Raw bananas are used to make scrumptious meals. It is used in northern part of the country to make curries, koftas, pakoras and kebabs. In South India, raw banana chips. It could be boiled, steamed, batter fried, stir-fried, deep fried, mashed, curried and stuffed in salads. The fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients. Nutritionists say that green bananas are high in fiber and are helpful for people with digestive and bowel problems. It is helpful for people suffering from constipation and IBS. It has potassium which acts as vasodilator. Potassium regulates the level of blood pressure. Green bananas have high content of protopectin which gives off methylene gas and convert starch into digestible fiber.
Health Benefits of Raw Bananas
Raw banana offers various health benefits such as:
Potassium content
Raw bananas have high content of potassium. Bananas (small) offers 362 milligrams of potassium and medium bananas offer 422 milligrams of mineral. Large bananas offer 487 milligrams of potassium i.e. more than 10 percent of daily recommended amount of 4700 milligrams for healthy adults.
Rich in fiber
Green bananas are a great source of fiber which has a crucial role in promoting digestive health and heart health. A serving of 100 grams offers 2.6 grams of fiber which adds bulk to the stool, ensures bowel regularity and facilitate smooth digestion. Fiber manages cholesterol levels which lowers the chances of stroke and attack. Fiber rich foods ease digestion process. Intake of raw bananas helps to control levels of cholesterol keeping the heart healthy and lowers the chances of stroke.
Healthy heart
Green bananas are rich in potassium. A serving size of 1 cup offers 531 milligrams of potassium which have a crucial role in functioning of kidneys. Potassium acts as a vasodilator that ensures the healthy blood pressure levels.
Healthy weight
Green bananas have dietary fiber which takes long time to digest and induce the feeling of fullness and satiety. It helps to fulfill the cravings.
Vitamin content
Green bananas have vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin C and Vitamin B6 which facilitates the absorption of minerals and nutrients such as calcium. Vitamin C is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and hair. It enhances immunity and encompasses antioxidants that prevent free radical damage. Vitamin B6 helps to convert food into energy. It is beneficial for heart health and promotes brain function.
Diabetic people
Green banana have low sugar content and 30 as glycemic index. Foods with low glycemic index are easily digested, absorbed and metabolized slowly by ensuring no surge in the levels of blood sugar. Raw bananas are recommended for diabetic patients due to high dietary fiber content. It has glycemic index of less than 55 which helps in maintaining digestive tract healthy. Foods with low GI prevent spike in levels of blood sugar.
Resistant starch
Bananas in raw form is a great source of resistant starch, a type of starch which is not broken down fully and is absorbed by the body at the time of digestion. It is converted into short chain fatty acids by intestinal bacteria. Resistant starch maintains healthy levels of cholesterol.
Stomach health
Raw bananas contain fiber that helps to prevent stomach problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. A cup of cooked raw banana is found to be helpful. Avoid fried raw bananas as it increases the calorie intake.
Healthy starch
Green bananas are loaded with resistant starch, a starch that does not broke down completely or absorbed. The starches won’t digest easily. It converts into short chain fatty acids by intestinal bacteria.
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Culinary uses
Raw bananas are baked, boiled, fried, stir fried, steamed and mashed.
It could be sun dried and used in curries and stir fries.
It is used to make chips and dips.
In India, raw bananas are dried and ground into flour.
It is used to make kachori, pakore, kebabs, poriyals in Southern India.
In Kerala, raw bananas are cooked with yams in coconut milk and are flavored with curry leaves and to make a soup known as kalan curry.
