One of the tasty things to eat in Yangon, as a part of Myanmar diet, is the banana heart. Usually these are eaten with rice, as a vegetable side dish, and the nutritional value is amazingly high. Walking around Yangon markets, we were fascinated with this pseudostem.
100g of banana flower has the following nutrition –
51 kcal
1.6g of Protein
0.6g of Fat
9.9g Carb
5.7fgof Fiber
56mg of Calcium
73.3mg of Phosphorous
56.4mg of Iron
13mg of Copper
553.3 mg of Potassium
48.7mg of Magnesium
1.07mg of Vitamin E
The fruit has a protective outer layer (a peel or skin) with numerous long, thin strings (the phloem bundles), which run lengthwise between the skin and the edible inner portion. The inner part can be split lengthwise into three sections that correspond to the inner portions of the three carpels by manually deforming the unopened fruit.
5 uses for Banana Hearts include :
1. Helps fight Infection
Along with dietary fibers, proteins and unsaturated fatty acids, banana flowers are also rich in vitamin E and flavonoids. They are part of many cuisines in the world. They also possess medicinal value – Ethanol-based extracts of banana flowers inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Bacillus subtalis, Bacillus cereus, and Escherichia coli. They may also inhibit the growth of the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum in vitro.
2. Help in Diabetes
Chloroform extracts of banana flowers may significantly reduce the blood sugar levels and increase the total hemoglobin. Calculated intake of banana flowers reduces blood sugar levels. However, as with antimicrobial activity, the hypoglycemic effects of banana flowers haven’t proven clinically.
3. Reduces Free Radical damage
Banana flowers contain various vitamins like Vitamin A, C, and E. They also contain potassium and fibers. This makes them excellent antioxidants, and a source of healthy nutrients.
4. Helps in Lactation
New mothers face many problems when it comes to breast-feeding. One of the major problems that they face is dwindling milk supply. Banana flowers boost the supply of milk that helps the new mothers feed their young better.
5. Helps reduce Menorrhagia
Raw banana flower with one cup of curd or yogurt is one of the most efficient way of treating excessive bleeding during menstruation – the cooked banana flower and curd combination increases the level of progesterone in the body and thereby reduces bleeding associated with menorrhagia.
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