Banana : Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Banana is a fruit grown from the herbaceous plants? They are a great source of Vitamin C, B6, magnesium, and is also dietary fiber. They may vary in size and color. Banana is green, yellow, even brown when they are ripe. In 2017, India and China were the largest producers. It is grown in almost 135 countries. The USA and the European countries were the largest importers of in 2015. Bananas are also used in cooking by some countries. In several countries, they are also called Plantains. Plantains are often more starchy and thick and are cooked and eaten. It has a high nutritional value and hence serves as an excellent medicinal sourcein Ayurveda.

Origin and Taxonomy of Banana:

Bananas belong to the group of a family called Musa. It is under the category Musaceae. There are many species under this category, and all of them are edible fruits.They are the first fruit to be cultivated. They were first found in Southeast Asia around 8000 BC.The word Banana originated from the word banan. The word bananis an Arabic word.

Comparison of Modern Science and Ayurveda:

China has always practiced traditional medicine. China is still a deep believer in traditional medicine. There has been a time when people do not find relief from modern science. In such a case, people have time and again turned to traditional medicine. It is not just the case in India but in various parts of Asia, the USA, and Europe. It is leading to the growth of an alternate health sector.

For countless years traditional medicine was rejected and criticized. It did not have the provision of modern technologies and often failed to hold a strong backstory. Recently the theory has resurrected, and Ayurveda is gaining limelight. It has gained momentum as when the Ayurveda is differentiated and understood and applied with modern science it yields. It is illogical to compare both modern science and traditional medicine. There are still a few remedies that Modern Science readily supports.

Banana and its Nutritional Value:

With the nutritional value, a banana has many health benefits. Some of the nutritional benefits are listed below:

1. Maintains the metabolism:

As it is rich in B6, it helps maintain the body's red blood cells count.

It also helps to increase metabolism and removes unwanted toxins from the body.

1. Richin Vitamin C:

It is rich in vitamin C.Vitamin C helps to absorb the iron, boosts our mood, and also protects from tissue damage. The deficiency of Vitamin C in our body also leads to Scurvy.

1. Actsas an Energy source:

It is a source of energy. Eat a banana as an evening snack. Before taking up any physical activity like sports or gym, one can have a banana to increase those energy levels.

1. A healthy heart and a sound body:

As with the high potassium ratio in a banana, it helps to control the blood pressure and maintains a healthy heart.

1. Goodfor the skin:

The manganese present in the skin makes it an excellent source for the skin.

Benefits of Banana as a Medicine:

Banana provides a lot of benefits. The fruit has a nutritional value, which aids in its medicinal value.

It is a remedy for skin problems, and constipation, depression. Not just the fruit but the banana peel and the banana leaves also have various health benefits.

Banana as a remedy:

1. For Diarrhea: 

1. For Sexual Dysfunction:

1. For Constipation:

1. For Urinary tract infection(UTI):

1. For Weak memory:

1. For Depression:

1. For Hair Loss:

Various forms of Banana in Ayurveda and their recommended dosage

Banana is available in many forms, including Banana leaves, Banana stem juice, and Banana powder. It is a must to follow the recommended dosage before consuming them.

The dosage can vary depending on the needs or the prescription of a doctor.

1. Fruit: can be consumed at any time of the day as a light snack.
2. The Paste: Add honey to 1-2 teaspoons of banana paste. Apply on the affected area for 5 minutes and wash thoroughly.
3. Stem Powder: Mix the stem powder, honey, with water, and consume it after any meal of the day twice. The drink is consumed either after breakfast or after dinner. Mix a quarter (1/4) or half(1/2) teaspoon of banana stem powder.
4. Stem juice: diluting water with 2-4 teaspoons of banana stem juice before any meal of the day.
5. Leaves juice or stem juice: Add some rose water to 1-2 teaspoons of banana stem juice or leaves juice. Apply on the affected area, leave it for and wash after 10minutes. It is a natural homemade remedy.

You do need to intake Banana paste. Applying the paste in the infected areas will provide relief.

Various Forms of Banana in Ayurveda and its uses:

Banana is a source of manganese. It is, therefore, good for the skin.

1. Banana Paste:

Banana Paste not only a good remedy for the skin but also helps with hair loss problems. Mixing the banana paste with milk can benefit the skin and the hair.

Some of the skin ailments that it is beneficial are:

1. Dry lips and skin:

It is tough to maintain healthy skin during winters.

Even during the summers, we face a lot of skin problems. Dry skin is due to the lack of moisture in the skin.

As banana is a source of vitamin A, it can retain moisture in the skin. Take a banana, mash it, and add milk to it. Apply it on the skin and leave it for 25 minutes. Thoroughly wash your face after.

1. Wrinkles:

Bananas are a remedy to flatten the wrinkle line and makes the skin look fresh and younger.

To lighten the wrinkles, add milk to 1 teaspoon of banana paste. Apply it and leave it for 40 minutes.

Wash the paste thoroughly after 40 minutes.

1. Hair Loss:

A source of vitamin B helps to improve the scalp and keep the hair healthy. To prevent hair loss, try the banana hair mask. Take 1-2 bananas by the length of your hair. Add a few drops of coconut oil, 1-2 teaspoon make a paste, apply it to the hair. Leave the mask for 15 min and rinse thoroughly after. The hair mask is applied twice a week.

1. Banana stem juice:

Banana stem juice can help to keep the urinary tract healthy. It can avoid problems in the urinary tract.

1. Banana Peel:

For a naturally glowing skin, apply the banana peel. It helps to retain moisture in the skin.

Some side effects of a banana :

There are a few side effects to bananas.

• Consuming bananas at a high quantity can cause weight gain, also high levels of potassium.
• Some people are also allergic to bananas.
• Eating too many bananas are difficult to digest.
• People with breathing problems must also avoid eating bananas.

Precautionary Measures for Banana:

1. For Diabetic Patients

1. For allergic reactions:

1. For hypersensitive skin:

FAQ's: Banana, its Benefits and Precautions

• What are some nutritional facts about a banana?

It contains a variety of vitamins.

It is also a source of potassium and magnesium.

• Does a banana prevent hair loss?

Doshic balance plays a crucial role in the memory of a person. Each dosha contributes to specific memory traits. Some have a strong memory, and some do not. A sound body a perfect mind. An increase in levels can also lead to memory problems. Banana helps to ease stress and elevate memory.

• Should we consume a banana and milk together?

The combination together can lead to toxic effects on the body and also slow down the brain.

• Can we eat a banana before going to bed?

Bananas are hard to digest. Consume 2 hours before bedtime.

• Can a banana maintain the blood pressure?

Yes, As with the high ratio of potassium. Banana helps to control blood pressure and maintains a healthy heart.

• Gastric ulcers prevented with a banana?

Yes, they help to prevent ulcers.

• Does a banana help to prevent kidney stones?

Yes, bananas can help in preventing kidney stones. Kidney stones are a cause of high levels of calcium excreted in the urine. Banana can help with it.