Bananas (Musa spp.) are one of the most widely consumed fruits globally, celebrated for their delicious taste and exceptional nutritional value. Beyond their sweet flavor and convenience as a portable snack, bananas offer a plethora of science-backed health benefits that make them a true superfood. Rich in essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and an array of potent antioxidants, bananas have been extensively studied for their potential to promote heart health, aid digestion, support weight management, and even combat chronic diseases. This remarkable tropical fruit has been revered for centuries in traditional medicine systems, and modern scientific research continues to unravel the mechanisms behind its therapeutic properties. From regulating blood pressure to boosting immunity, the health benefits of bananas are as diverse as they are impressive, solidifying their status as a nutritional powerhouse.

What is Banana ?

Banana is a significant tropical and subtropical fruit crop with substantial economic and nutritional importance worldwide. The genus Musa includes several species, with Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana being the primary ancestors of most cultivated bananas. Bananas are not only a staple food for millions of people in tropical regions but also a major export commodity, contributing significantly to the economies of many countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific Islands. The fruit is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibers, vitamins, and minerals, and contains various bioactive compounds such as phenolics, carotenoids, and phytosterols, which contribute to its numerous health benefits, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer properties. Despite their economic importance, banana production faces challenges from diseases and pests, necessitating the incorporation of greater genetic diversity in breeding programs to develop resistant cultivars. The domestication and spread of bananas have a complex history, with significant genetic diversity originating from the Indo-Malesian region. Advances in genomics and molecular characterization are crucial for understanding banana diversity and improving breeding strategies to ensure sustainable production.

Nutritional Profile of Bananas

Bananas are a good source of carbohydrates, providing around 27g per medium fruit, mainly from starches and sugars like sucrose, fructose and glucose. They contain around 1g of protein and virtually no fat. In terms of micronutrients, bananas are an excellent source of vitamin B6 (around 20-25% DV per banana) and vitamin C (around 11-17% DV). They are also a great source of the minerals potassium (around 9-12% DV) and magnesium (around 8-10% DV). The carbohydrate content comes with around 3g of fiber as well. Overall, bananas provide a good mix of carbohydrates for energy along with important vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium.

Science backed health benefits of Banana

Bananas are one of the world’s most popular fruits, and for good reason – they’re nutritious, convenient, and delicious. But beyond just being a tasty snack, bananas pack a powerful nutritional punch with many science-backed health benefits. From aiding digestion to boosting heart health, this humble yellow fruit is a true superfood. Here are some of the top science-backed health benefits of bananas that make them a worthy addition to any diet:

1. Management of Urinary Stones

Bananas have shown promising effects in the management of urinary stones or nephrolithiasis. Anti-urolithiatic activity of banana stem extracts in animal models of kidney stone formation induced by substances like ethylene glycol. The extracts were able to reduce the excretion of stone-forming substances like calcium and oxalate in the urine. They also decreased crystal deposition and formation of stones in the kidneys. This beneficial effect is thought to be mediated through antioxidant mechanisms as well as diuretic properties that increase urine output to flush out stone particles. Compounds present in banana stems like polyphenols, flavonoids and vitamins may play a role.

What Research Says?

• A study looked at how well an Ayurvedic mix with varuna (Crataeva nurvala) and banana stem (Musa paradisiaca) worked for urinary stones. In this study, 77 people with stones bigger than 5 mm were tested. The results showed that the treatment group had a big drop in stone size and fewer pain episodes compared to the placebo group. This suggests the mix helps break down kidney stones and makes them easier to pass.
• A study looked at how different Musa pseudo-stem extracts can stop kidney stones. The methanolic extracts were really good at stopping calcium oxalate crystals, which are a big part of kidney stones. The best one was the “Awak Legor” methanolic extract from Musa acuminate x balbiciana Colla. This shows it might be a good natural treatment for kidney stone disease.
• Study on banana stem extract show it helps rats with too much oxalate in their urine. It lowers the levels of oxalate, glycollic acid, glyoxylic acid, and phosphorus they pee out. This means banana stem might help treat kidney stones from too much oxalate. Another test with white rats found that juice from fresh banana stems can stop stones from forming and break down ones that are already there. This backs up the idea that banana stem could prevent or treat kidney stones.
• Banana peels can fight germs that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). The extract from banana peels stops some UTI germs from growing. This means banana peels might help treat bacterial infections in the urinary system.
• Banana peels have antioxidants and can help with gout. Using ultrasound to pull out compounds from Musa balbisiana Colla banana peels, researchers found lots of helpful substances. These substances can fight off harmful free radicals. The peel extract might also help control uric acid and stop stones from forming.

2. Increased Breast Milk Production

Galactagogue effects of banana blossoms or flowers help in promoting increased breast milk supply in lactating mothers. Mothers who consumed a beverage made from banana (Musa x paradisiaca) blossoms had significantly higher breast milk flow rates and volumes on the second and third days postpartum compared to a control group. The results suggest banana blossom has lactogenic properties that can aid lactation, especially for mothers struggling with delayed onset of copious milk production after delivery. The galactagogue activity is attributed to compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids and vitamins present in the banana inflorescence. Traditionally, banana blossoms have been used to boost milk supply, and the scientific evidence validates this ethnobotanical use. Banana blossom beverages or extracts can provide a safe, natural and effective alternative to help nursing mothers overcome lactation difficulties and increase breast milk production.

What Research Says?

• Study has looked at how banana blossoms and flowers can help increase milk production. One study found that mothers who had cesarean sections and drank banana blossom drinks had more milk on the second and third days after giving birth than those who drank just water. This shows that banana blossom drinks can boost milk production safely.
• Study shows that Musa balbisiana Colla, a banana flower, helps boost breast milk production. A study found that mothers who drank this flower’s extract made more milk and had higher prolactin levels than those who didn’t. This suggests the extract boosts milk-making and affects the hormones that control breastfeeding.
• Eating banana blossoms in different ways can change how well they work. For example, cookies made with banana flower flour helped working moms make more breast milk. This means adding banana flower to everyday foods, like cookies, can help women produce more milk.
• Eating banana heart (Musa paradisiaca) has been looked at in new mothers. A study showed that mothers who ate banana heart had better and more regular breast milk flow than before they started eating it. This shows that banana heart could be a natural way to help with milk production after having a baby.
• In places where not many mothers breastfeed exclusively, like North Sumatra, adding banana flower to their diet has helped. A study showed that moms who drank tea made from banana flowers made much more milk than those who didn’t. This means banana flower could help more mothers breastfeed successfully in places where it’s hard.

3. Reduction of Hypertension

Bananas are a rich source of potassium, which plays a crucial role in reducing hypertension or high blood pressure. Potassium helps counteract the effects of sodium in the body, promoting vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and reducing strain on the cardiovascular system. Increasing potassium intake, such as by consuming bananas regularly, can significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. The high potassium and low sodium content in bananas make them an excellent dietary choice for individuals looking to manage hypertension through natural means, complementing other lifestyle modifications like reducing salt intake and increasing physical activity.

What Research Says?

• A study looked at older women with high blood pressure. It found that eating bananas (Musa paradisiaca) lowered their blood pressure a lot. This happened because their bodies got rid of more sodium, but the amount of potassium in their blood stayed the same.
• A study looked at how eating Ambon bananas (Musa paradisiaca var sapientum linn) helps people with high blood pressure. After eating three Ambon bananas a day for 14 days, patients had lower blood pressure. This means Ambon bananas might be a good natural treatment for high blood pressure.
• Research shows that eating Banana Mas (Musa acuminata colla) can lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. The study had a before-and-after test design. It showed that eating Banana Mas two times a day for a week helped reduce blood pressure effectively.
• A study looked at rats under stress. It found that eating Raja Bandung bananas stopped their blood pressure from going up. These bananas worked as well as diazepam, a drug used for stress-related high blood pressure.

4. Reduction of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

Bananas are rich in vitamin B6, which has been shown to alleviate nausea by regulating neurotransmitters and hormones associated with this unpleasant symptom.  Additionally, bananas provide gentle carbohydrates and natural sugars that can help settle the stomach and provide an energy boost, making them an easily digestible snack option for expectant mothers struggling with morning sickness.  The high potassium content in bananas also helps replenish electrolytes that may be lost due to excessive vomiting, preventing dehydration.  Furthermore, the fiber in bananas aids in maintaining regular bowel movements, alleviating constipation, which can exacerbate nausea during pregnancy.

What Research Says?

• A study looked at how Kepok bananas (Musa paradisiaca formatypica) with vitamin B6 affect nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. The research used a before-and-after test method. It found that women who ate Kepok bananas and took vitamin B6 had much less nausea and vomiting (p = 0.000). Also, the study showed that Kepok bananas worked better than just vitamin B6 for reducing these symptoms (p-value = 0.045).
• One study looked at how well Ambon bananas (Musa paradisiaca) help with nausea and vomiting in women who are pregnant for the first time. This research had a cross-sectional design. It showed that Ambon bananas and vitamin B6 both worked to lessen nausea and vomiting. The results were significant, with a p-value of 0.001. A similar study at Aura Syifa Hospital in Kediri, East Java, found that vomiting went down from an average of 2.81 times to 1.75 times after eating Ambon bananas (p = 0.001).
• Eating bananas is common, but people are trying new things like ginger Kepok banana cookies. A study at the Kahuripan Tasikmalaya Health Center showed that these cookies helped pregnant women with less nausea and vomiting.

5. Helps in Wound Healing

Banana has demonstrated significant wound healing properties, primarily due to its rich phytochemical composition, including glucosides, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and phenols. Extracts from various parts of the banana plant, such as the stem, peel, and leaves, possess antibacterial and antioxidant activities that promote wound healing. For instance, methanolic extracts of Musa paradisiaca have been found to enhance wound contraction, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the epithelization process in animal models, such as Wistar albino rats. The presence of bioactive compounds like leucocyanidin in unripe banana peels further aids in cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, making banana extracts a potent natural remedy for treating wounds. Additionally, banana leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat burn wounds effectively, showcasing their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

What Research Says?

• Eating bananas is common, but people are trying new things like ginger Kepok banana cookies. A study at the Kahuripan Tasikmalaya Health Center showed that these cookies helped pregnant women with less nausea and vomiting.
• Research shows that the stem extract from the banana plant, Musa paradisiaca, helps heal wounds well. Experiments with Wistar albino rats showed that putting this extract on burn wounds made them close faster and heal better than in rats that did not get the extract. Also, a study found that a spray gel with banana stem extract and Aloe vera greatly helped heal cuts and burns in mice.
• Studies with Wistar rats showed that a gel made from 10% Ambon banana peel extract sped up the healing of gum wounds better than other treatments. Another study on surgical wounds in rats found that this gel also helped new blood vessels grow, increased fibroblast activity, and helped skin regrow faster. This shows that banana peels are good for wound healing.
• Banana leaves aren’t used much for treating wounds, but new research shows they work well. A gel made with 5% and 10% banana leaf extract helped heal wounds in animals. It worked as well as store-bought wound care items.
• Researchers have found a new way to use banana stem fibers for stitching wounds. They add germ-killing agents to the fibers. This helps heal wounds better by fighting off germs and lowering swelling. It also stops infections after surgery.

6. Reduces Sodium Levels in Blood

Bananas are highly effective in reducing sodium levels in the blood, which is crucial for managing hypertension. The high potassium content in bananas facilitates the excretion of sodium through urine, a process known as natriuresis. This potassium-sodium exchange helps to balance electrolytes and reduce blood pressure. Administration of bananas significantly decreases sodium levels in hypertensive patients, particularly in elderly females, by promoting sodium discharge from the blood. This reduction in sodium levels is a key factor in the overall cardiovascular benefits of bananas, making them an essential component of a heart-healthy diet.

What Research Says?

• Banana stalk extract can lower blood sugar in diabetic rats. It stops an enzyme in the gut cells, which affects how glucose is taken up by these cells. This slows down another glucose transporter, helping to reduce high blood sugar levels. The enzyme that gets blocked usually helps absorb sodium, so this might also lower sodium in the blood.
• Study shows that eating banana flower and stem can help the guts and kidneys of diabetic rats work better. These parts of the banana slow down enzymes like sucrase, maltase, and lactase. These enzymes break sugars into simpler forms that go into the blood. When these enzymes are less active, blood sugar levels drop, which is good for diabetes. This slowdown may also affect how the body handles salt in the guts and kidneys, leading to lower salt levels in the blood.

7. Treatment of Peristomal Dermatitis

Banana peel has been effectively utilized in the treatment of peristomal dermatitis, a common skin complication in patients with intestinal stomas. Powder containing 10% green banana peel significantly accelerates the healing process compared to conventional ostomy powders. The phytochemical properties of banana peel, including its antioxidant and antibacterial activities, contribute to its therapeutic benefits, making it a cost-effective and accessible alternative for managing peristomal dermatitis.

What Research Says?

• A study was done with 44 volunteers who had skin problems around their intestinal ostomies. They were split into two groups. One group used a powder with 10% green banana peel, and the other used a normal ostomy powder. Researchers measured how long it took for each group to heal. They used a two-sample t-test to see if the treatment worked.

8. Beneficial for Oral Health

Banana offers several benefits for oral health, primarily due to its rich nutrient profile and bioactive compounds. The banana stem extract, in particular, has shown promising results in maintaining general and oral health. It contains dietary fiber and antioxidants that help in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the oral cavity. Additionally, banana peel has antimicrobial properties that can combat oral pathogens, reducing the risk of dental plaque and gum diseases. The high potassium and magnesium content in bananas also contribute to stronger teeth and bones. Traditional uses of banana parts, such as the peel and stem, in herbal dentistry highlight their potential in treating various oral conditions, making bananas a valuable natural remedy for promoting oral hygiene and health.

What Research Says?

• Bananas have a lot of carbs, fibers, vitamins, and minerals. These are good for your health. They also have special plant chemicals like carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and biogenic amines. These can help keep you healthy.
• Bananas can fight germs and help keep your mouth clean. They have special chemicals, like phenolics, that kill harmful mouth bacteria. This can stop infections. Also, people have used banana peels to heal wounds and burns for a long time. So, they might also help heal sores in your mouth.
• Study looked at how banana pulp powder can help prevent ulcers. Banana powder helps the body protect its stomach lining and heal better by making cells grow and the lining thicker. This is important for oral health because it means bananas can make the lining of the mouth stronger and help heal mouth ulcers.
• Eating bananas can affect the acidity in your mouth. Researchers looked at how chicken bananas change saliva’s pH. They found that these bananas make the mouth more acidic. This could impact tooth decay. More studies are needed to see how bananas really affect our teeth over time.

9. Beneficial for Digestive Health

Bananas offer numerous benefits for digestive health due to their high fiber content and prebiotic properties. The soluble and insoluble fibers present in bananas help regulate bowel movements, preventing both constipation and diarrhea. The resistant starch in unripe, green bananas acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and improving overall gut health. Additionally, bananas are easily digestible and gentle on the stomach, making them an excellent choice for individuals with digestive disorders or recovering from gastrointestinal issues. The presence of compounds like dopamine and serotonin in bananas also aids in the smooth functioning of the intestinal muscles, further contributing to optimal digestive health.

What Research Says?

• Green dwarf banana flour (Musa sp. AAA) helps control oxidative stress and boosts the making of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the colon. A study using a model of gut inflammation found that this flour greatly raised levels of helpful SCFAs like acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These acids have anti-inflammatory effects and help protect the gut lining. The study also saw less damage, lower myeloperoxidase activity, prevention of glutathione loss, more mucin production, and better healing of the gut lining. This suggests green dwarf banana flour could help prevent or treat inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Banana pulp powder (Musa sapientum var. paradisiaca) has shown to really help the stomach lining resist damage. Studies with rats found that banana treatment helped cells in the stomach lining grow, increased the amount of carbs in the stomach lining, and lowered DNA and protein levels in stomach juices. These changes mean that the stomach lining is stronger and doesn’t wear away as much, which is important for stopping and healing ulcers. The research found that banana powder makes the stomach lining tougher and helps heal ulcers by making more cells grow.
• Cooking green bananas (Musa paradisiaca) helps kids get over diarrhea faster. A study with kids who had watery diarrhea showed that those who ate cooked green bananas got better quicker within 72 hours than those who didn’t. They also had fewer problems like dehydration and ongoing diarrhea. This shows that green bananas could be good to eat when treating diarrhea.
• Banana powder from the Musa acuminata Colla plant can help make the bacteria in our guts healthier. Studies done outside of the body show that gut bacteria break down banana fibers. This creates more SCFAs like acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which are good for our gut. Also, banana powder boosts good bacteria like Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium. This means it might be a good prebiotic to make our gut health better.

10. Good for Heart Health

Bananas are a good source of potassium, a mineral that plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. Potassium helps counteract the effects of sodium in the body, promoting vasodilation and reducing strain on the cardiovascular system. Increasing potassium intake through regular banana consumption can significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, thereby reducing the risk of hypertension and associated complications like stroke and heart disease. Additionally, bananas contain antioxidant compounds like dopamine and catechins, which have been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease by preventing oxidative stress and inflammation in the arteries. The soluble fiber in bananas may also contribute to heart health by helping to lower cholesterol levels.

What Research Says?

• Bananas are packed with big and small nutrients good for heart health. They have a lot of potassium, which helps control fluid balance, send nerve signals, and make muscles move, including the heart. Bananas also have many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, plus vitamins and minerals.
• Bananas are full of good stuff like potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc. These help keep your heart healthy. Potassium is great for keeping blood pressure in check and can lower the chance of stroke and heart problems. Even parts of the banana plant we don’t usually eat, like the banana heart, are packed with minerals. This shows how bananas can make our diets better and boost heart health.
• Bananas have antioxidant stuff like catecholamines and polyphenols. These fight off free radicals, cut down on stress in the body, and stop heart cells from getting damaged.

11. Aid in weight management

Bananas are a nutrient-dense fruit that can aid in weight management due to their high fiber content and low calorie count. A medium-sized banana provides about 105 calories and 3 grams of fiber, which helps promote feelings of fullness and reduces overall calorie intake. The resistant starch found in unripe bananas acts similarly to fiber, slowing digestion and stabilizing blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for weight loss. Additionally, bananas are rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, which support overall health and can help maintain energy levels during weight loss efforts. While they do contain natural sugars, their low glycemic index means they do not cause significant spikes in blood sugar, making them a suitable option for those managing their weight.

What Research Says?

• Giving Goroho banana peel extract (Musa acuminata sp.) to obese male Wistar rats has led to good results. The rats lost weight, had more Leydig cells, and higher testosterone levels than the control group. This means banana peel extract might be helpful for managing weight and hormone levels.
• Giving baby dairy calves extra ripe banana pulp and green peel extract seemed to help them gain weight each day. The study’s results weren’t clear-cut, but it did show some good signs in blood health and immune system measures. These could help with managing the calves’ weight.
• Banana flowers from the Musa sapientum L. plant can help lower blood sugar in diabetic rats. The study found they also stop weight loss. This means banana flowers might help people with diabetes control their weight.
• Feeding rats a high-fat diet with added unripe banana flour (Musa cavendishii) led to them eating fewer calories, gaining less weight, and building up less belly fat. The research also showed better antioxidant activity in the brain area that controls hunger. However, it’s important to be careful because too much of this flour can harm the liver.

12. Improved mood and cognitive function

Bananas contain several compounds that may help improve mood and cognitive function. They are a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, which regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. Bananas also contain dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. Additionally, banana peel floss, which is rich in dietary fiber and bioactive compounds, has been shown to increase serotonin levels and improve cognitive function in animal studies by alleviating chronic stress. The antioxidants present in bananas, such as dopamine, may also help protect the brain from oxidative stress and improve cognitive performance. Overall, the unique combination of nutrients and bioactive compounds in bananas and their byproducts like peel floss may contribute to enhancing mood and cognitive abilities.

What Research Says?

• Banana peel extracts might help with memory. Studies on Kepok and Tanduk banana peels showed they have strong antioxidant effects. They also stop an enzyme related to Alzheimer’s Disease. Tests with mice in a Y-maze showed the extracts improved their short-term memory. This means banana peel extract could help treat memory problems.
• Banana peel floss might help with long-term stress. A study tested animals with ongoing mild stress. The animals that got banana peel floss didn’t give up as quickly in a hanging-by-the-tail test. They also found their way out of a water maze faster. The study linked this to changes in serotonin and cortisol, which are chemicals in the body. These results suggest that banana peel floss could fight stress-related sadness by affecting these chemicals. Things like fiber, tryptophan, and active parts in the banana peel floss seem to help with this.
• Banana starch may help with mood problems caused by diabetes. Research on diabetic rats found that eating banana starch made them less depressed. It also raised their good cholesterol and serotonin levels. This diet helped fix their gut bacteria and made more butyrate, which is good for the gut. These results mean banana starch might be a way to treat mood issues linked to diabetes.

13. Support immune system

Bananas provides several compounds that can support and boost the immune system. They are a good source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help stimulate the production of white blood cells and enhance immune defense mechanisms. Bananas also contain vitamin B6, which plays a crucial role in the formation of new red blood cells and aids in the proper functioning of the immune system . Additionally, banana peels are rich in polyphenols and other bioactive compounds that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation, which can weaken the immune response. Certain compounds found in bananas, such as lectins and pectin, can modulate the immune system by stimulating the activity of immune cells and promoting the production of cytokines, which are essential for immune regulation.

What Research Says?

• Bananas have healthy parts like carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and biogenic amines. These help keep you healthy. They can protect your cells, reduce swelling, and help your immune system stay strong.
• Bananas have been used in old medicine across many cultures and places. The banana plant, Musa acuminata, has helped treat things like fever, cough, bronchitis, and infections. Studies of banana extracts show they have health benefits, like antioxidant effects and boosting the immune system. This backs up their traditional uses and hints at possible healing uses.
• Feeding prawns banana peel extract (BPE) greatly improved their immune system. It raised their blood cell count, helped them breathe better, and boosted their antioxidant levels. This made the prawns more resistant to bacterial diseases and helped more of them survive.
• Giving Rohu fish banana peel flour made them grow better. It also boosted their antioxidants and immune systems. They had more lysozyme and superoxide dismutase. Because of this, they lived longer when facing diseases.
• Feeding mice banana lectin (BanLec) changed their cytokine levels and boosted T-cell numbers. This shows BanLec can affect the body’s immune defense against infections and diseases.

14. Improve bone health

Rich in essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, bananas help conserve calcium in the body, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones. The antioxidants quercetin and catechin found in banana flowers exhibit bone-protective properties due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help prevent bone loss. Additionally, the high fiber content in bananas supports overall health, which indirectly benefits bone health by promoting a balanced diet. While these findings are promising, further human studies are needed to fully validate the bone health benefits of bananas.

What Research Says?

• Osteoclasts are cells that break down bone. If they work too much, bones can get weak, leading to issues like osteoporosis. Researchers found that a special extract from Musa nana, or banana flowers, can stop these cells from forming. They discovered 76 substances in the extract, with quercetin and quercitrin standing out. These substances block the action of osteoclasts. The extract also affects certain pathways in the body, slowing down the creation and work of osteoclasts. This means banana flowers might help make foods that are good for our bones.
• Bananas have many nutrients that help keep bones healthy. They have minerals, vitamins, and other helpful substances like anthocyanins and carotenes. These make bananas good at fighting off damage to our bodies that can harm our bones. Eating bananas can help stop some long-term diseases and is important for keeping bones strong.

15. Promote healthy skin

Banana exhibits potential benefits for promoting healthy skin. The peel is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, flavonoids (quercetin and catechin), and phenolic compounds that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to skin aging and damage. Additionally, banana peel extracts have demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect the skin from infections and soothe inflammatory skin conditions. The high fiber content in banana peels can also aid in maintaining a healthy gut, indirectly benefiting skin health. Incorporating banana peel extracts into topical formulations can improve skin hydration and potentially promote wound healing. 

What Research Says?

• Bananas have healthy parts like carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and biogenic amines. You can find these mostly in the fruit’s soft part and skin. They are good because they fight off free radicals. This helps stop oxidative stress, which can make your skin age and get damaged.
• Banana peels are good at fighting off damage from free radicals. This helps reduce stress on the body caused by oxidation. Studies show that water-based banana peel extracts can protect against the sun’s rays. They might be useful in sunscreens. Also, eating banana pulp may help prevent skin damage in mice exposed to UVB rays. It keeps their skin healthy.
• Banana peels are often used to help heal wounds, especially burns. The special compounds in them boost the body’s defenses and help cells grow, which helps wounds heal. Research shows that banana peel powder can make the protective layer inside our bodies thicker and help build DNA, helping with wound healing and keeping skin safe.
• Bananas are important in traditional medicine for skin problems. The wild banana, Musa acuminata, is used for its healing powers. It can fight off germs and reduce swelling. Studies show that banana extracts really do help with different skin conditions.
• Banana peels are turned into cookies to help stop diabetes. This shows they can be good for health. Also, people have made herbal face packs and scrubs from banana leaf extracts. These show how banana parts can be used in skin care.

Conclusion

Bananas are a remarkable fruit with a wide array of scientifically proven health benefits. From aiding digestion and promoting heart health to boosting immunity and wound healing, the unique combination of nutrients, fibers, and bioactive compounds in bananas make them a true superfood. Their ability to reduce nausea during pregnancy, lower blood pressure, and potentially improve cognitive function further highlights their versatility. With ongoing research exploring their therapeutic potential in areas like bone health and skin care, bananas continue to demonstrate their value as a natural and accessible remedy for various health concerns.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Here is a list of US organizations related to research on berries and fruits, along with their short descriptions and URLs:

1. American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS)

ASHS promotes scientific research and education in horticulture, including fruits and berries. They provide resources, publications, and conferences to support horticultural research and practice.

2. North American Raspberry & Blackberry Association (NARBA)

NARBA supports the growth, production, and marketing of raspberries and blackberries through research, education, and advocacy. They provide resources and information to growers and researchers.

3. California Strawberry Commission

The California Strawberry Commission funds research on strawberry cultivation, pest management, and health benefits. They aim to improve the quality and sustainability of strawberry production.

4. US Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC)

USHBC promotes the consumption and production of highbush blueberries through research, marketing, and education. They support research on blueberry health benefits, cultivation, and market trends.

5. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR)

UC ANR conducts research on various agricultural topics, including fruit crops like berries. Their research aims to improve agricultural practices, pest management, and crop yields.

6. Berry Health Benefits Symposium

This symposium brings together researchers, health professionals, and industry representatives to share the latest research on the health benefits of berries. It covers topics such as nutrition, disease prevention, and functional foods.

Recommendations for books on Banana.

Here are some book recommendations on the research on bananas, along with links to find more information or purchase them:

1. “Banana: Genomics and Transgenic Approaches for Genetic Improvement” by Sukhada Mohandas and A.B. Mandal

This book covers the genetic improvement of bananas using genomics and transgenic approaches.

2. “Banana: Cultivation, Consumption and Crop Management” by Yash Kalra

This book explores various aspects of banana cultivation, consumption, and crop management.

3. “The Banana Tree at the Gate: A History of Marginal Peoples and Global Markets in Borneo” by Michael R. Dove

This book provides a historical perspective on banana cultivation in Borneo and its impact on global markets.

4. “Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World” by Dan Koeppel

This book discusses the historical, cultural, and economic significance of bananas.

5. “Bananas and Plantains” by John C. Robinson and Victor Galán Saúco

This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of banana and plantain production, including botany, cultivation, and diseases.

6. “Banana Breeding: Progress and Challenges” by Michael Pillay and George T. Setlhare

This book delves into the progress and challenges in banana breeding, including genetic and biotechnological advancements.

FAQS

1. What are the key nutrients found in bananas?
   Bananas are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and manganese. They also contain antioxidants like dopamine and catechins.
2. How can bananas support heart health?
   The potassium in bananas helps regulate blood pressure, and the antioxidants may help reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing oxidative stress and inflammation.
3. Do bananas help with digestive health?
   Yes, the fiber in bananas, especially the resistant starch in unripe green bananas, promotes good digestive health by feeding the beneficial gut bacteria and preventing constipation.
4. Can bananas aid in weight loss?
   Despite being relatively high in carbs, bananas have qualities that may aid weight loss, such as fiber for satiety, resistant starch for reduced calorie absorption, and nutrients that boost metabolism.
5. How do bananas benefit blood sugar regulation?
   The fiber, resistant starch, and low glycemic index of bananas help regulate blood sugar levels after meals by slowing the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream.
6. What role do bananas play in exercise and muscle health?
   Bananas provide potassium to prevent muscle cramps, antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress from exercise, and carbs for energy before/after workouts.
7. Can bananas improve mood and brain health?
   Bananas contain tryptophan which is a precursor to serotonin, the mood-regulating neurotransmitter. The antioxidants may also protect against cognitive decline.
8. How might bananas help prevent cancer?
   The antioxidants in bananas, such as dopamine and catechins, may have anti-cancer effects by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors in cancer development.
9. Are there benefits of banana peels?
   Banana peels are rich in fiber, antioxidants like lutein, and nutrients like potassium and magnesium which may provide additional health benefits when consumed.
10. Are there any risks to eating too many bananas?
    Eating too many bananas can lead to weight gain from excess calories and carbs. Those with diabetes or kidney disease should limit intake due to the sugar and potassium content.

Comments

comments