Banana Flower: The Superfood You Haven't Heard Of

Banana flower has outstanding medicinal properties, also known as a banana blossom or banana heart. It has a potent nutritional profile. Banana flower is packed with essential minerals such as phosphorous, calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium and iron, vital for several bodily functions.  

Health Benefits Of Banana Flowers:

Keeps Infections At Bay

Banana flower seems to be very effective in treating infections in natural ways. The extract in banana flower has ethanol which prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria.  

Supports Menstrual Wellness

Cooked banana flowers can help deal with pain abdomen and reduces the menstrual bleeding. Consumed along with curd or yoghurt, these flowers increase the progesterone hormone in the body and reduce bleeding.  

Controls Diabetes

According to the study published in the Journal of Food and Agriculture, banana flower extracts promoted glucose uptake, which in turn reduces blood sugar levels.  

Boosts Mood And Reduces Anxiety

Banana flower contains magnesium, reduces anxiety and boosts the mood. They act as natural antidepressants.  

Averts Cancer And heart Disease

Banana flower contains phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids and various other antioxidants. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals, prevent oxidative damage, and reduces the risk of heart diseases and cancer.  

Improves Lactation

Banana flower, a galactagogues vegetable, increases the breast milk secretion for the lactating mothers. It also helps to support the uterus and reduces bleeding post-delivery.  

Slows The Ageing Process 

Banana flower, rich in vitamin C and a potent source of antioxidants, is very vital for health because they reduce stress on cells and slow down the ageing process.

Promotes Kidney Function

The myriad of nutrients presents in banana flower stimulates healthy functioning of the kidneys. Adding young banana flower in the diet works as a natural remedy for dissolving painful kidney stones and averts the risk of inflammation and urinary problems.

Boosts Iron Levels

The richness of iron in banana flowers can remarkably pump iron stores and improves symptoms associated with anaemia such as fatigue, tiredness, irregular heartbeat, pale skin, cold feet and hands. Regular addition of banana flower in the meal increases the levels of red blood cells and combats iron deficiency anaemia.

Remedies Digestive Problems

Banana flower is an alkaline food which effectively neutralizes the stomach acid secretions and offers respite from indigestion, ulcers and pain. Apart from this, high on dietary fibre and other vital nutrients banana flowers work as a natural laxative and regularise bowel functions and treat constipation.

Aids Weight Loss

An ounce of banana flower contains fewer calories, ample protein, and is high in fibre. This curbs hunger cravings and keeps body satiated for longer periods which makes it ideal for any weight loss diet plan.

Treats Prostate Enlargement

Banana flower extract can subdue growth of prostate cells besides helping to ameliorate all kinds of urinary disturbance. With its ability to synthesize dihydrotestosterone-a hormone linked to health issues in men, it is useful in treating prostate enlargement.

Augments Hair Growth

Banana flower has the potential to lessen oxidative stress by protecting hair from external stressors and improving hair thickness and texture. The flower extracts are a key ingredient in hair serums, oils, creams, and masks. It plays a vital role in making your hair follicles stronger and boosting hair growth. 

Supports Bone Health

Banana blossoms contain significant potassium, calcium, as well as vitamins A, C, and E apart from powerful flavonoids like quercetin and catechin. These can alleviate joint discomfort, increases bone mineral density, and reduce osteocalcin levels thus preventing chances of osteoporosis.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF BANANA FLOWER (According to the African Journal of Biotechnology)

Banana flowers, famed as banana hearts comes with a treasure trove of nutrients including fibre, potassium, calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and vitamin E. These edible flowers can be incorporated in the regular diet in the form of salads, soup, stir-fries, vada and herbal concoction.

Skin Benefits Of This Superfood

Alleviates Hyperpigmentation

Banana flowers are a rich source of potassium, Vitamin E, and C. The blooms are also enriched with antioxidants that are known to protect the skin from harmful free radicals. All these skin-healthy components help to lighten problems of hyperpigmentation. A mash of banana flowers with banana fruit works well and can also help to slow down the signs of ageing.

Soften Hands

Banana flowers are imbued with skin-hydrating compounds and hence are often used in making hand creams and body lotions that can treat dryness and dullness of hands. The flowers when combined with other ingredients can help hydrate and moisturise even the dullest and most dried skin type.

Heals Skin Wounds And Grazes 

Banana flowers can act as excellent wound healers if consumed regularly. Due to the presence of ethanol compound, not only does it heal skin abrasions but also cleanses it internally and keeps the skin smooth and soft.

Disclaimer:

The content provided here is for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance does not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the blog.