What is the Nutritional Value of Banana Flower per 100g and Is Banana Flower per 100g Healthy for You?

The banana flower, also known as the banana inflorescence, is the large, cone-like structure that is found at the end of a banana cluster. This flower is a rich source of nutrition and is commonly used in cooking in many parts of the world, particularly in Southeast Asia and India. In this article, we will explore the nutritional value of banana flower per 100g and whether it is healthy for you.

First, let’s take a look at the calorie content of banana flower. A 100g serving of banana flower contains approximately 30 calories, which is relatively low compared to other types of fruits and vegetables. This makes banana flower a great option for those looking to manage their calorie intake or lose weight.

Banana flower is also an excellent source of dietary fiber. A 100g serving contains approximately 3.5g of fiber, which is roughly 14% of the daily recommended intake. Dietary fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and can help lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

In addition to being low in calories and high in fiber, banana flower is also a good source of various vitamins and minerals. It is particularly high in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin K. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps to protect the body from damaging free radicals, while vitamin B6 is essential for the metabolism of proteins and red blood cells. Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and strong bones.

Banana flower also contains a good amount of potassium, which is an essential mineral that helps to regulate blood pressure, maintain healthy heart function, and prevent muscle cramps. A 100g serving of banana flower contains around 230mg of potassium, which is roughly 6% of the daily recommended intake.

It also contain a good amount of folate and iron, which are essential for healthy fetal development during pregnancy and maintaining healthy red blood cells respectively.

One other thing to note about banana flower is that it contains a group of compounds called tannins which can decrease the absorption of certain nutrients like iron. So, it is recommended to cook it well before consumption.

In conclusion, banana flower is a nutritious and healthy food option. It is low in calories, high in dietary fiber, and rich in vitamins and minerals. Its consumption can benefit overall health, by promoting healthy digestion, maintaining healthy heart and muscles and preventing deficiency diseases like anemia. Its consumption can be especially beneficial for pregnant women and people with dietary restriction, who wants to increase their nutritional intake without adding excessive calorie. It is however, important to keep in mind that tannins content in unripe banana flower can decrease absorption of certain nutrients, therefore it is recommended to cook it well before consumption.