Banana
Banana
Banana is an edible fruit which is a natural instant energy booster. It is a rich source of potassium and magnesium and the whole Banana plant (flowers, ripe, unripe fruits, leaves, and stems) has medicinal value.
Banana helps boost energy which improves stamina as well as sexual health. Consuming green Banana (unripe) helps improve digestion and manage diarrhea. Banana also helps control blood pressure and cholesterol levels due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When taken along with milk, it aids in weight gain.
According to Ayurveda, applying Banana paste on the skin is beneficial for managing skin problems like dry skin, acne and wrinkles due to its strong Ropan (healing) property. It also helps nourish hair and promote hair growth.
Eating Banana on an empty stomach should be avoided. It is generally advised to take it after a light meal[2-6][9].
Banana helps boost energy which improves stamina as well as sexual health. Consuming green Banana (unripe) helps improve digestion and manage diarrhea. Banana also helps control blood pressure and cholesterol levels due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When taken along with milk, it aids in weight gain.
According to Ayurveda, applying Banana paste on the skin is beneficial for managing skin problems like dry skin, acne and wrinkles due to its strong Ropan (healing) property. It also helps nourish hair and promote hair growth.
Eating Banana on an empty stomach should be avoided. It is generally advised to take it after a light meal[2-6][9].
What are the synonyms of Banana?
Musa paradisiaca, Varana, Ambusara, Kal, Talha, Kala, Kanch Kala, Kela, Bale gadde, Kadubale, Kattebale, Kadali, Kadila, Vazhai, Pazham, Arati chettu, Mouz
What is the source of Banana?
Plant Based
Benefits of Banana
1. Dry skin
Dry lips and dry skin are signs of a Vata imbalance. Banana helps in reducing dryness in the skin by balancing Vata dosha. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of Banana fresh paste.
b. Add milk to it and apply on the affected area.
c. Wait for 25-30 minutes and wash with tap water.
2. Wrinkles
According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Vata dosha is the cause of wrinkles. Banana help control wrinkles and improves skin texture by balancing Vata. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of fresh paste of Banana.
b. Add milk to it and apply on the affected area.
c. Wait for 30-45 minutes.
d. Wash with tap water.
3. Hair loss
Ayurveda says that the reason for hair fall is aggravated Vata dosha. Banana acts on hair fall by balancing Vata dosha and helps in moisturizing and hydrating the hair. This is because of its Snigdha (oily) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 2 or more Bananas according to the length of your hair and mash them in a bowl.
b. Add 1-2 tablespoon of coconut oil and make a paste.
c. Apply this paste thoroughly on your hair.
d. Leave this mask for about 10-15 minutes and rinse with cold or lukewarm water.
e. Repeat 1-2 times in a week to get rid of hair problems.
Dry lips and dry skin are signs of a Vata imbalance. Banana helps in reducing dryness in the skin by balancing Vata dosha. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of Banana fresh paste.
b. Add milk to it and apply on the affected area.
c. Wait for 25-30 minutes and wash with tap water.
2. Wrinkles
According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Vata dosha is the cause of wrinkles. Banana help control wrinkles and improves skin texture by balancing Vata. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of fresh paste of Banana.
b. Add milk to it and apply on the affected area.
c. Wait for 30-45 minutes.
d. Wash with tap water.
3. Hair loss
Ayurveda says that the reason for hair fall is aggravated Vata dosha. Banana acts on hair fall by balancing Vata dosha and helps in moisturizing and hydrating the hair. This is because of its Snigdha (oily) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 2 or more Bananas according to the length of your hair and mash them in a bowl.
b. Add 1-2 tablespoon of coconut oil and make a paste.
c. Apply this paste thoroughly on your hair.
d. Leave this mask for about 10-15 minutes and rinse with cold or lukewarm water.
e. Repeat 1-2 times in a week to get rid of hair problems.
Precautions when using Banana
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Banana leaves, stem juice or fruit paste should be used with rose water or any skin cream if your skin is hypersensitive.
Recommended Dosage of Banana
- Banana Paste - ½ -1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Banana Juice - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Banana
1. Banana Juice
a. Banana Leaves or stem Juice.
b. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Banana juice.
c. Add some rose water to it.
d. Apply it on the affected area for 7-10 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
2. Banana Fresh Paste
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Banana fresh paste.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply on the affected area for 4-5 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
a. Banana Leaves or stem Juice.
b. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Banana juice.
c. Add some rose water to it.
d. Apply it on the affected area for 7-10 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
2. Banana Fresh Paste
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Banana fresh paste.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply on the affected area for 4-5 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, Banana is nutritious. Banana is a rich source of potassium that helps to meet 23% of the daily potassium needs. This potassium is essential for proper functioning of the muscles. Banana is also a rich source of fibres and vitamins A, B6, C and D. Each serving of Banana carries on an average of 70 calories[5].
Modern Science View
Banana is rich in potassium. it helps in proper muscle contraction during the exercise. Bananas are also high in calories and a rich source of carbohydrates. This, makes Banana a very good source of energy. Thus, eating a Banana 30 minutes before the workout can act as an energy booster and also prevents cramping of muscles[5].
Modern Science View
Although, Banana skin is not poisonous and can be consumed, it is not popular as it is considered inedible. It is a good source of magnesium, potassium, vitamins B6 and B12.
Modern Science View
Banana and honey can be eaten together easily in the form of fruit salads. It is good for constipation, helps in weight loss and rehydrates the body.
Modern Science View
Yes, Banana stem juice is good for health. It increases the urine flow and helps pass kidney stone. This is due to its Mutral (diuretic) property.
Modern Science View
A single serving of banana has around 105 calories.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India. Part 1 Volume 1.
- Lakshmi V, Agarwal SK, Mahdi AA.An overview of Musa paradisiaca Linn.NPAIJ.2015;11(4):105-109.
- Imam MZ, Akter S. Musa paradisiaca L. and Musa sapientum L. : A phytochemical and pharmacological review.Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science.2011;1(5):14-20
- Barua N, Das M. An overview on pharmacological activities of Musa sapientum and Musa paradisiaca.IJPPR.2013;4(2):852-858.
- Kumar KPS, Bhowmik D, Duraivel S.et.al.Traditional and Medicinal Uses of Banana.J Pharmacogn Phytochem.2012;1(3):51-63.
- Dong C, Hu H, Hu Y, et al.Metabolism of flavonoids in novel Banana germplasm during fruit development.Front Plant Sci. 2016;7:1291.
- Hermansen K, Rasmussen O, Gregersen S.et.al.Influence of ripeness of banana on the blood glucose and insulin response in type 2 diabetic subjects.Diabet Med.1992;9(8):739-43.
- Ramu R, Shirahatti PS, Anilakumar KR et al.Assessment of Nutritional Quality and Global Antioxidant Response of Banana (Musa sp. CV. Nanjangud Rasa Bale) Pseudostem and Flower. Pharmacognosy Res. 2017 Dec;9(Supp1):S74-S83.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.