By CHISOM IBEMERE
Bananas are elongated and edible fruits of the genus Musa and family Musaceae. They are native to Southeast Asia and consumed globally. They vary in different sizes and are mainly green, yellow and red in colour. Bananas used for cooking are known as plantain.
Bananas are sources of Vitamins and minerals which includes Potassium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C. They also contains bioactive plant compounds like Dopamine, Catechin that provides numerous health benefits.
Bananas are healthy fruits and available throughout the year. They are loaded with essential nutrients that promotes good health. Bananas are sources of fibre, folate, potassium and Vitamin C which promotes heart health. They lower the level of low density lipoprotein also known as bad cholesterol in the body hence the risk of cardiovascular diseases are reduced. Potassium aids in the regulation and locomotion of nutrients and wastes in and out of the cells. Potassium are good in reducing the risk of having kidney stones.
Bananas improves digestive health because of it’s water and fibre contents. They help to replace water and electrolytes that are lost during diarrhea. Banana contains an amino acid tryptophan, that helps to improve the memory functions.
Bananas are rich source of anti-oxidants like the Flavonoids and Amines that helps to protect the cells from Oxidative damages and degenerative illness.
