5 health benefits of eating banana flowers

Love eating bananas? Now try banana flowers!

  

Banana is an excellent weaning food and is an instant source of energy . Apart from the fruit, the banana leaves are also widely used. Eating on banana leaves is a South Indian tradition, and banana stem can be used to lose weight.  But do you know the banana flower has as many benefits as the fruit, leaves and stem?
Banana flowers are widely used in Maharashtrian cuisine. The banana flower is made into a sabzi or a stir fry that can be eaten with chapattis or dal rice and tastes like heaven. Although a little tedious to make as it involves a lot of peeling, the banana flower should be part of the diet because of its various health benefits.

1. Rich in dietary fibre—Banana flowers are an excellent source of fibre and as the fruit can prevent constipation. Because of their fibre content, they improve digestion and also promote bowel movements.
2. Rich in antioxidants—Banana flowers contain polyphenols which have antioxidant properties. These polyphenols can scavenge free radicals and prevent stress-related damage to the body
3. Can treat diabetes—The banana flower has a low glycemic index and with its high fibre and antioxidant content help in improving blood glucose levels and can be effective in managing diabetes.
4.  Can be used to treat diarrhoea and dysentry—A study published in the Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research says that banana flowers can also be used to treat diarrhea and dysentery.
5. Can relieve symptoms of menorrhagia—Banana flowers can also be used to treat abnormal and heavy bleeding during menstruation.