Journalism Article - Peeling The Secret Identity Of Banana

[this post is dedicated for the journalism article assignment]

"All hail banana!"

Bananas are consumed annually in the world more than wheat, rice, and corn. But despite being one of the most popular fruit consumed worldwide, it does not make banana to be the most well known fruit for its benefits. Not like an apple, where every health concerns people seems to know and aware of its benefits.

"Think you know banana? Well, think again.."

I used to consumes banana out of its delicious taste -- Just imagine those soft and creamy sweet creature that goes well with your scoop of ice cream or just simply grate some cheddar on top and sprinkle some chocolate rice or just scatter some almond slice and cube of butter on top then bake/grill for a short while, what an instant ultimate Caribbean-style dessert of the day!

In real, beside knowing the fact that banana taste yummy and good for constipation as it carry a whole lot of fiber, I knew almost nothing else about this fruit -- Or at least not until my accidental encounter with this Southeast Asia originated fruit's little secret.

"Never underestimate the power of banana."

A banana plant is surprisingly not a tree but a type of herb where the fruit itself is a berry! and about 75% of the weight of a banana is water. Catchy enough, the scientific name of banana (musa sapientum) means 'fruit of the wise men'.

The Gros Michel banana was once a popular variety of banana before its crops were destroyed by Panama disease in the 1950's. Today, the most popular type of banana which sold in stores is the Cavendish banana, in which it is said to be immune to Panama disease -- Well.. *finger-crossed*.

Fresh banana is a very rich source of potassium. Thus, it is said to be naturally radioactive because of the Potassium, but don’t freak out just yet because the level of the radiation is not high enough to cause harm for the body. Otherwise, the Potassium itself is actually a very useful component to cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Surprisingly enough, a research done to 200 students at Twickenham school by serving them bananas during breakfast, break and lunch is found to helped them through their exams as this potassium-packed fruit are successfully boosted their brain power. Furthermore, fresh banana also provide adequate levels of minerals which are good for bone strengthening, antioxidant enzyme and for the production of red blood cells (say hi to natural remedy of anemia!)

Having a gloomy mood? On PMS? Feeling strees? No worry, eat some banana and it will eventually cheer you up! -- Banana is known to be the only fruit that are found to have Amino Acid, Tryptophan and Vitamin B6 which together will helps our body to produce natural anti-depression (known as serotonin). Moreover, consuming banana may lower the risk of getting cancer, heart attack and stroke. Not only that, it can also boost the body's energy despite being low in calories!

 

In addition to the benefits from the fruit itself, the banana's skin/peel is also having a great benefits which are not less interesting than the benefits of its fruit.

Many people find that by rubbing the inside of a banana skin/peel to the troubled area of our skin helps to heal the irritation. For instance, it can be used to calm an itchy mosquito bite as well as to reduce pain from scrape or burn, as it keep the wound from getting infected as well as to keep the swelling down. Likewise, the enzymes in the banana can help splinter to work its way out of the skin as well as heal the wound just by taping the banana peel over the splinter.

 

The effect of the potassium, magnesium, and manganese in the banana peel also helps to whiten teeth naturally by rubbing the inside of a banana peel on the teeth for about two minutes every night (result found to be seen in 2 weeks). In addition, rubbing a banana peel on the forehead helps to cure headache.

Ahead from the health benefit of the amazing banana, in some cultures (like for instance, Japan) they use the fiber in the banana plant to make fabric and sometimes even paper! Furthermore, the inside of the banana skin can also be use to polish silver and shoes! Phew!

"An apple A banana a day, keeps the doctor away."

Indeed, banana is a powerful fruit with many benefit. It contain natural remedy for many ills. When compared, banana is shockingly four times better than apple! Banana has twice the carbohydrate, other vitamins and minerals, three times the phosphorus and five times the vitamin A and iron. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods of all time. Also in terms of the skin, the banana's skin obviously have a bunch more benefits than the skin of apple. No more waste, from fruit to skin, take it all!

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This is not the end of the story. This is just the end of another pieces of stories. So brew your tea, bake your banana cookies, be back later and flip the page--

Enjoy the little treat,

Angelina, xx