and vegetables will lower the risk of cancer. Plant metabolites contain Phenolic compounds which are the most abundant and are an integral part of the human diet.
Banana flowers have antioxidant activities, which display a wide variety of biological functions, mainly related to intervention in various stages of cancer development such as initiation, progression, promotion, invasion, and metastasis.
Studies found that bananas have curative properties both scientifically and traditionally. The extract of the banana flower has antioxidant property that prevents free radicals and control cell and tissue damage.
Banana benefits
Based on the main components of banana flower extract and its antioxidant properties, research study the anti-cancer activity of banana flower extract have been evaluated on the cervical cancer cell line HeLa. The antiproliferative effects were evaluated by MTT assay. The study conducted by Kempa, (2007) proved to be effective for cancer treatment.
We can make several dishes and beverages by using banana flowers including salad, pakoda, banana flower curry, thoran, wine, etc.
Banana flowers have antioxidant activities, which display a wide variety of biological functions, mainly related to intervention in various stages of cancer development such as initiation, progression, promotion, invasion and metastasis.
