Bananas are widely grown and consumed in Kenya
and all over Africa, by people of all walks of
life. Bananas benefits are several as they are delicious, nutritious and medicinal.
They are among the most important staple foods in Kenya
and entire East Africa. The crop is grown both
for local and export market. When unripe this nutritious medicinal fruit , primarily
contains starch which makes up 21% of the fruit .However, during the ripening
process the starch is converted into sugars such as glucose, sucrose and
fructose and therefore a ripe fruit has 1%
starch only. This food is rich in potassium making it ideal for prevention of
stroke, arterial hypertension, and colon cancer. Nutritional components of
cooking Bananas for every 100g edible portion include:-
| NUTRIENT |
AMOUNT |
NUTRIENT |
AMOUNT |
| Potassium |
396mg |
Vitamin B6 |
0.58mg |
| Phosphorous |
20mg |
Vitamin C |
9mg |
| Magnesium |
29mg |
Vitamin B2 |
0.1mg |
| Calcium |
6mg |
Vitamin B1 |
0.045mg |
| Iron |
0.31mg |
Vitamin B3 |
0.74mg |
| Energy |
92kcal |
Vitamin E |
0.27mg |
| Zinc |
0.16mg |
Vitamin A |
8ug RE |
| Carbohydrates |
21g |
Foliate |
19.1ug |
| Fiber |
2.4g |
|
|
High amounts of Vitamin B6 also known as pyridoxine helps
in metabolism and absorption of fats and proteins, as well as making the red
blood cells. Vitamin B6 deficiency is characterized by lesions on the lips,
lesions on the corners of the mouth, inflammation of the tongue, and peripheral
neuropathy. Generous amounts of Vitamin C which is an antioxidant are present
helping the body in calcium metabolism, bone formation and blood vessel walls
formation. Vitamin B1 which is in significant amounts is crucial for energy
metabolism, supporting appetite and proper functioning of central nervous
system.
Likewise Vitamin B2 helps in energy metabolism, supports normal vision
and skin health. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, protecting white and red blood
cells membranes. Vitamin E is useful particularly in DNA synthesis and stimulation
of the body's immune system. Bananas are very useful for management of
diarrhea, stomach ulcers, digestive disorders, protein allergies, colitis and coronary
heart disease. Bananas alkalize the blood and eliminate excess uric acid
preventing arthritis and gout. Due to its content of soluble and insoluble
fiber it’s a cholesterol and lipid lowering food. The sugars contained in
bananas are absorbed by the body gradually, therefore preventing sharp rise in
blood sugar level making it good for diabetes management. Bananas are also invaluable
for strengthening the stomach lining.
