BANANA BENEFITS
In a small-scale informal survey, 4 girls and 3 boys aged 5-7 were
asked if they liked to eat banana. 75% of the girls liked to eat
banana but only 33% of the boys liked to eat banana. And, most of
them didnÂ’t know the benefits of banana.
Banana has a lot of health benefits. It is a rich source of potassium,
dietary fiber, manganese, Vitamins B6 and C. A few suppliers claim that
bananas are also a rich source of fructooligosaccharide.
Fructololigosaccharide is prebiotic because it nourishes probiotic
(beneficial) bacteria in the colon. These beneficial bacteria produce
vitamins and digestive enzymes. These digestive enzymes improve our
ability to absorb nutrients including calcium and the compounds that
may protect us against pathogens. In addition, banana may lessen the
gastrointestinal transit time, which may decrease the risk of colon
cancer. [1] On the other hand, a recent issue of FDA consumer
magazine recommends bananas as a potassium-rich food because
potassium counteracts some of sodium's effect on blood pressure. [2]
Banana is also found to be a rich source of provitamin A carotenoids.
Researchers studied the carotenoid content of frozen samples of the
edible flesh of 12 banana varieties. They found huge variations of the
carotenoid content and (retinol activity equivalents) among the
varieties: total carotene levels ranged from 150 to 2176microg and
(retinol activity equivalents)/100g from 8 to 130. [7]
BananaÂ’s antioxidant and anticancer activities.
In a study using TOSC assay, researchers found the antioxidant activity
of banana. In another study, banana showed an inhibitory effect on
human liver-cancer cells
\Researchers from Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, collected dietary
information from 61,000 women age 40-76 years by a food-frequency
questionnaire. They found that those who consumed more than 75
servings per month of fruits had multivariate relative risk of 0.59
compared to those consuming 11 or less servings per month. And, the
strongest inverse association was observed for banana. [3]
In Thailand, researchers interviewed 279 patients suffered from
colorectal cancer compared to 279 hospital controls with other cancers
except gastrointestinal cancer with regard to bowel pattern information,
family history, past history of illness and dietary information. They
concluded that a protective effect provided by banana and papaya on
colorectal cancer. Bacon and butter increased the risk for colorectal
cancer. Nitrite-treated meat increases colorectal cancer risk while
dietary fiber decreases colorectal cancer risk. [5]
Banana helps diarrhea in critically ill tube-fed patients
In a study, 31 patients with diarrhea and receiving enteral feedings
were randomized to receive either banana flakes or medical treatment
for diarrhea. The researchers found that the banana flake group had
less diarrhea clinically, with 57% of the subjects diarrhea free on their
last study day as opposed to 24% of the medically treated subjects. [4]
Banana pulp helps cholesterol, research finds
In a study of male rats on a diet containing lard (50 g/kg) and
cholesterol (5 g/kg), freeze-dried banana pulp (Musa sapientum L. var.
Cavendishii) showed a marked cholesterol-lowering effect when
incorporated into a diet at the level of 300 or 500 g/kg, while the hot-air
dried banana pulp did not show the effect. [8]
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008 DO NOT COPY TO OTHER WEBSITE NOR BLOG NOR
ANY OTHER TYPES OF PUBLICATIONS
REFERENCES
[1] Bananas, The worldÂ’s healthiest foods, Online publication. Sept 20, 2005.
[2] FDA Consumer magazine, Online Publication, Issue May-June 2005 Issue,
Sept 20, 2005 [3] Rashidkhani B et al, Fruits, vegetables and risk of renal cell
carcinoma: a prospective study of Swedish women. Int J Cancer. 2005 Jan 20;113
(3):451-5.. [4] Emery EA et al, Banana flakes control diarrhea in enterally fed
patients. Nutr Clin Pract. 1997 Apr;12(2):72-5. [5] Lohsoonthorn P and Danvivat
D Colorectal cancer risk factors: a case-control study in Bangkok. Asia Pac J Public
Health. 1995;8(2):118-22. [6] Sun J et al, Antioxidant and antiproliferative
activities of common fruits. J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Dec 4;50(25):7449-54. [7]
Blades BL et al, Bananas and plantains as a source of provitamin A. Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2003 Nov;12(Suppl):S36. [8] Horigome T et al, Hypocholesterolaemic
effect of banana (Musa sapientum L. var. Cavendishii) pulp in the rat fed on a
cholesterol-containing diet. Br J Nutr. 1992 Jul;68(1):231-44.
asked if they liked to eat banana. 75% of the girls liked to eat
banana but only 33% of the boys liked to eat banana. And, most of
them didnÂ’t know the benefits of banana.
Banana has a lot of health benefits. It is a rich source of potassium,
dietary fiber, manganese, Vitamins B6 and C. A few suppliers claim that
bananas are also a rich source of fructooligosaccharide.
Fructololigosaccharide is prebiotic because it nourishes probiotic
(beneficial) bacteria in the colon. These beneficial bacteria produce
vitamins and digestive enzymes. These digestive enzymes improve our
ability to absorb nutrients including calcium and the compounds that
may protect us against pathogens. In addition, banana may lessen the
gastrointestinal transit time, which may decrease the risk of colon
cancer. [1] On the other hand, a recent issue of FDA consumer
magazine recommends bananas as a potassium-rich food because
potassium counteracts some of sodium's effect on blood pressure. [2]
Banana is also found to be a rich source of provitamin A carotenoids.
Researchers studied the carotenoid content of frozen samples of the
edible flesh of 12 banana varieties. They found huge variations of the
carotenoid content and (retinol activity equivalents) among the
varieties: total carotene levels ranged from 150 to 2176microg and
(retinol activity equivalents)/100g from 8 to 130. [7]
BananaÂ’s antioxidant and anticancer activities.
In a study using TOSC assay, researchers found the antioxidant activity
of banana. In another study, banana showed an inhibitory effect on
human liver-cancer cells
\Researchers from Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, collected dietary
information from 61,000 women age 40-76 years by a food-frequency
questionnaire. They found that those who consumed more than 75
servings per month of fruits had multivariate relative risk of 0.59
compared to those consuming 11 or less servings per month. And, the
strongest inverse association was observed for banana. [3]
In Thailand, researchers interviewed 279 patients suffered from
colorectal cancer compared to 279 hospital controls with other cancers
except gastrointestinal cancer with regard to bowel pattern information,
family history, past history of illness and dietary information. They
concluded that a protective effect provided by banana and papaya on
colorectal cancer. Bacon and butter increased the risk for colorectal
cancer. Nitrite-treated meat increases colorectal cancer risk while
dietary fiber decreases colorectal cancer risk. [5]
Banana helps diarrhea in critically ill tube-fed patients
In a study, 31 patients with diarrhea and receiving enteral feedings
were randomized to receive either banana flakes or medical treatment
for diarrhea. The researchers found that the banana flake group had
less diarrhea clinically, with 57% of the subjects diarrhea free on their
last study day as opposed to 24% of the medically treated subjects. [4]
Banana pulp helps cholesterol, research finds
In a study of male rats on a diet containing lard (50 g/kg) and
cholesterol (5 g/kg), freeze-dried banana pulp (Musa sapientum L. var.
Cavendishii) showed a marked cholesterol-lowering effect when
incorporated into a diet at the level of 300 or 500 g/kg, while the hot-air
dried banana pulp did not show the effect. [8]
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008 DO NOT COPY TO OTHER WEBSITE NOR BLOG NOR
ANY OTHER TYPES OF PUBLICATIONS
REFERENCES
[1] Bananas, The worldÂ’s healthiest foods, Online publication. Sept 20, 2005.
[2] FDA Consumer magazine, Online Publication, Issue May-June 2005 Issue,
Sept 20, 2005 [3] Rashidkhani B et al, Fruits, vegetables and risk of renal cell
carcinoma: a prospective study of Swedish women. Int J Cancer. 2005 Jan 20;113
(3):451-5.. [4] Emery EA et al, Banana flakes control diarrhea in enterally fed
patients. Nutr Clin Pract. 1997 Apr;12(2):72-5. [5] Lohsoonthorn P and Danvivat
D Colorectal cancer risk factors: a case-control study in Bangkok. Asia Pac J Public
Health. 1995;8(2):118-22. [6] Sun J et al, Antioxidant and antiproliferative
activities of common fruits. J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Dec 4;50(25):7449-54. [7]
Blades BL et al, Bananas and plantains as a source of provitamin A. Asia Pac J
Clin Nutr. 2003 Nov;12(Suppl):S36. [8] Horigome T et al, Hypocholesterolaemic
effect of banana (Musa sapientum L. var. Cavendishii) pulp in the rat fed on a
cholesterol-containing diet. Br J Nutr. 1992 Jul;68(1):231-44.
MAJOR NUTRIENT
DIET.
SUPPLEMENT
PhytoChemicals
Antioxidants
A-Z Health Foods,
Products
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Almond
Aloe vera
Allspice
Andrographis
Aniseed
Apple
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Asian Pears
Asparagus
Astaxanthin,
Astragulus
Artichoke
Avena sativa
Avocados
Barley
Banana
Basil
Beet
Bell Pepper
black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blackberry
Black Currant
Bloodroot
Blueberry
Bilberry
Bitter Melon
Borage Seed Oil
Boswellia
Black Soya Bean
Broccoli
Bromelain
Brown Seaweed
Brussels Sprout
Butein
Butterbur
Burdock
Cabbage
Cactus
Caffeine
Calcium
Calendula
Canola oil
Capsaicin
Cauliflower
Cat's Claw
Cayenne
Celadrin
Celery
Chamomile
Chaparral
Cherry
Chokeberry
Chondroitin
Chitosan
Chlorella
Chlorophyll
Chromium
Cinnamon
CLA
Cocoa
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Coffee
Comfrey
Conj. Linoleic Acid
Colostrum
Colloidal Silver
Cordyceps
Corn
Cranberry
Creatine
Curcumin
Damiana
Dandelion
Danggui_Buxue
Danshen
Devil's Claw
DHEA
Dill
Dong Quai
EGCG
Eggplant
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eucalyptus G.
Eve. Primrose Oil
Falcarinol
Fennel
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Folate
Fig
Fish Oil
Flaxseed Meal
Flaxseed /Linseed
Garcinia C.
Garlic
Galangal
Ghrelin
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginseng/Ginkgo
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
GRAPE SEED
EXTRACT
Green Coffee Bean
Green Tea
Growth Hormone
Stimulants
Goldenseal
Guar Gum
Guggul
Gymnema
Hawthorn
Hoodia
Hop
Horse Chestnut
Horsetail
Huperzine A
Hyaluronic acid
Isothiocyanates
Kava Kava
Kelp
Kiwi
L-arginine
Lavender
Lecithin
Lemon balm
Lettuce
Licorice
Lime
Lingonberry
Lutein
Lycopene
Maca
Maitake
Mango
Mangosteen
Marshmallow
Melatonin
Milk Thistle
Mistletoe
MSG
N-Acetylcysteine
Nattokinase
Nectarines
Octacosanol
Olive Oil
Omegic Fatty
Acids
Onion
Orange
Oregon Grape
Pantethine
Papaya
Passion Flower
Passion Fruits
Peas
PEANUT
Peach
Peony
Pepper
Peppermint
Persimmons
Phellinus linteus
Phosphatidyl
serine
Phyllanthus
Potassium
Potato
Plum
Pomegranate
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Propolis
Pumpkin
Pycnogenol
Pyruvate
Quercetin
Quince
Radish
Red Clover
Red Wine
Red Yeast Rice
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Rhubarb
Rice Bran Oil
Rosemary
Royal Jelly
Rutin
S-adenosyl-L-
methionine
Saffron
Saw Palmetto
Schisandra
Selenium
Spinach
Spirulina
Squash
Stinging Nettle
St John Wort
Strawberry
Sweet Potatoes
Taxifolin
Tea Tree Oil
Tomatillo
Turmeric [Curry]
Turnip
Tyrosine
Shark Cartilage
Soy
Stevia
Valerian
Vitamin D
Vitex
Walnuts
Watermelon
Watermelon 2
Whey
Wheat Grass
Wild Yam
Witch Hazel
Wormwood
Xylitol
Yarrow
Yohimbe
Yucca
5-Hydroxytrpto
phan
Food Industry
Organic Label
HOME
Herb Side Effect
Blood Pressure
Lowering Herbs
Cholesterol
Lowering Herbs
Supplements for
Cadiovascular
Diseases
Coenzyme Q and
Creatine for
Parkinson's
disease?
DIET.
SUPPLEMENT
PhytoChemicals
Antioxidants
A-Z Health Foods,
Products
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Almond
Aloe vera
Allspice
Andrographis
Aniseed
Apple
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Asian Pears
Asparagus
Astaxanthin,
Astragulus
Artichoke
Avena sativa
Avocados
Barley
Banana
Basil
Beet
Bell Pepper
black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blackberry
Black Currant
Bloodroot
Blueberry
Bilberry
Bitter Melon
Borage Seed Oil
Boswellia
Black Soya Bean
Broccoli
Bromelain
Brown Seaweed
Brussels Sprout
Butein
Butterbur
Burdock
Cabbage
Cactus
Caffeine
Calcium
Calendula
Canola oil
Capsaicin
Cauliflower
Cat's Claw
Cayenne
Celadrin
Celery
Chamomile
Chaparral
Cherry
Chokeberry
Chondroitin
Chitosan
Chlorella
Chlorophyll
Chromium
Cinnamon
CLA
Cocoa
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Coffee
Comfrey
Conj. Linoleic Acid
Colostrum
Colloidal Silver
Cordyceps
Corn
Cranberry
Creatine
Curcumin
Damiana
Dandelion
Danggui_Buxue
Danshen
Devil's Claw
DHEA
Dill
Dong Quai
EGCG
Eggplant
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eucalyptus G.
Eve. Primrose Oil
Falcarinol
Fennel
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Folate
Fig
Fish Oil
Flaxseed Meal
Flaxseed /Linseed
Garcinia C.
Garlic
Galangal
Ghrelin
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginseng/Ginkgo
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
GRAPE SEED
EXTRACT
Green Coffee Bean
Green Tea
Growth Hormone
Stimulants
Goldenseal
Guar Gum
Guggul
Gymnema
Hawthorn
Hoodia
Hop
Horse Chestnut
Horsetail
Huperzine A
Hyaluronic acid
Isothiocyanates
Kava Kava
Kelp
Kiwi
L-arginine
Lavender
Lecithin
Lemon balm
Lettuce
Licorice
Lime
Lingonberry
Lutein
Lycopene
Maca
Maitake
Mango
Mangosteen
Marshmallow
Melatonin
Milk Thistle
Mistletoe
MSG
N-Acetylcysteine
Nattokinase
Nectarines
Octacosanol
Olive Oil
Omegic Fatty
Acids
Onion
Orange
Oregon Grape
Pantethine
Papaya
Passion Flower
Passion Fruits
Peas
PEANUT
Peach
Peony
Pepper
Peppermint
Persimmons
Phellinus linteus
Phosphatidyl
serine
Phyllanthus
Potassium
Potato
Plum
Pomegranate
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Propolis
Pumpkin
Pycnogenol
Pyruvate
Quercetin
Quince
Radish
Red Clover
Red Wine
Red Yeast Rice
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Rhubarb
Rice Bran Oil
Rosemary
Royal Jelly
Rutin
S-adenosyl-L-
methionine
Saffron
Saw Palmetto
Schisandra
Selenium
Spinach
Spirulina
Squash
Stinging Nettle
St John Wort
Strawberry
Sweet Potatoes
Taxifolin
Tea Tree Oil
Tomatillo
Turmeric [Curry]
Turnip
Tyrosine
Shark Cartilage
Soy
Stevia
Valerian
Vitamin D
Vitex
Walnuts
Watermelon
Watermelon 2
Whey
Wheat Grass
Wild Yam
Witch Hazel
Wormwood
Xylitol
Yarrow
Yohimbe
Yucca
5-Hydroxytrpto
phan
Food Industry
Organic Label
HOME
Herb Side Effect
Blood Pressure
Lowering Herbs
Cholesterol
Lowering Herbs
Supplements for
Cadiovascular
Diseases
Coenzyme Q and
Creatine for
Parkinson's
disease?
 |  |  |  |