African Banana

African Banana is the most nutritious and medicinal fruits that exists. However, to many people its consumption lacks variety as they eat it fresh with no extra preparation.

There are many ways that this monotonous presentation of banana could be avoided.Click here to learn more on African Banana Recipes! and avoid repetitive meal



Unripe bananas are made up primarily of starch (21%). As they ripen this starch converts to sugar such as saccharose, glucose and fructose leaving about 1% starch in a ripe banana. The banana is very rich in potassium and therefore ideal in the prevention of arterial hypertension, stroke and even cancer.

Nutritive Value of Banana

• Bananas are good sources of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6): about 3 medium-sized bananas provide the recommended daily allowance for an adult male.


• It contains significant amounts of vitamin C,B1,B2 and E as well as folates.


• Are rich in minerals namely potassium, magnesium and iron.


• It contains significant amounts of soluble and insoluble vegetable fibre (2.4g per 100g).

Health Benefits

• Bananas are ideal fruit for people suffering from coronary heart diseases.


• Useful in treatment of diarrhea, colitis, ulcers, dyspepsia and protein allergies.


• Also known to strengthen stomach lining.


• The fibre contributes to the banana's hypolipidemic (lipid and cholesterol-lowering) and intestinal-soothing effects.


• Bananas alkalize the blood, which helps neutralize and eliminate the excess uric acid that causes arthritis and gout.


• Ideal in low sodium diets and is recommended in case of cirrhosis and oedema caused by cardiac or renal nephritis, nephrosis, or kidney failure.


• Bananas are not contraindicated for diabetics, although the use of the carbohydrates they contain must be controlled. the sugars found in the bananas are absorbed slowly and do not produce a sharp rise in blood glucose level


• Bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.


• High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.


• High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.


• One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.


• Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief. Also Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.


• Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.Moreover,it is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.


• Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.Also,can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.


• Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time!