Importance of Banana

Wide range of use

Bananas are a popular fruit and are grown in many countries around the world. As a result, it is safe to assume that many countries also consume bananas. In fact, bananas are one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world.

To give you an idea of the scope of banana consumption, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in 2020, over 117 million metric tons of bananas were produced worldwide. This production was spread across dozens of countries, with the top producers being India, China, the Philippines, Ecuador, and Brazil.

Furthermore, bananas are a staple food in many tropical countries, including many countries in Africa, Asia, and South America. Therefore, it is safe to say that many countries eat bananas. However, it is difficult to give an exact number as there are over 190 countries in the world, and it is possible that bananas are not widely consumed in some of them.

Nutritional benefits

The nutrition facts for 1 medium-sized banana (100 grams) are

Calories: 89
Water: 75%
Protein: 1.1 grams
Carbs: 22.8 grams
Sugar: 12.2 grams
Fiber: 2.6 grams
Fat: 0.3 grams

Carbs

Bananas are a rich source of carbs, which occur mainly as starch in unripe bananas and sugars in ripe bananas.

The carb composition of bananas changes drastically during ripening.

The main component of unripe bananas is starch. Green bananas contain up to 80% starch measured in dry weight.

During ripening, the starch is converted into sugars and ends up being less than 1% when the banana is fully ripe.

The most common types of sugar in ripe bananas are sucrose, fructose, and glucose. In ripe bananas, the total sugar content can reach more than 16% of the fresh weight.

Bananas have a relatively low glycemic index (GI) of 42–58, depending on their ripeness. The GI is a measure of how quickly carbs in food enter your bloodstream and raise blood sugar.

Bananas’ high content of resistant starch and fiber explains their low GI.

Fibers

A high proportion of the starch in unripe bananas is resistant starch, which passes through your gut undigested.

In your large intestine, this starch is fermented by bacteria to form butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that appears to have beneficial effects on gut health.

Bananas are also a good source of other types of fiber, such as pectin. Some of the pectin in bananas is water-soluble.

When bananas ripen, the proportion of water-soluble pectin increases, which is one of the main reasons why bananas turn soft as they age.

Both pectin and resistant starch moderate the rise in blood sugar after a meal.

Vitamin and minerals

Potassium. Bananas are a good source of potassium. A diet high in potassium can lower blood pressure in people with elevated levels and benefits heart health.

Vitamin B6. Bananas are high in vitamin B6. One medium-sized banana can provide up to 33% of the Daily Value (DV) of this vitamin.

Vitamin C. Like most fruit, bananas are a good source of vitamin C.

cultural significance in india

Religious offerings: In Hinduism, bananas are considered a sacred fruit and are often offered to deities as part of religious rituals and ceremonies. They are also used in pujas and other Hindu ceremonies.
Festivals: Bananas are often associated with festivals and special occasions in India. For example, during the festival of Onam in Kerala, a popular dish called "pazham" made from ripe bananas is served as part of the feast.
Ayurvedic medicine: Bananas have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for their healing properties. According to Ayurvedic principles, bananas are considered a cooling fruit and are recommended for conditions such as acidity and ulcers.
Traditional cuisine: Bananas are a popular ingredient in many traditional Indian dishes, from banana chips to banana curry. They are also used in sweets such as halwa and payasam.
Folklore: Bananas feature prominently in Indian folklore and mythology. For example, the monkey god Hanuman is often depicted holding a mace made of a banana tree.

Overall, bananas have a rich cultural significance in India, and their importance extends beyond just their nutritional value. They are deeply ingrained in many aspects of Indian life, from religion and festivals to traditional cuisine and folklore.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse