Banana, a tropical fruit with high calories, provides exceptional nutrition in different forms. Potassium, an important component of cell and body fluids, supports muscles and nerves. It controls heartbeat and blood pressure.
It also counters the bad effects of sodium. Further, it lowers triglyceride. It is triglyceride which causes the accumulation of harmful cholesterol. It is a very good source of antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin B6 in addition to manganese and other minerals.
Magnesium is essential for strong bone and has a cardiac protective role. Manganese is used by the body as a cofactor for antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells.
Depending upon cultivation and ripeness, the flesh can vary in taste from starchy to sweet, and in texture from firm to mushy. Both the skin and the inner parts are edible either raw or cooked. Banana contains prebiotics which supports useful bacteria inside our intestine.
In spite of sweetness, bananas are low on the glycemic index. Consequently, it results in moderate impact on sugar level in blood.
Banana is rich in fructose and sucrose. It replenishes energy and revitalises the body instantly. Therefore banana is most useful for athletes. It also supplements food in the treatment plan for underweight children. A good amount of soluble dietary fiber helps normal bowel movements.
Banana has good amounts of vitamin-C, health promoting flavonoid, and poly-phenolic antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin. It contains beta and alpha carotene in small quantity. These compounds help act as protective scavengers and neutralise oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species. They play a decisive role in retarding ageing and various disease processes.
Bananas are also a very good source of vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine). Pyridoxine is an important B-complex vitamin. It plays a supportive role in the treatment of anemia. Moreover, it helps to decrease homocysteine, one of the factors that cause coronary artery disease and stroke episodes.
Apart from these advantages, banana acts as a brain tonic and helps to boost memory power. It may help to overcome morning sickness and heartburn. Ripe bananas are ideal food choice for infants as it provides 53 required vitamins and minerals. Face mask of mashed ripe banana helps to rejuvenate skin and prevent formation of wrinkles.
Banana peel has been credited with various medicinal uses. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic and antimicrobial. It will, apparently, relieve pain and swelling due to insect bites and plant stings.
Consumption of one cooked banana flower with one cup of curd or yogurt is the most effective treatment for excessive bleeding during menstruation. This combination increases the level of progesterone in the body and thereby reduces bleeding associated with menorrhagia.
Bananas are excellent for skin care. Being rich in Potassium, Vitamin B6 & Folic acid, Bananas effectively reduces wrinkles & fine lines. If you want to treat your skin with a cocktail of vitamins banana is the right ingredient to go with.
They are rich in vitamins and minerals that help a wide variety of skin and hair problems. Moreover, they help bind all the ingredients in homemade masks together – making them easier to apply to the skin or hair.
Some of the best Banana homemade facial masks
Banana For Glowing Skin:
You’ll Need:
- 1 ripe Banana
- 5-6 Strawberries
- ¼ slice of Papaya
- 1 tablespoon of Honey
- 1 tablespoon of Olive oil
Combine all and mash with a fork. Apply the mask to face and let dry for 10 minutes. Later, gently rinse off with cool water.
Banana For Acne & Scars:
You’ll Need:
- 1 ripe Banana
- ½ teaspoon Lime juice
- ½ tablespoon Baking soda
Mix all and mash with a fork. Apply to face and leave the mask for 20-30 minutes. Gently rinse off with cool water.
Banana For Dull Skin:
You’ll Need:
- ¼ cup Rolled Oats
- ½ ripe Banana
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- ½ tablespoon Lime juice
Mix all and mash with a fork. Apply the mask to face & neck and let dry for 15 minutes. Then, gently rinse off with cool water.