The plantain It is a fruit with an unmistakable flavor and aroma, as well as presenting a most attractive appearance due to its yellow color. A fruit that comes from Southeast Asia, although already in antiquity it was spreading through India and the Mediterranean. They arrived in the Canary Islands in the 15th century from Guinea and, from there, they were taken by the Spanish to Santo Domingo and Jamaica, spreading their plantations throughout the rest of the Caribbean and Latin America.
One of the most appreciated varieties is the Canarian banana. Its flavor, aroma and high concentration of nutrients make this variety a favorite of consumers of all ages. The Canarian banana also has two varieties derived from the so-called Musa cavenishii, originally from China. Both are small in size, but with a softer and more compact pulp, as well as being richer in potassium. Its intense yellow color and dark specks are its most characteristic features.
Next, we will discover the properties and benefits of banana so that you know everything that this delicious fruit can contribute to your body.
Banana properties
The banana is rich in carbohydrates, especially in simple sugars if it is ripe. These sugars, glucose, sucrose and dextrose, constitute a quick energy source. It is therefore ideal for recovering nutrients after physical exertion.
In addition, the banana has a low protein, low fat, cholesterol free. Among the minerals it contains, potassium stands out, in which it is very rich reaching 382 mg / 100g), and magnesium.
With regard to vitamins, the banana is rich in beta carotene, vitamin C, E and folic acid, with a fiber content of 3%.
Among its benefits that the banana provides are:
Helps regulate high blood pressure
Thanks to the potassium concentration presented, the banana is a good ally if you want to lower high blood pressure. According to specialists, a banana provides around 15% of the daily potassium needs of an adult.
It is a source of energy
The banana contains vitamins the group B, folic acid, carbohydrates and potassium, offering an ideal combination both to produce energy and to recover it. If you consume a banana after exercising, you not only recover energy, it also increases endurance. Group B vitamins are essential in the energy production process, helping to protect the immune and nervous systems as well.
Fight constipation
When they are green, when presenting a high in starch and carbohydrates, improve intestinal transit, although they can also cause aerophagia and some indigestion.
Ripe bananas are recommended in case of diarrhea, as they have soothing properties for the digestive mucosa.
Calms heartburn
As we have already seen, the banana alkalinity helps fight gastric acidity, especially if we take it ripe and before meals. Consuming a ripe banana is a simple and effective remedy to increase the body’s alkaline reserves and reduce acidity levels.
Fight arthritis and gout
Its effect against excess acids is also beneficial in dealing with arthritis, gout and rheumatism.
Avoid liquid retention
By having a low sodium and high potassium content, the banana prevents fluid retention, being advisable in the case of suffering from nephritis or kidney stones.