Banana flower has outstanding medicinal properties, also known as a banana blossom or banana heart. It has a potent nutritional profile. Banana flower is packed with essential minerals such as phosphorous, calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium and iron, vital for several bodily functions. 
Health Benefits Of Banana Flowers:
Keeps Infections At Bay
Banana flower seems to be very effective in treating infections in natural ways. The extract in banana flower has ethanol which prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
Supports Menstrual Wellness
Cooked banana flowers can help deal with pain abdomen and reduce the menstrual bleeding. Consumed along with curd or yoghurt, these flowers increase the progesterone hormone in the body and reduce bleeding.
Controls Diabetes
According to the study published in the Journal of Food and Agriculture, banana flower extracts promoted glucose uptake, which in turn reduces blood sugar levels.
Boosts Mood And Reduces Anxiety
Banana flower contains magnesium, reduces anxiety and boosts mood. They act as natural antidepressants.
Averts Cancer And heart Disease
Banana flower contain phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids and various other antioxidants. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals, prevent oxidative damage, and reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Improves Lactation
Banana flower, a galactagogues vegetable, increases breast milk secretion for the lactating mothers. It also helps to support the uterus and reduces bleeding post-delivery.
Slows The Ageing Process
Banana flower, rich in vitamin C and a potent source of antioxidants, is very vital for health because they reduce stress on cells and slow down the ageing process.
Promotes Kidney Function
The myriad of nutrients presents in banana flower stimulates healthy functioning of the kidneys. Adding young banana flower in the diet works as a natural remedy for dissolving painful kidney stones and averts the risk of inflammation and urinary problems.
Boosts Iron Levels
The richness of iron in banana flowers can remarkably pump iron stores and improves symptoms associated with anaemia such as fatigue, tiredness, irregular heartbeat, pale skin, cold feet and hands. Regular addition of banana flower in the meal increases the levels of red blood cells and combats iron deficiency anaemia.
Remedies Digestive Problems
Banana flower is an alkaline food that effectively neutralizes stomach acid secretions and offers respite from indigestion, ulcers and pain. Apart from this, high on dietary fibre and other vital nutrients banana flowers work as a natural laxative and regularise bowel functions and treat constipation.
Aids Weight Loss
An ounce of the banana flower contains fewer calories, ample protein, and is high in fibre. This curbs hunger cravings and keeps body satiated for longer periods which makes it ideal for any weight loss diet plan.
Treats Prostate Enlargement
Banana flower extract can subdue growth of prostate cells besides helping to ameliorate all kinds of urinary disturbance. With its ability to synthesize dihydrotestosterone-a hormone linked to health issues in men, it is useful in treating prostate enlargement.
Augments Hair Growth
Banana flower has the potential to lessen oxidative stress by protecting hair from external stressors and improving hair thickness and texture. The flower extracts are a key ingredient in hair serums, oils, creams, and masks. It plays a vital role in making your hair follicles stronger and boosting hair growth.
Supports Bone Health
Banana blossoms contain significant potassium, calcium, as well as vitamins A, C, and E apart from powerful flavonoids like quercetin and catechin. These can alleviate joint discomfort, increases bone mineral density, and reduce osteocalcin levels thus preventing chances of osteoporosis.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF BANANA FLOWER (According to the African Journal of Biotechnology)
Banana flowers, famed as banana hearts comes with a treasure trove of nutrients including fibre, potassium, calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and vitamin E. These edible flowers can be incorporated in the regular diet in the form of salads, soup, stir-fries, vada and herbal concoction.
| Energy | 51kcal |
| Protein | 1.6g |
| Fat | 0.6g |
| Carbohydrate | 9.9g |
| Fibre | 5.7g |
| Calcium | 56mg |
| Phosphorous | 73.3mg |
| Iron | 56.4mg |
| Copper | 13mg |
| Potassium | 553.3mg |
| Magnesium | 48.7mg |
| Vitamin E | 1.07mg |
Skin Benefits Of This Superfood
Alleviates Hyperpigmentation
Banana flowers are a rich source of potassium, Vitamin E, and C. The blooms are also enriched with antioxidants that are known to protect the skin from harmful free radicals. All these skin-healthy components help to lighten problems of hyperpigmentation. A mash of banana flowers with banana fruit works well and can also help to slow down the signs of ageing.
Soften Hands
Banana flowers are imbued with skin-hydrating compounds and hence are often used in making hand creams and body lotions that can treat dryness and dullness of hands. The flowers when combined with other ingredients can help hydrate and moisturise even the dullest and most dried skin type.
Heals Skin Wounds And Grazes
Banana flowers can act as excellent wound healers if consumed regularly. Due to the presence of ethanol compound, not only does it heal skin abrasions but cleanses it internally and keeps the skin smooth and soft.
Additional Skin Benefits
Aids Collagen Production
Vitamin C and magnesium are some skin-befitting ingredients that are essential for collagen production. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and aiding firmness, thus reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
Provides Anti-aging Benefits
Due to its antioxidant and collagen-promoting properties, banana flower extracts can contribute to reducing signs of ageing on the skin, such as wrinkles, sagging, and dullness.
Bolsters Skin Radiance
Banana flowers have natural antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infections on the skin and promote overall skin health. The nutrients in banana flowers contributes to a brighter complexion and help the skin become radiant.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
- A review on banana flower: Nutritional composition, processed products and health benefits
https://www.jnmhs.com/journal-article-file/19878
- https://www.bioinformation.net/018/97320630018349.pdf
