BANANA By Karimah bint Dawoud, qualified Nutritionist and Hijamah Therapist

English: banana

Arabic: talh or mauz

Bananas (or talh) are a sacred fruit that deserve to be redefined and given the reverence they deserve. They are sweet creamy fruits in little yellow jackets, making them a perfect fast foods.

QURANIC REFERENCE

SURAH/CHAPTER 56: AYAH/VERSE 29 Surat Al-Wāqi`ah (The Inevitable)

 “Among banana-trees with fruits piled one above another” [56:29]

ISLAMIC MEDICINE

The temperament of bananas are hot and wet in first degree. For those of you who have a cold, dry temperament, it is recommended that you eat them with honey. As-Suyuti hasn’t written extensively on them; however, Ibn Qayyim commented that ripe sweet bananas can heal roughness in the throat and lungs, coughs, and cure kidney and bladder ulcers. He also observed that they are a diuretic and aphrodisiac, increasing semen. According to Ibn Qayyim, if they are eaten before food they can potentially hurt the stomach, but their harm can be balanced by honey.

When you blend a banana with water you get a mixture that is creamy, therefore , to reduce our intake of diary, we can substitute with banana or avocado

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

1.       Nerves and Depression: Bananas are high in vitamin B: a vitamin vital to strengthening the nerves and stabilizing mental health. Vitamin B6 decreases PMT/PMS symptoms. Bananas contain high levels of tryptophan that can help overcome depression; in addition, tryptophan is then converted into serotonin, the feel good brain neurotransmitter.

2.       Cardiovascular Health: The high potassium content of one banana is 125% RDA. It can help to regulate healthy blood pressure and lessen artery sclerosis, partly due to its high fiber content which helps clear plaque from the arteries.

3.       Water Balance: The high levels of potassium in bananas help to regulate the water balance in the body.

4.       Digestive Health and Ulcers: Bananas are a pro-biotic meaning they promote good gut bacteria. They also strengthen the lining of the stomach. As bananas contain fructo-oligo-saccharides (FOS), this helps to produce friendly bacteria in the lower intestine and absorb calcium and magnesium.

5.       Low G.I: Although bananas are sweet, they are actually low on the GI glycemic index with a value of 51. They also contain 3mg of fibre; as they ripen, their fibre content increases. This fibre regulates the amount of sugar that is absorbed into the body. However size needs to be a consideration.

6.       Alleviates morning sickness: Bananas are a natural anti-acid.

7.       Good for the bones: They have high levels of potassium, a mineral electrolyte that helps to prevent calcium loss.

WARNING: Bananas are not suitable for patients with chronic acute kidney disease due to high potassium content.