Banana
Banana
Banana is an edible fruit which is also known as an instant energy booster. The whole plant (flowers, ripe, unripe fruits, leaves, and stems) has medicinal use. Bananas are a rich source of potassium and magnesium. It has good digestive, antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps control blood pressure, cholesterol levels, weight gain as well as protects the heart. It also helps in promoting hair growth and gives a healthy skin. Some studies state that Bananas are good for preventing muscle cramps and for healing wounds[2-4][6].
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. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Use Banana in your diet when you are suffering from diarrhea. Eating a green Banana may help your body absorb more nutrients and control your diarrhea due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 raw Banana in a whole day.
b. Preferably after taking light food.
2. Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual Dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido i.e. having no inclination towards a sexual act. There can also be a low erection time or semen expelled soon after a sexual activity. This is also referred to as ‘early discharge or premature ejaculation. Regular intake of Banana helps in proper functioning of male sexual performance. This is due to its Vajikarna (aphrodisiac) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 raw Banana in a whole day.
b. Preferably after taking light food.
3. Constipation
In Ayurveda, constipation is cause particularly by aggravation of Vata dosha. This can be due to excess consumption of fast foods, coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Banana makes the stool soft and smooth due to Vata balancing nature and controls constipation.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 Banana along with decoction of ginger.
b. Add honey and take it after light food to get rid of constipation.
3. UTI
Urinary tract infection is describe under the broad term of Mutrakcchra in Ayurveda. Mutra means ooze, krichra means painful. Thus, dysuria and painful urination is called as Mutrakcchra. In urinary tract infection, Banana stem juice helps to control burning sensation due to its Sita (cold) property. It also helps eliminate toxins from the body.
Tips:
a. Take 2-4 teaspoon of Banana stem juice.
b. Add same quantity of water and drink once before taking food.
4. Weak memory
Sleeplessness and stress are some of the main causes of weak memory or memory disorder. Regular intake of Banana helps to calm the nervous system thereby reducing sleeplessness and stress. This is because of its Vata balancing property.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 raw Banana in a whole day.
b. Preferably after taking light food.
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Use Banana in your diet when you are suffering from diarrhea. Eating a green Banana may help your body absorb more nutrients and control your diarrhea due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 raw Banana in a whole day.
b. Preferably after taking light food.
2. Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual Dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido i.e. having no inclination towards a sexual act. There can also be a low erection time or semen expelled soon after a sexual activity. This is also referred to as ‘early discharge or premature ejaculation. Regular intake of Banana helps in proper functioning of male sexual performance. This is due to its Vajikarna (aphrodisiac) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 raw Banana in a whole day.
b. Preferably after taking light food.
3. Constipation
In Ayurveda, constipation is cause particularly by aggravation of Vata dosha. This can be due to excess consumption of fast foods, coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Banana makes the stool soft and smooth due to Vata balancing nature and controls constipation.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 Banana along with decoction of ginger.
b. Add honey and take it after light food to get rid of constipation.
3. UTI
Urinary tract infection is describe under the broad term of Mutrakcchra in Ayurveda. Mutra means ooze, krichra means painful. Thus, dysuria and painful urination is called as Mutrakcchra. In urinary tract infection, Banana stem juice helps to control burning sensation due to its Sita (cold) property. It also helps eliminate toxins from the body.
Tips:
a. Take 2-4 teaspoon of Banana stem juice.
b. Add same quantity of water and drink once before taking food.
4. Weak memory
Sleeplessness and stress are some of the main causes of weak memory or memory disorder. Regular intake of Banana helps to calm the nervous system thereby reducing sleeplessness and stress. This is because of its Vata balancing property.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 raw Banana in a whole day.
b. Preferably after taking light food.
Precautions when using Banana
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
1. Avoid eating too many Bananas, as it takes a long time to digest.
2. Avoid Banana if you have any breathing problem like asthma as it can aggravate Kapha.
2. Avoid Banana if you have any breathing problem like asthma as it can aggravate Kapha.
Modern Science View
Avoid Banana if you have migraine[5].
Allergy
Modern Science View
Consumption of Banana may cause allergic reactions[5].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Banana may increase the blood sugar level. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor before taking Banana in case of diabetes[7].
How to use Banana
1. Banana Fruit
Take Banana fruit as per your taste after taking light food.
2. Banana Stem Juice
a. Take 2-4 teaspoons of Banana stem juice.
b. Add same quantity of water and drink it once before taking food.
3. Banana Stem Powder
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Banana stem powder.
b. Add honey or water and have it after meals twice day.
Take Banana fruit as per your taste after taking light food.
2. Banana Stem Juice
a. Take 2-4 teaspoons of Banana stem juice.
b. Add same quantity of water and drink it once before taking food.
3. Banana Stem Powder
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Banana stem powder.
b. Add honey or water and have it after meals twice day.
Benefits of Banana
FAQs about Banana benefits
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 Juice - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Banana Paste - ½ -1 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
Yes, Banana is good for managing diarrhea especially in children. Green Banana is rich in pectin which cannot be digested by the small intestine. Pectin reaches the colon in undigested form and later helps in salt and water absorption[5][8][9].
Modern Science View
Yes, Banana helps in managing gastric ulcers. Banana helps to neutralise the acidic environment in the stomach and forms a coating on the lining of the stomach. This further reduces ulcer irritation and promotes healing[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Banana is good for constipation. Banana is a rich source of many non-digestible fibres that help to normalise the bowel movement. Pectin in Banana adds bulk to the stool and helps to absorb water that makes the stool soft[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Banana helps in lowering blood pressure. Banana is rich in potassium which is a regulator of blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke[5].
Tip:
Ripened Bananas lower blood pressure better than unripe Bananas[5].
Tip:
Ripened Bananas lower blood pressure better than unripe Bananas[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Banana has a role in protecting the stomach against ulcers and ulcer associated damage. Leucocyanidin in Banana increases the thickness of the stomach mucous membrane. Banana has antacid property. It helps to neutralize the acid in the stomach. Thus, Banana helps in the healing of stomach ulcers, prevents further damage and heartburn[5].
Tip:
A mixture of Banana and milk reduces acid secretion[5].
Tip:
A mixture of Banana and milk reduces acid secretion[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, banana has a role in preventing kidney stone formation. Banana is a rich source of potassium that further reduces the excretion of calcium through urine, thus reduces the risk of kidney stones[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Banana helps to manage hangover. Heavy drinking leads to the loss of electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. Banana is a rich source of these important electrolytes and helps to rehydrate the body. Banana also helps to calm an upset stomach due to heavy drinking. Banana, when taken along with honey, helps to gain back the lost energy due to low blood sugar levels caused by heavy drinking [5].
Tip:
A cocktail made by mixing Banana with milk and honey helps to overcome the after effects of hangover[5].
Tip:
A cocktail made by mixing Banana with milk and honey helps to overcome the after effects of hangover[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Banana helps to manage depression. Bananas contain tryptophan protein. Tryptophan when converted to serotonin in the body, helps to relax the mind and induces the feeling of happiness[5].
Modern Science View
No Banana is good for diarrhea. It has the tendency to regulate bowel movements and stool. Potassium present in Banana can balance the water content in the intestine. This helps to maintain a proper consistency of stool formation. Banana is thus useful for the people suffering from diarrhoea as well as constipation[5].
Ayurvedic View
Eating a raw Banana is good in case of diarrhea. It helps your body absorb more nutrients and control diarrhea due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.
Modern Science View
Banana is a rich source of potassium. In case of stress and depression, our metabolic rate increases, which reduces the potassium levels. Thus, eating a Banana daily helps fight against depression and stress[5].
Ayurvedic View
Depression can be due to an imbalance of Vata dosha. Banana helps to fight against depression due to its Vata balancing property.
Modern Science View
Although not enough scientific evidence is available, Banana and milk are said to be incompatible to each other. Banana is sour and milk is sweet and this combination may create some digestive problems.
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, one should avoid taking Banana with milk. This is because it can weaken Agni leading to indigestion, nausea and heaviness in the abdomen. It can also produce Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) and may aggravate Kapha. This may lead to sinus, congestion, cold and cough disorders.
Ayurvedic View
You should avoid Banana at night in case of indigestion, cough or asthma. This is because it might aggravate Kapha dosha. Also, Banana is a heavy fruit and takes time to digest. So make sure to eat it 2-3 hours before going to bed.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Banana shake might be helpful in gaining weight.
Modern Science View
Eating Banana on an empty stomach causes hyperacidity due to the presence of vitamin C. Banana, being rich in potassium, might also cause heart issues if taken on an empty stomach. Therefore, it is not advisable to eat Banana on an empty stomach[8].
Ayurvedic View
Bananas may not be good for your acne prone skin as they can cause your skin to produce more oil leading to acne breakouts. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) nature. So it is best to avoid applying Banana on the skin. An alternative can be to make a pack of Banana with rose water.
Modern Science View
Yes, Bananas might help in hair growth because they are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, natural oils and most importantly amino acids. Amino acid arginine present in Banana helps in hair growth while its antioxidant property protects the hair from damage[2].
Modern Science View
Banana peel cleanses and soothes the skin due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Banana might also help in reducing scars and wounds on face due to its healing property[2][8].
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.
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.