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Did you know that the banana flower is full of benefits too?

The banana tree is the ideal to look up to when it comes to a no wastage policy! Almost all parts of the banana tree can be used. The most obvious is the fruit—bananas that we eat almost daily. But, other parts of the tree also offer many health benefits!

This is a banana flower:

Both the South Asians and Southeast Asians use banana flowers as a vegetable. They use it either raw or steamed with dips. They also use those in soups, curries and fried foods. The flavor resembles that of artichoke. Like artichokes, both the fleshy part of the bracts and the heart are edible.

Artichoke:

Banana flower:

Benefits Of Banana Flowers: Banana flowers are called banana hearts for a reason! These flowers are pretty, but you should not dismiss them as merely decorative elements. They have a host of health benefits too! 1. Wards Off Infections: Banana flowers treat infections, thanks to their ethanol based extracts. Banana flower inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacterias. Some of them are bacillus subtalis, bacillus cereus, and escherichia coli. Banana flower also helps heal the wounds. According to a study, banana flower extracts can also inhibit the growth of the malarial parasite plasmodium falciparum in vitro. These claims are yet to be proven.

2. Reduces Free Radical Activity: The presence of free radicals in the body can cause serious problems. Fortunately, the extracts of methanol present in banana flower possess antioxidant properties. These flowers perfectly handle free radicals that cause damages to the body. It treats many health issues, such as premature aging and cancer. To make the full use of the antioxidant property of these flowers, include in health supplements.

3. Reduces Menstrual Bleeding: Menstruation brings pain in many women. Some suffer from severe PMS symptoms, while others bleed excessively. A cup of cooked banana flowers can help deal with these problems. Cooked banana flowers along with curd or yogurt increases the progesterone hormone in the body and reduces bleeding.

4. Manages Diabetes And Anemia: Calculated intake of banana flowers reduces blood sugar levels. It also increases the total hemoglobin levels in the body. However, as with antimicrobial activity, the hypoglycemic effects of banana flowers haven’t proven clinically.

5. Rich Source Of Vitamins And Minerals: Banana flowers contain various vitamins like Vitamin A, C, and E. They also contain potassium and fibers. This makes them an excellent health food and a source of healthy nutrients.

6. Boosts Mood And Reduces Anxiety: Don’t reach for an anti-depressant, if you are feeling down and out! Try banana flowers instead! Since they contain magnesium, banana flowers reduce anxiety and boosts the mood. They are natural anti depressants without any side effects.

7. Helps Nursing Mothers: New mothers face many problems when it comes to breast feeding. One of the major problems that they face is dwindling milk supply. Banana flowers boost the supply of milk that helps the new mothers feed their young better.

Bananas are good and banana flowers are good too! Banana is the new apple...