Banana flowers (aka banana blossoms) are exactly what their name suggests: the blossoms from a banana tree. They're a completely edible delicacy and can be found fresh at roadside stands and farmers markets, wherever bananas are grown, but are especially prevalent in Asia. They're commonly used in salads, curries, and soups.

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 reduces 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 the mood. They act as natural antidepressants.  

Averts Cancer And heart Disease

Banana flower contains phenolic acids, tannins, flavonoids and various other antioxidants. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals, prevent oxidative damage, and reduces the risk of heart diseases and cancer.  

Improves Lactation

Banana flower, a galactagogues vegetable, increases the 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 which effectively neutralizes the 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.

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.