Banana-Very rich in potassium

The first harvest of GM bananas planted in Australia has been picked.The bananas are part of a project by Queensland University of Technology to better the nutritional content of bananas as a way of contending malnutrition in Africa,especially in Uganda,where bananas are a staple food and is very low in nutrients.

Bananas are one of the most nutritious and medicinal fruits that exists.

Carbohydrates:Are salient in the banana’s composition-21%.Unripe bananas are made up primarily of starch.As they ripen,starch converts to sugars such as glucose,saccharose, and fructose.About 1% of starch remains in a ripe banana,which presents no challenge if it is well chewed.

Nonetheless unripe or green bananas contain substantial amounts of starch that is difficult to digest and can cause flatulence and indigestion.

They stand out for their vitamin B₆ content.They also contain vitamin C,B₁,B₂ and E as well as folates.

Bananas contain a small amount of proteins(1%) and very little fat(0.5%)

Bananas are also rather rich in potassium,magnesium and iron

Both types of vegetable fibre,soluble and insoluble,are present in significant amounts in bananas.

The banana medicinal application is as follows:

Coronary disease:

• Their richness in potassium and absence of sodium prevents arterial hypertension, stroke and even cancer.
• Abundant vegetable fiber that lowers cholesterol level.

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

Intestinal disorders: Are effective in relieving diarrhea in children as well as adults.

Diabetes: In contrast to refined sugars, sugars found in bananas are absorbed more slowly and do not produce a sharp rise in blood glucose(sugar) level.

Low sodium diet: Are ideal fruit whenever a low sodium diet is called for, since they provide calories, vitamins and other minerals.