Banana, Musa sp. / Musaceae
Benefits for the health
From a nutritional point of view, its high carbohydrate contents (22%) makes the banana a good source of energy. Its level of potassium is excellent (370-400mg/100g), contributing to maintain a balanced content of water in the body.
Potassium is also known for its capacity to keep a clear mind, specially in the case of elderly people. Potassium is essential in the diet; its lack causes muscular weakness, mental disorder and heart problems.
Bananas are a good source of vitamin C (10 mg/100 g. The recommended daily consumption is approximately 60 mg/day), of fibre, biotin (vitamin B), which reduces the proteins and the fat levels, and folic acid.
According to new research results, vitamin B6, which is found in bananas, is essential for the division of the proteins that help to the formation of new tissues and red corpuscles. This vitamin is also necessary for the nervous and immunological systems, and at the same time it helps to prevent asthma symptoms and to reduce the risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases.
The banana consumption has been recommended to those who suffer from alcoholism, those who are under haemodialysis treatment or those who suffer some chronic anaemia. Considering that bananas are a good soluble fibre source, a higher consumption of banana helps to reduce the levels of cholesterol and also to prevent constipation and diarrhea.
Popular tradition
The banana is the children’s favourite fruit, although it is very nutritious and healthy for everybody. Because of its potassium content, it is recommended in case of hypertension. 74% of its weight is water, but it is not normal water, it is rich in mineral salts, it detoxifies the organism and it gives a quick recovering in case of dehydration.
It is important, nevertheless, to eat them well ripe; in this way, they will be assimilated, but if they are green, bananas can cause indigestion and fermentations, dyspepsia and constipation.
Bananas are good for depression, since they raise the spirit and help to sleep. They increase the muscular energy and for that reason they are recommended for sportspeople. Nevertheless, they are bad for diabetes because of their great amount of starch and sugars, and they are not recommended in case of obesity due to their energetic value.