Banana is called kela in Hindi, arati pandu in Telugu, vazhai pazham in Tamil, bale hannu in Kannada, and ethapazham in Malayalam. The fruit is variable in color, size, and firmness. It is one of the widely cultivated crops in the tropical and subtropical zones. Though there is no sharp distinction between bananas and plantains, the former is the softer variety while the latter is more firm.
One banana contains about 467 mg of potassium – now, that’s huge. Potassium is vital to control your blood pressure, which in turn protects your heart. The same banana has just 1 mg of sodium. Bananas also contain vitamin B6 that prevents anemia and coronary heart disease.
The fiber in bananas takes care of your digestive health and promotes weight loss . The fruit (the green and unripe variety) is also high in resistant starch, a type of indigestible carbohydrate that acts like fiber. This promotes colon health and lowers blood sugar post meals
Bananas are also rich in magnesium that might prevent type 2 diabetes . They contain high levels of tryptophan that promotes mood and aids in depression treatment. The vitamin B6 also helps you to sleep well. The potassium in bananas might also improve sexual health in men.
Skin moisturizer
Rich in potassium and moisture, it will hydrate and moisturizes dry skin, making it soft and supple. If your skin is peeling and dry, simply apply a banana face mask on your face. Get a small bowl, mash up a ripe banana with the back of your fork, and apply to your face, avoiding the area around your eye and mouth. Rinse with cold water after 10 to 15 minutes and enjoy the soft feel of your skin.
Oil control
If you've got oily greasy skin, use a simple banana face mask with lemon juice and honey. Banana is a great exfoliator which helps slough off excess sebum on skin surface. It also contains and contains moisture, potassium, and vitamins E and C, which all promote clear glowing skin. Mash a ripe banana with the back of a fork and combine 1 tablespoon of raw honey and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice to make an amazing face mask. Rinse off with a wet cloth or cold water.
Anti-aging effects
Bananas, also known as nature's botox, contain super wrinkle fighting nutrients that helps fade age spots and prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming. Coupled with other wrinkle-busting kitchen ingredients, you can gently nourish, exfoliate and protect mature skin. Slather on a thick coat of a powerful anti aging banana face mask containing one mashed banana, 1 teaspoon orange juice, and 1 teaspoon thick yogurt.
Treats acne
Banana and its peels are excellent homemade remedies for treating acne and pimples. You can directly apply the inside of a banana peel onto your acne to reduce inflammation and destroy bacteria. Also, use a face mask with mashed banana, honey, and turmeric to brighten skin, reduce acne, and moisturize your skin. Wash this off with cold water and pat your face dry. Remember to be consistent to see results.
Help Skin Glow
Bananas contain good amounts of vitamin C that helps in maintaining the natural and youthful glow of the skin. You can bring back the lost glow using these face masks:
- Mash half a ripe banana and mix it with 1 tablespoon of sandalwood paste and ½ teaspoon of honey. Leave it on for 20 to 25 minutes and wash with lukewarm water. This face mask is beneficial for oily skin as sandalwood helps in cleaning excess sebum and oil from the skin while the banana keeps it moisturized.
- Mash one ripe banana and mix it with lemon juice (from one lemon). Leave it on for about 20 minutes. This mask is full of vitamin C, which helps get rid of dullness and reduces spots and blemishes.
- You can also use banana milk for the face. Simply mash a ripe banana until you get a lump-free pulp. Now, add an equal amount of milk and mix well. If you have dry skin, you can also add a few drops of olive oil. Apply the mixture to your face and neck and leave it on for 20 minutes. You can probably eat another banana as you relax. Rinse with warm water first (to open the pores), and then with cold water (to close the pores).
Help Treat Puffy Eyes
The nutrients in bananas can help calm the blood vessels under the eyes and reduce puffy eyes. All you need to do is mash half a banana and apply generously around the affected area. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, post which you can rinse with cool water. The potassium in the banana draws out the excess fluid from under the skin and gives relief.
You can also apply the banana peels instead of the mashed fruit
Help You Achieve Beauty Sleep
We all know how essential a good night’s sleep is for maintaining skin health. Melatonin is the sleep inducing hormone in the human body and tryptophan is the amino acid that is necessary for the production of this sleep hormone.
We already saw how bananas could help induce sleep. Eating bananas a few hours before going to bed will help you get that essential beauty sleep – which basically means you are encouraging your skin to repair itself as you sleep.
Promote Digestive Health
Bananas help restore normal bowel function. And since they are rich in fiber, they are what you must be looking for digestive health. Also, the smooth functioning of your digestive tract depends on its musculature – it contracts in a wave-like pattern (a process called peristalsis). And potassium plays a major role in muscle function, which is why it can aid in this process.
Bananas are rich in both insoluble and soluble fiber. The former adds bulk to your food and aids in its smooth movement – it also helps you feel full after a meal. Soluble fiber improves the health of your intestines. It also slows down the absorption of fats and carbs, keeping your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.