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Zipatso Zazikulu

Banana is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows from the underground rhizome. It flourishes well in tropical, moisture-rich, humid farmlands.

Banana has unique growth characteristics. In fact, the whole plant is a false stem (pseudostem). This pseudostem is consisting of broad leaves, together with their long petioles, overlapping each other in a disc-like fashion. The whole plant may reach up to 2 to 6 meters tall from the ground surface depending upon the cultivar types. At maturity, the rhizome gives rise to a flower which is carried up along true core stem which pass through the centre of pseudostem. The flower finally emerges out at the top in-between leaf clusters. The inflorescence subsequently develops to a huge hanging bunch, consisting of 3 to 20 hands (tiers), with each hand carrying at least 5-10 fingers (fruits).

Pictures sourced from wikipedia.org

Nutrition chart:

Banana is rich in vitamin C, A, B6 and B12. Bananas contain potassium and an adequate level of minerals like copper, magnesium, and manganese. Banana has a high content of iron

Banana Preparation:

Bananas come with nature gifted protective outer layer of skin, and therefore, less likely to be contaminated by germs and dust.

• Eat banana fruit as it is without any additions.

• Banana fruit sections are a great addition in fruit salads.

• Fresh "banana-milkshake" with sugar syrup is a refreshing drink.

• Bananas have also been used to prepare fruit jams.

• Grilled banana fruit can be served on cake/ ice cream in the Caribbean style dessert.

• Banana chips (plantain) enjoyed as snack .

• Plantains and raw unripe banana can be cooked as vegetables

• Mashed ripe banana fruits can be added to cakes, casseroles, muffins, bread-pudding, etc.

Source www.nutrition-and-you.com

Health benefits of Banana fruit:

Banana is one of the high calorie tropical fruits. 100 grams of its flesh carries 90 calories. It contains good amount of health benefiting fiber, simple sugars like fructose and sucrose that instantly replenishes energy and revitalizes the body, anti-oxidants, minerals, and vitamins.

The fruit holds a good amount of soluble dietary fiber (7% of DRA per 100 g) that helps in normal bowel movements; reducing constipation problems.

It contains health promoting compounds. Together, these compounds help act as protective scavengers against things that cause aging and various disease processes.

Banana is good source of vitamin-B6; provides about 28% of daily-recommended allowance. Important B-complex vitamins that are beneficial for the treatment of anemia. Further, it helps treat coronary artery disease preventing strokes.

The fruit is also a moderate source of vitamin-C (about 8.7 mg per 100g). Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body develop resistance against infectious diseases.

Fresh bananas provide adequate levels of minerals like copper, magnesium, and manganese. Magnesium is essential for bone strengthening and has a cardiac-protective role as well. Copper is an essential trace element in the production of red blood cells.

Fresh banana is a very rich source of potassium. 100 g fruit provides 358 mg potassium which is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Potassium makes a person very alert; the fruit is often called a brain tonic

The high content of iron in bananas increases the production of hemoglobin in the blood -therefore they are very good for anemia.

Bananas can be eaten frequently to treat ulcers as they neutralize acidity in the stomach. This soft and smooth fruit cannot irritate the stomach walls.

Health Benefits of Banana Stem
The banana stem has fiber – this is very beneficial for those on a weight-loss program. It is also a rich source of potassium and vitamin B6 which helps in the production of insulin and hemoglobin. Eating banana stem once a week keeps high blood pressure in control. Banana stem also maintains fluid balance within the body. It is a diuretic and helps detoxify the body.

The popular belief is that eating banana stem is very good for kidney stones. The stem is chopped into small bits and soaked in milk or yogurt for half hour. It can be cooked as a vegetable and eaten with rice.

Health Benefits of Banana Flower
The banana flower grows at the end of a bunch of bananas. It is a leafy maroon colored cone with cream colored florets layered inside. These florets need to be cleaned well before they are cooked as a vegetable. The banana flower is rich in vitamins, flavonoids and proteins.

The flower has been used in traditional medicine to treat bronchitis constipation and ulcer problems. It eases menstrual cramps. The extracts of banana flower have antioxidant properties that prevent free radicals and control cell and tissue damage.

Health Benefits of Banana Leaves:

Banana leaves are used like aluminum foil. They are used to wrap food prior to steaming and grilling. The leaf makes an excellent platter and food served on these leaves tastes delicious. The leaves are not eaten but while steaming food some of the goodness is imparted to the food.

Medical disclaimer:

This information is intended solely for the general information of the reader. The contents is not intended to offer personal medical advice, diagnose health problems or for treatment purposes. It is not a substitute for medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health professional. Please consult your health care provider for any advice on medications.

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