Unexpected Health Benefits of Banana Blossom

If you have ever walked past a banana tree then you know what banana blossom is. It’s the banana heart, the large magenta-colored teardrop-shaped flower. Yes, that’s the banana blossom. Each flower has a cluster of florets from which the bananas grow. It’s edible, it’s tasty and it’s trending as the hot plant-based protein. So, in this blog, I will be sharing some of the amazing health benefits of banana blossom. 

Banana blossom is a common ingredient in South Asian cuisine. And now it’s trending especially in the vegan diet because it’s the ultimate plant-based fish substitute. They are super nutritious and offer oodles of benefits to your body.  

Why Banana Blossom Is Trending as the Best Fish Alternative?

Banana blossoms are super nutritious. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals. It’s especially rich in vitamins A, C, and E and loaded with minerals like magnesium and potassium.

Further, the rich banana heart is rich in fiber. This makes it an excellent aid for digestion and absorption of food. Banana blossoms also contain a significant amount of antioxidants and polyphenols. 

Health Benefits of Banana Blossom

Banana flowers are a treasure trove of nutrients. But that’s not the only benefit of these flowers. They also possess excellent medicinal and therapeutic properties. Health experts are now raving about this ancient Indian superfood. 

Check out these benefits– 

1. Keep your infections at bay

Banana flowers are very effective in naturally treating infections. The extract in banana flowers has ethanol that prevents the growth of pathogenic bacterial growth. It is also an effective wound healer. Ethanol can help kill off bacteria, and reduce the risk of contracting parasite-borne illnesses like malaria.

2. Banana Blossoms can keep you younger 

Banana flowers are super-rich in Vitamin C and it’s a potent source of antioxidants. This helps combat stress, prevents degenerative actions, and slows down the process of aging. Health experts are now suggesting banana flowers as a health supplement for their antioxidant properties.

Also Read: How women over 35 can look younger?

3. Banana flowers to manage your menstrual cycle

Banana blossoms can help in relieving abdominal cramps and reduce menstrual bleeding. When you consume it with curd, these flowers can increase the progesterone secretions and reduce excessive bleeding. It also helps soothe the stomach. 

Also Read: 7 Easy Ayurvedic home remedies for Menstrual cramps

4. Banana blossoms to manage your Diabetes

Studies say that consuming banana flowers can promote glucose uptake. Doctors recommend diabetic patients consume banana flowers to reduce the level of blood sugar. 

Also Read: Methi in Diabetes

5. They can boost your mood and reduce anxiety

Banana blossoms contain magnesium which is proven effective against anxiety and depression. It is a great mood booster and acts as a natural anti-depressant without any side effects. 

Also Read: 8 incredible tips to manage anxiety

6. Aids in fighting cancer and heart disease

The banana flower is a rich source of tannins,  flavonoids, and other antioxidants. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, prevent oxidative damage, and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Thus, consuming this flower can prevent these conditions.

Also Read: How to overcome the fear of cancer? or Simple diet plan for heart diseases

7. Banana blossoms can boost Lactation

As natural as it sounds, breastfeeding may not be that natural. Many women experience inadequate production of breast milk thus leaving the infant hungry and cranky. 

Consuming banana flowers is an age-old formula to enhance breast milk production in new moms. It is a galactagogue that increases milk secretion. Banana flowers further help support the uterus, cure excessive bleeding, maintain a healthy uterus, and cure constipation. 

8. They can promote Kidney Function

Studies say that adding young banana flowers to the diet works as a natural remedy for dissolving painful kidney stones. It stimulates the healthy functioning of the kidneys. Banana blossoms also help avert the risk of inflammation and urinary problems.

9. Banana blossom can balance your iron levels

Banana flowers are a rich source of iron. This makes it an excellent food for fighting iron deficiency diseases like anemia. Banana flowers can help improve the symptoms like fatigue, tiredness, irregular heartbeat, pale skin, and cold feet and hands. 

Regular intake of banana flowers in the meal increases the levels of red blood cells. This improves the level of hemoglobin in the body.

10. It deals with your Digestive Issues

Banana flower is a natural alkaline food. It helps in neutralizing the stomach acid secretions and offers respite from indigestion, ulcers, and pain. Apart from this, it’s high in dietary fiber and other vital nutrients. Banana flowers work as a natural laxative to regularise bowel functions and treat constipation. 

Banana flowers are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. This allows the food to pass easily through the digestive tract. Thus, eliminating the toxins and cleaning the system. 

Other benefits of banana flower – 

• Banana flowers can help treat bronchitis, constipation, menstrual cramps and ulcer problems.
• It regulates the blood pressure.
• The banana flower is very effective in treating excessive bleeding during menstruation.
• It lowers the blood cholesterol.

Also Read: Amazing Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

How to select the right banana flower?

Always choose firm and fresh flowers. It should be free from cuts and blemishes, smooth appearance, and be bright. The overlapping of the outer leaves should be tight. 

How to store the banana flower?

Wrap a fresh banana flower in transparent plastic or cover it in zip-lock bags. Store it in a refrigerator and use it 

What does banana blossom taste like?

Banana blossom has a fleshy and flaky texture. But its taste is quite neutral with a slightly nutty and fruity flavor. So, you can add it to your soups, stews, salads, and dips. 

If you eat it raw it will leave bitterness on your tongue. So, soak it in acidic or salted water to remove the bitterness. This is a common Southern Indian cuisine such as fritters, stir-fries, or fried dishes. 

Take Away

In conclusion, the banana blossom is an excellent food item that’s making a comeback in our lives. It’s trending as a superfood for all the right reasons. Be it hemoglobin deficiency or indigestion, constipation, or menstrual cramps, the banana flower is the answer!  

Apart from this, this healthy food can also promote weight loss and improve metabolism. So, that’s the cherry on the cake. Add this amazing food to your diet and enjoy the goodness!