Banana which is botanically a berry is actually extremely healthy and delicious and it is grown today in over 107 countries and also ranked fourth (4th) among the world's food crops in terms of monetary value.
There are hundreds of edible varieties of bananas which can be categorized into two distinct species: the banana and the plantain banana.

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The most popular type of banana is the large, yellow, smooth-skinned variety of sweet banana. This banana Musa sapienta varies in size and colour and is usually eaten raw. The larger, green bananas are known as plantains. Plantain bananas are prepared in a similar way to vegetables in that they are usually cooked or fried.

BENEFITS OF BANANA:

1. Very Nutritious:
Banana is rich with essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, folate, niacin, riboflavin, and B6.
It also contain fiber, antioxidants, low water content and when green, it is a great source of pectin;

Pectin is a form of soluble fiber, which draws water from your digestive tract and forms a gel, helping to slow digestion.

A regular average banana weighs 118g and contains:

Potassium: 9% of the RDI.
Vitamin B6: 33% of the RDI.
Vitamin C: 11% of the RDI.
Magnesium: 8% of the RDI.
Copper: 10% of the RDI.
Manganese: 14% of the RDI.
Net carbs: 24 grams.
Fiber: 3.1 grams.
Protein: 1.3 grams.
Fat: 0.4 grams.

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2. Support Digestion:
Banana is very rich in fiber which has the tendency to slow down digestion and keep you feeling full for a longer time.
Banana also contain fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), which is a prebiotic; it serve as food to the important “friendly” bacteria that live in the digestive tract. These bacteria helps in the absorbing of nutrients more efficiently.

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3. Improve Heath Condition:
Banana is rich in fiber which does not just support digestion but also good for the heart. The increase in consumption of fiber-rich foods such as bananas can lower risk of both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD).
Banana as already established above is a potassium-rich diet and can help reduce blood pressure;

According to research people who eat plenty of potassium have up to a 27% lower risk of heart disease.

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4. Help Eye Health:
Banana contains some vitamins such as Vitamin A, a 6-inch banana has approximately 10 micrograms of vitamin A.
One of the importance of Vitamin A is that it protecting the eyes and help improve normal vision.
Adequate daily consumption of vitamin A also reduce the risk of night blindness and is its essential for everyday vision.

The term "vitamin A" refers to a series of compounds, including beta-carotene and alpha-carotene. These compounds preserve the membranes that surround your eyes and are a component of one of the proteins that brings light into your cornea. Women require 700 micrograms of daily vitamin A, and men need 900 micrograms, explains the Office of Dietary Supplements. Bananas also contain alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, which convert to vitamin A to further keep your eyes healthy.

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5. Support Weight Loss:
Banana contains low calories and are suitable for beginners, they are also very rich in fiber;
When soluble fiber gets to the digestive tract, it absorbs water and slowdown digestion. Food stays in the stomach for a while, making you feel full.
Also consuming unripe banana are also helpful, it is packed with resistant starch, so they tend to be very filling and may reduce your appetite.

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Other benefits of Banana:

• Helps Fight Anaemia
• Increase Energy
• Cure for Ulcer
• Improve skin condiction
• Fight cancer

References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8