|
 Banana
has been traditionally and scientifically discovered
as healing remedy for various kind of diseases.
Birds and animals including monkeys found this
natural food as a special meal. Banana is generally
regarded as food and medicine. Banana can be used as
natural remedy for many diseases including asthma,
hypertension, ulcer, cancer, diarrhoea,
constipation, cataract etc. especially if it is used
with other herbs.
Banana
is grown without the aid of fertilizers that
interfere with the nutrients in fruits. There is no
special skill required in the cultivation of banana
farm and it can withstand hard condition. Though
it does very well during the raining period and in
the rain forest region in Africa and other
continents, it can also develop and produce
abundantly during the dry season.
Some
people both in the rural and urban areas cultivate
banana farm near their homes. Those with large
compound cultivate banana farm around their home as
flowers, food and shade.Because
banana has its natural way of retaining water which
it stores as food against dry season, the leaves
does not easily get dried or withered.
During
the hot weather period when some homes are faced
with power failure and heat, Banana shades then
serve as refuge. You could see occupants in a
compound sitting under banana shade. This is really,
Natural refuge.
Few
people do not like banana tree to stand near their
homes on the believe that it breeds mosquitoes.
Though this is true because of its ability to retain
water, the area can be mosquitoes free if under the
banana tree is cleared and kept neat regularly.
This
natural food generally known as banana is highly
nutriteus. Banana contains vitamins and mineral
including vitamins A, B, C, E, G, potassium,
aluminum, sodium
chloride, natural salt, acetic acid, Dolomite
(calcium and magnesium) phosphorus, selenium etc.
VITAMIN A: is important in the maintenance of the
mucous membrane and promotes bright eye.
VITAMIN B COMPLEX: This vitamin includes all the
'B' complex group such as biotin, riboflavin,
thiamine, pyridoxine, antithetic acid, folic acid,
etc. All the member of vitamin 'B' complex work
interdependently.
VITAMIN B complex is required for growth,
formation of blood, strength, digestion, appetite,
tonic for the muscles and healthy skin. Vitamin 'B'
complex is also required to enable other vitamins
and minerals to function properly.
VITAMIN C: Though this vitamin does not play a
particular role in the body, but it is required to
keep the body tissues together in other to avoid
collagen, which is the same thing as premature
aging. It is also a preventive against diseases
especially in times of stress and tiredness. Vitamin
C is a powerful antioxidant and improves iron
absorption.
VITAMIN E This vitamin enables the reproductive
organs to function properly. It is the heart vitamin
and promotes the circulatory system. It is also food
for the hair, nail and skin. This is known as sex
and heart vitamin.
VITAMIN G The digestion system, blood circulation
and blood formation function properly through the
help of this vitamin.
POTASSIUM: The normal growth of muscles and nerves
are made possible by potassium, food for the brain
and salt of intelligence.
ALUMINIUM: this protects the glands and enables
other minerals to function properly.
SODIUM
CHLORIDE: This protects the body and gives the
required strength in time of hard period.
NATURAL SALT: Any form of salt except natural or
fruit salt is dangerous to health. Salt promotes
diabetes and hypertension. Natural salt aids
digestion, formation and cleaning of blood, muscles
and bones.
CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM: Calcium protects the bones,
teeth nerves and muscles while magnesium promotes
growth and normal respiration. Calcium and magnesium
known as dolomite enable the heart to function
properly.
PHOSPHORUS: Carbohydrates and fats in the body are
broken down for easy digestion. This also helps in
the formation of the bones.
SELENIUM: Selenium prevents cancer. Selenium and
vitamins 'E' combined have proved to neutralize
cancer causing free radical cells.
Banana
as food has rescued many families from hunger
especially in emergency situations. No special
preparation is required before banana finally gets
to the dinning table. Banana also serves as fast
food. You can consume banana in homes, offices and
along the street. Banana car also be eaten in
combination with other food, such as rice, beans,
yam, vegetable etc. banana is placed high among
other fruits. It is cheap and it is easily
affordable by both the rich and poor.
Monkey
and other animals rate banana as their best food.
Banana
contains some medicinal properties for the treatment
of ulcer, constipation, diarrhea and other diseases
of the stomach and intestine.
Cataract can be treated with banana in combination
with orinol. A herbalist in the western part of
Nigeria confirmed to me that he has been using
banana with Ohie to treat cataract over the years
with good satisfaction.
Combinations of banana with other herbs are used as
sure remedy for deadly diseases.
Unripe
dried banana in combination with unripe dried
plantain with the peel should be grated for the
treatment of stomach ulcer for permanent cure. Using
ripe banana alone, though it calms the stomach for a
while, but not for permanent solution.
Study
had shown that banana can lower high blood pressure.
The hypertensive need up to seven mediums seize
banana a day to equal the blood pressure pill. Study
in Indian state reported ten percent decrease in
blood pressure in people who eat two banana daily
for a week.
Indian
scientists reported that what is contained in banana
act in the same way similar to anti-hyperetensive
drug. They also reported that the ripe banana have
more anti-hypertensive properties than the unripe
ones. The report is in the February 1999 Indian
medical journal; known as Current Science.
The
American scientists are also working on how to
produce anti-hypertensive vaccine from banana.
Chariles Arnitzen, president of the Boyce Thompson
Institute for plant research in New York is also
leading a group of scientists on how to develop
vaccine from banana against other bacteria that
kills millions of children every years.
Professor lvan Cameron of the University of Texas,
Health science center, in San Antonio, U.S.A. said
pectin, the fiber found in banana has all it takes
to keep colon cancer away. Professor Cameron calls
pectin a unique power among soluble fibers in
inhibiting colon cancer. Typically, insoluble fiber,
the type found in whole wheat has been shown to
block colon cancer.
Studies by the American Health Association have
found that banana used with other herbs help to
lower blood pressure.
Dr.
Donald Asimali, the medical Director of Dali Medical
Centre, cape town, South Africa uses banana and soya
bean milk as herbal tea in treating serious cases of
hypertension and cataract.
Apart
from the medicinal uses, banana can also be used as
ice-cream punch and fitters.
To
make banana fitter, you need to add little egg and
flour. Professional catering touch is required
before the preparation will be ready for meal.
You
should remove the black lining inside banana when
using it to make ice-cream. Add the white part of an
egg and condensed milk before you blend and freeze
the preparation.
Rosemary Olumefure, is a Benin based ice-cream
maker. She specializes in making banana ice-cream,
with many years experience in the business. Each
year, her business maximum profitability is when
banana is in season. |
