When it comes to a “no waste” policy, the banana tree is the ideal model! Almost every part of the banana tree can be utilised. The most obvious is fruit, specifically bananas, which we consume almost daily. However, other parts of the tree have numerous health benefits!
Banana flowers are popular as a vegetable in India and Asia. It’s served raw or steamed with dips. These are also used in Palyas, Kootus, soups, curries, and fried foods. The flavour is similar to that of an artichoke a.k.a Palle Hoova in Kannada. Both the fleshy part of the bracts and the heart are edible.
Nutritional Value
A study conducted by Ramu et al., found in their study that the banana flower contains the following nutrients:
- Protein – 19.60%
- Fibre – 70%
- Carbohydrates – 53.78% 1
Sheng et al., and Elaveniya et al., found in their study that the following minerals are present in the banana flower:
- Sodium
- Phosphorous
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Zinc1
Other research showed that the following bioactive compounds like alkaloids, saponins, superoxide dismutase, cardiac glycosides, steroids, and phenolic compounds might be present in the banana flower.
Wake up, it’s banana o’clock!
Benefits of Banana Flowers
There’s a reason banana flowers are called banana hearts! These flowers are lovely, but they should not be dismissed as mere decoration. They also offer a number of health benefits!
The following are some of the health benefits of banana flowers:
Menstrual Bleeding is reduced.
Many women experience pain during menstruation. Some women experience severe PMS symptoms, while others bleed profusely. A cup of cooked banana flowers can assist in dealing with these issues. Cooked banana flowers with curd or yoghurt boosts progesterone levels in the body and reduces bleeding.
Prevents Infections
Because of their ethanol-based extracts, banana flowers treat infections. Pathogenic bacteria are inhibited by banana flower. Bacillus subtalis, Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia coli are among them. Banana flower also aids in wound healing. Banana flower extracts have been shown in vitro to inhibit the growth of the malaria parasite plasmodium falciparum. These assertions have yet to be proven.
Diabetes and anaemia are managed.
Blood sugar levels are reduced when banana flowers are consumed in a calculated amount. It also raises the body’s total hemoglobin levels. However, unlike antimicrobial activity, the hypoglycemic effects of banana flowers have yet to be proven in a clinical setting.
Lowers Free Radical Activity
The presence of free radicals in the body can lead to serious complications. Fortunately, the methanol extracts found in banana flower have antioxidant properties. These flowers are excellent at combating free radicals, which cause harm to the body. It is used to treat a variety of health issues, including premature ageing and cancer. Include these blossoms in your diet to fully benefit from their antioxidant properties.
Enhances Mood and Reduces Anxiety
If you’re feeling down, don’t reach for an antidepressant! Instead, try banana flowers! Banana flowers reduce anxiety and improve mood because they contain magnesium. They are all-natural antidepressants with no negative side effects.
Vitamins and minerals rich.
Vitamins A, C, and E are all found in banana flowers. They are also high in potassium and fibre. As a result, they are an excellent health food and source of essential nutrients.
Empowers Nursing Mothers
Breast feeding presents numerous challenges for new mothers. One of the most serious issues they face is a diminishing milk supply. Banana flowers increase milk production, allowing new mothers to better feed their children.
We at grounded make use if this beautiful vegetable in our ready-to-cook recipes, check out our products.
Do you consume banana flowers as part of your diet? How do you put them to use? Please share your thoughts/ideas in the comments section below.
References / research reads: Soni D, Saxena G. Complete nutrient profile of Banana flower: A review. J Plant Sci Res [Internet]. 2021 Nov 30;37(2):263–7. Available from: https://www.printspublications.com/journal/thejournalofplantscienceresearch12818263520674149434 Nadumane VK, Timsina B. Anti-cancer potential of banana flower extract: An in vitro study. Bangladesh J Pharmacol [Internet]. 2014 Nov 29;9(4):628–35. Available from: http://www.banglajol.info/index.php/BJP/article/view/20610 Acharya S, Tazeen H, Birwal P. Review On : Production of Natural Banana Blossom Concentrate. Int Conf Eares 2019 [Internet]. 2019;8(June):1–3. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333641058_REVIEW_ON_PRODUCTION_OF_NATURAL_BANANA_BLOSSOM_CONCENTRATE
