Bananas are Good for the Gut
bananas
Bananas originated in Malaysia 4,000 years ago, and were fist introduced into Africa before Portuguese explorers took them to the Americas in the late 15th century.

Today bananas are the second largest fruit crop with India, Brazil, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Mexico being the biggest producers.

Although it looks like a tree, the banana grows on a plant that belongs to the orchid family. There are hundreds of varieties, and they all fall into two distinct groups, the sweet variety and the plantain that is used for cooking.

In some Latin American countries tamales are sometimes steamed and served in banana leaves.

Health Benefits of Bananas

  • Nutrients
    Bananas are an excellent source of potassium and vitamin B6. They are a good source of vitamin C, riboflavin, magnesium, biotin and carbohydrates.
  • Glycemic Index (GI)
    In studies to determine the estimated GI of various foods, it was concluded that bananas have a low GI of 52.
  • Blood pressure
    Bananas are high in potassium, an element important in the regulation of blood pressure.
  • Diarrhea
    The banana is an effective treatment for diarrhea, and in a study involving infants with persistent diarrhea, green banana and pectin improved small intestinal permeability and reduced fluid loss. Bananas are well known amongst travelers to third world countries for their anti-diarrhea properties.
  • Prebiotic
    Fructooligosaccharide is a prebiotic found in bananas and other foods. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon. These bacteria improve the body’s ability to absorb important nutrients.
  • Stomach ulcers
    Bananas have also been found to help eliminate bacteria in the stomach that cause stomach ulcers.
  • Cholesterol
    Bananas have high pectin content, a soluble fiber that assists in the lowering of cholesterol.
  • Vitamin A deficiency
    In a study at the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, it was concluded that bananas are a potential food source for alleviating vitamin A deficiency.

Nutrient Values of Raw Bananas per 100g

Calories
89kcal
Energy Value
371kj
Total Fat
0.33g
Carbohydrates
22.84g
Sugars
12.23g
Dietary Fiber
2.6g
Protein
1.09g
Sodium
1mg
Zinc
0.15mg
Potassium
358mg
Iron
0.26mg
Magnesium
27mg
Copper
0.078mg
Calcium
5mg
Vitamin C
8.7mg
Vitamin E
0.10mg
Vit. B3 (Niacin)
0.665mg
Vitamin B6
0.367mg
Vit. B1 (Thiamin)
0.031mg
Vit. B2 (Riboflavin)
0.073mg

Bananas contain enzymes that can cause allergic reactions in individuals with sensitivity to latex.
References:
The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, Joseph Pizzorno, and Lara Pizzorno.
Benders' Dictionary of Nutrition and Food Technology.
USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.
PubMed. PMID: 15139502
PubMed. PMID: 11953920
PubMed. PMID: 14870618
 
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