Let's Talk Bananas
Bananas offer enormous health benefits as a food for both humans and animals. In ancient times bananas were touted for their ability to treat several pathological conditions. In recent years banans have been studied for their ability to offer possible benefits in treating and alleviating several chronic and acute conditions, including ulcers, infections, diabetes, diarrhea, colitis, and blood pressure (1). The therapeutic benefits of ripe bananas, green bananas, and non-fruit parts of the banana plants continue to be studied readily for their potential therapeutic benefits.
Anti-diarrhea
Green bananas are very nutritious and are a good source of fiber, resistant starch, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium (1). Banana flour is a common ingredient in gluten-free flour substitutes. Cooked green bananas have been shown in studies to control diarrhea activity
Anti-Inflammatory
In rat studies, rats with colitis were treated with green banana flour, and they showed improvement in the colonic oxidative status and anti-inflammatory activity(1).
Wound Healing
Methanolic extracts found in green bananas also promote better-wound healing, reduction in granulation tissues, and potent anti-ulcer activity in rat studies (1).
Lower Cholesterol
Flavonoids present in green bananas have been shown in studies to have hypolipidemic activities in rats by significantly reducing cholesterol, phospholipids, free fatty acids, and triglycerides (1).
Reduces Blood Pressure
Consumption of green banana flour has been shown to lower systolic blood pressure in humans in studies (1).
Anti-Viral Properties
There is some evidence that lectins found in green bananas could provide the potential to aid in the treatment of HIV, Ebola, Hepatitis, and other viral infections (1).
Anti-Bacterial Properties
Non-fruit parts of the banana plant have been shown to have therapeutic benefits in research studies. Banana left extracts have been found to have anti-bacteria activities (1).
Conclusion
Although there have been sufficient studies to demonstrate that green bananas appear to deliver various therapeutic benefits, this article is for informational purposes only. This article is not medical advice or a medical regimen. If you have medical concerns, follow up with a medical professional.
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