Banana
Other names for banana
banana
banana concentrate
banana concentrate powder
banana extract
banana flakes
banana flavor
banana flavor, natural
banana flour
banana, freeze-dried, fresh
banana fruit pieces
banana fruit powder
banana juice powder
banana leaf extract
banana (musa paradisiaca) (fruit) certified organic powder
banana organic fruit powder
banana powder
banana, powder
banana puree
banana puree powder
bananas
banana whole fruit concentrate
certified organic banana
dehydrated banana juice concentrate
dried banana powder
dried whole banana
freeze-dried banana pieces
freeze-dried bananas
green banana
green banana flour
green banana powder
green banana, powder
green lady finger banana
heirloom red banana
musa acuminata, powder
musa paradisiaca
musa paradisiaca l.
musa paradisiaca, powder
natural banana
natural banana extract
natural banana flavor
organic banana
organic banana flakes
organic banana (musa paradisiaca) fruit powder
organic banana powder
organic freeze-dried banana powder
organic green banana flour
organic green banana powder
organic raw banana
sweet banana
whole dried banana
Synopsis of banana
History
Banana (Musa spp.) has a rich history of medicinal use across various cultures, celebrated not only as a nourishing fruit but also as a natural remedy. Ancient Ayurvedic texts from India reference bananas as a soothing food for digestive issues, often recommended for conditions such as ulcers, constipation, and diarrhea due to their high fiber and mucilaginous content. In traditional African and Caribbean medicine, mashed banana has been applied to burns and wounds for its cooling, healing properties, while the sap extracted from banana stems has been used to address digestive complaints and skin irritations.
Banana’s nutritional profile—rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamins B6 and C, and resistant starch—makes it a staple ingredient in modern nutritional products. Historically, the fruit and its parts (peel, stem, leaves) have been combined with other herbs to enhance therapeutic benefits. For example, banana and honey mixtures have been used to soothe sore throats and coughs, while blends with ginger or turmeric amplify digestive and anti-inflammatory effects. In Southeast Asian herbal traditions, banana is often paired with coconut or rice water in tonics aimed at restoring hydration and electrolyte balance, particularly after illness or physical exertion.
Across generations, banana’s gentle, nourishing qualities have made it a preferred choice in remedies for children, elders, and those recovering from illness. Its versatility and compatibility with a wide range of herbs underscore its positive contributions to traditional and contemporary health practices, cementing its reputation as both a food and a medicine of remarkable value.
Traditional and scientific validation
Banana (Musa spp.) is a widely consumed fruit that has been integrated into numerous nutritional products due to its palatability, natural sweetness, and nutrient profile. Historically, bananas have been a staple in traditional diets across tropical regions, valued for their energy-providing carbohydrates, particularly in the form of easily digestible sugars and dietary fiber. Ancient cultures also utilized bananas for their perceived medicinal properties, including digestive regulation and as a gentle food for convalescents.
Scientifically, bananas are recognized as a source of essential nutrients such as potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and various antioxidants. Clinical and observational studies suggest that the high potassium content in bananas may contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Additionally, bananas contain resistant starch and soluble fiber, which have been linked to improved glycemic control and digestive health by promoting beneficial gut microbiota.
Emerging research has examined the potential role of bananas in sports nutrition, with some studies indicating that banana consumption before or during exercise may provide a comparable energy boost to commercial sports drinks, along with added micronutrients and bioactive compounds. However, while these findings are promising, more well-controlled clinical trials are necessary to fully validate the specific health benefits attributed to bananas.
Overall, the inclusion of bananas in nutritional products is supported by their nutrient density, historical use, and preliminary scientific evidence. Their natural composition and versatility make them a valuable ingredient, although further research is warranted to conclusively determine their efficacy in targeted health outcomes.
Banana is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Anemia (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Bedwetting (Traditional)
Body Building (Scientific)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Dyspepsia (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Energy (lack of) (Scientific)
Fatigue (Scientific)
Fever (Traditional)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Gastritis (Scientific)
Heart (weakness) (Traditional)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Nausea and Vomiting (Traditional)
PMS (general) (Traditional)
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for) (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Ulcers (Scientific)
banana is used to support these body systems
Blood (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Scientific)
Muscles (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Urinary System (Scientific)
