9. BANANA

BANANA

Nutrition in 100 gm (Raw)
Energy: 90 kcal
Carbohydrates	22.84 gm
Sugar	12.23 gm
Dietary fibre	2.6 gm
Fat	0.33 gm
Proteins	1.09 gm
Vitamin A	3 µ gm
Vit B1 (Thiamin)	0.031 mg
Vit B2 (Riboflavin)	0.073 mg
Vit B3 (Niacin)	0.665 mg
Pantothenic acid (Vit B5)	0.334 mg
Vit B6	0.367 mg
Vit B9 (Folate)	20 µ gm
Vitamin C (Absorbic acid)	8.7 mg
Calcium	5 mg
Iron	0.26 mg
Magnesium	27 mg
Phosphorus	22 mg
Potassium	358 mg
Zinc	0.15 mg

                      Banana is one of the most commonly available fruit. It comes in various sizes and colours. It is generally eaten raw. But some varieties are cooked. Unripe banana is used like a vegetable in the preparation of curry. The flower can be eaten raw or cooked in soups, curry, etc. The tender core of the plant is cooked to prepare a variety of dishes.

                 The leaves of the plant are large, flexible and water proof. They are used to serve food like a plate. They are also used to wrap food for cooking and as umbrella during rainy season.

                 Make sure to eat at least one banana per day for it contains all the 8 amino acids which our body cannot produce. They are a rich source of fibre, potassium and vitamin C.

                 Unripe banana is deep fried to prepare banana chips. Ripe banana is used in ice creams, fruit salad and juice.

Benefits:

1. Banana has amino acids which help you to recover a good mood due to the release of cerotonin. It removes the disturbance from your mind and relaxes you.

2. Jaundice: Mash one banana and mix with one tablespoon of honey. Eat twice a day.

3. Adhesive: Banana sap is very sticky and is used as an adesive.

4. Kidney stones: the juice extracted from the core of the plant is used to treat kidney stones.

5. Thread: The fibre from the stem of banana plant is used as thread to tie various items since it is very strong.

6. Jaundice: Juice extracted from the root of the plant is used to treat jaundice, sometimes with the addition of honey.

7. High BP: Due to the high level of potassium and sodium, banana can help reduce BP. Also banana is very fibrous.

8. Diarrhea: Banana helps in electrolyte replacement and increases the absorption of nutrients.

9. Peptic ulcers: Banana acts as an antacid reducing the risk of peptic ulcer.

10. Constipation: Banana contains pectin, a hydrocollide, which helps the movement of food in the intestine.

11. Diabetes: Unripe banana is good for diabetic patients since it has a low glycemic index.