If you’re looking for a new superfood to add to your diet, look no further than banana flower. This tropical ingredient is packed with a variety of nutrients and health-promoting compounds that can help you look and feel your best. From improved digestion to better kidney function, banana flower has a range of benefits that make it a must-have addition to your meals. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top health benefits of banana flower, and show you how to incorporate this versatile ingredient into your diet. Whether you’re a health-conscious foodie or just looking for a way to mix up your meals, you won’t want to miss the amazing benefits of banana flower.
Health Benefits Of Banana Flowers
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Boosts Mood And Reduces Anxiety
Banana flower contains magnesium, reduces anxiety and boosts the mood. They act as natural antidepressants.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Promotes Kidney Function
Is banana flower good for kidney? 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
Banana flowers, famed as banana hearts comes with a treasure trove of nutrients including fibre, potassium, calcium, copper, phosphorus, ir
on, 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.
How to Use Banana Flower
Preparing the banana flower: Start by removing the outer layers of the banana flower until you reach the tender, pale-yellow inner leaves. Cut off the tip of the banana flower and discard any hard or fibrous sections. Chop the remaining tender leaves into small pieces and soak them in water with a little bit of lemon juice or vinegar to prevent discoloration.
Salads: Banana flower can be used as a main ingredient in salads, mixed with other veggies and a dressing. A common salad preparation involves mixing chopped banana flower with grated coconut, onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, lemon juice, and salt.
Curries: Banana flower can be used in curries along with other vegetables. After preparing the banana flower, cook it with spices and coconut milk to make a delicious curry. Some common spices used in banana flower curry are turmeric, coriander, cumin, and chili powder.
Stir-fries: Banana flower can be used in stir-fries with other vegetables. After preparing the banana flower, stir-fry it with other veggies such as bell peppers, onions, and carrots, along with spices such as ginger and garlic.
Smoothies: You can also add banana flower to smoothies to get its benefits. Blend banana flower with fruits like mango, pineapple, or banana, along with some yogurt or almond milk to make a healthy smoothie.
Side Effects/ Disadvantages of Banana Flower
While it is generally safe to consume, there are some side effects and disadvantages to be aware of:
3. Oxalates: Banana flowers contain oxalates, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones in some people. Those with a history of kidney stones or other kidney problems may want to avoid consuming banana flowers.
4. Thyroid function: Banana flowers contain compounds that can interfere with thyroid function, which can be a concern for people with thyroid problems.
5. Interaction with medication: Banana flowers contain compounds that can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners. If you are taking medication, it is important to check with your healthcare provider before consuming banana flowers.
6. Environmental concerns: Banana farming has been linked to environmental issues such as deforestation, habitat destruction, and soil degradation. Choosing sustainably grown and harvested banana flowers can help to reduce these concerns.
It is always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider or a qualified nutritionist if you have any concerns about incorporating banana flowers or any other new foods into your diet.
