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Bananas


Bananas contain beta-carotene and vitamins A, C and E, lutein, and selenium. The riper the banana, the higher the antioxidants . The unique smell of a banana is caused by amyl acetate. More than just a tasty fruit, the skin of a banana contains esterified fatty acids. They are also rich with niacin, riboflavin and potassium. Bananas have a high-energy value.

Comprising banana and plantain are among the world’s leading fruit crops and in terms of economical value, it is the number five agricultural crop in world trade.  

Banana peel, an underutilized source of phenolic compounds is considered as a good source of antioxidants for foods and functional foods against cancer and heart diseaseThe peel of the fruit contains various antioxidant compounds such as gallocatechin and dopamine. Recent trends focus on the isolation, characterization and utilization of natural antioxidants, especially growing interest in polyphenols as potential disease preventing agents.


The antioxidant activity of the plant products is associated to their bioactive compounds, mainly antioxidant phenolics, because of their ability to scavenge free radicals . Phenols are secondary metabolites in plants and are known to possess a wide range of therapeutic uses, such as antioxidant, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, free radical-scavenging activities and also decrease cardiovascular complications


Bananas are good for the heart and nerves. Bananas contain a high dose of potassium - an essential ingredient to keep the heart and nervous system in good shape. Potassium is essential for proper muscle contraction and hence plays an important role in muscle-influenced activities including: the normal rhythmic pumping of the heart, digestion, muscular movements, etc.

Bananas are good for the kidneys and bones: Benefits to the kidneys and the bones are again due to the high potassium content of bananas. A normal intake of potassium suppresses calcium excretion in the urine and minimizes the risk of kidney stones. Also, for the same reason (suppressing of calcium excretion), it minimizes the loss of calcium from the body and thereby reduces the risk of osteoporosis (references: University of Maryland Medical Center, University of Kansas Medical Center).

Bananas can act as mood enhancers or mild sedatives: Bananas contain tryptophan. Tryptophan is one of the 20 amino acids which are building blocks of proteins .Tryptophan helps the body to produce serotonin - which has a calming effect on the brain (creates a stable mood) and acts as a mild sedative. It should be noted that the only way the body gets it’s dose of tryptophan is through our diet - it does not produce tryptophan naturally; bananas is one of the easiest ways to get it.

Bananas are one of the highest sources of naturally available vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 plays an important role in converting tryptophan to serotonin ,and also helps the body to make hemoglobin - a crucial ingredient of blood. Vitamin B6 is also essential for antibody production and to maintain a healthy immune response. It also helps to convert carbohydrates to glucose and thereby maintains proper blood sugar levels.


There are small amounts of pectin contained in bananas. This is a food fiber that prevents the absorption of fat, which may help in lowering cholesterol levels; however pectin should not be consumed at the same time as foods that contain essential fatty acids that the body needs, such as fish. Bananas also have a small amount of hemicellulose which is an indigestible fiber and they are also low in sodium.

Bananas help with the production of hemoglobin in the blood and are high in iron which helps with symptoms of anemia. Research has identified that the potassium in bananas help brain power.

There's the banana facts and evidence , this tropical fruit is truly a healthy choice.