Banana is a delicious tropical fruit. According to the United Nations, Global banana exports are about 18 million tons in 2015 and is one of the most popular fruits.
Bananas are healthy and one of the most fillings, among other fruits. Also, they are readily available in bulk and affordable. Moreover, bananas are the fourth most valuable food product worldwide. Even though this fruit is mainly recognized for the potassium content, the overall nutritious factors are not overlooked.
Bananas belong to the Musaceae family of flowering tropical plants, and its scientific name is Musa. Bananas are differentiated into the following types. One type is a cavendish banana that is also known as dessert banana. It tastes sweet when it ripens. Another type is plantain or green bananas. It is a less sweet, starchier, and more massive, often used for cooking.
Another type is red banana, which is shorter and plumper than the Cavendish variety with a dark reddish-purple hue. And lastly, we have the ladyfinger type that is Thinner and slightly shorter than the Cavendish bananas. They are sweeter and eaten raw or as dessert.
Language | Name | Written as |
---|---|---|
Arabic | muz | موز |
Bengali | Kalā | কলা |
Gujarati | Kēḷā | કેળા |
Hindi | kela | केला |
Kannada | Bāḷehaṇṇu | ಬಾಳೆಹಣ್ಣು |
Malayalam | vāḻappaḻaṁ | വാഴപ്പഴം |
Marathi | Kēḷī | केळी |
Punjabi | Kēlā | ਕੇਲਾ |
Tamil | Vāḻai | வாழை |
Telugu | Araṭi | అరటి |
Urdu | kela | کیلا |
Nutritional profile per 100 gms
Source: USDA & Google
Bananas are a great source to gain energy for the body. It increases the energy and strength of the body when consumed. No matter how much banana a person consumes, the probability of gaining weight and becoming obese is comparatively low.
The compound called cytokine is contained in bananas, increasing the blood count of the white blood cells. This boosts your immunity and fights harmful cancer cells from taking over your immune system.
An amino acid that banana has called tryptophan. The body converts it into serotonin right after consumption. It results in the reduction of stress and improves mood and increases happiness levels.
The fiber content present in bananas makes the food move much faster to the digestive tract, thus preventing acid reflux.
If you are suffering from migraines regularly, then it is better to avoid bananas. It is because bananas contain a substance called Tyramine, which can trigger migraine headaches. Since bananas have a high amount of potassium, an excess amount of it may lead to Hyperkalemia. This condition can lead to a heart attack.
There are no notable side effects of bananas. Though it might include bloating, gas, cramping, softer stools, nausea, and vomiting.
Bananas are a rich source of potassium that is great for the health of the heart. Also, bananas are low in sodium. The low sodium and high potassium combination helps to control high blood pressure.
If you eat bananas too much daily, then there may be a risk of excessively high vitamin and mineral levels.