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Banana (Kela)

Protein	1.2%	Fat	0.3%
Minerals	0.8%	Fibre	0.4%
Carbohydrate	27.2%	Calcium	17 mg
Phosphorus	36 mg	Iron	0.9 mg
Vitamin C	7 mg

>Calorific Value - 116
>Small amounts of Vitamin B complex

Origin and Distribution/Food Value

The banana is one of the oldest and best known fruits of the world.It is a very hygienic fruit as it comes in a germ-proof package. Its thick covering provides an excellent protection against bacteria and contamination.Original home of banana is believed to be India and Malaya. Later,it was introduced in western countries and other parts of the world. In India; there are three important banana-producing areas South India, Western India and Eastern India from Bihar to Assam.
The Banana is of great nutritional value.It is a good source of calories being richer in solids and lower in water content than any other fresh fruit.A large banana supplies more than 100 calories. It contains a large amount of easily assimilable sugar, making it a good source of quick energy and an excellent means of recovery from fatigue.

Benefits/Uses/Precautions

Banana help promote the retention of calcium, phosphorus and nitrogen - all of which then work to build sound and regenerated tissues. Banana also contains invert sugar, which is an aid to youthful growth and metabolism.

Eaten Raw or cooked when Un-ripen

Ripe bananas are chiefly eaten raw as a dessert or a breakfast fruit.It is also used in salad together with other fruits and vegetables. Unripe fruits are cooked. Banana chips are made from fully mature unripe fruits.

Banana Flour

The Flour prepared from the dried unripe bananas is three times richer in minerals than the wheat flour. It is also more digestible than cereal starches and is an ideal food for infants and invalids.

Precautions Before Eating

Banana, taken as a table fruit, must be thoroughly ripe as otherwise it may be difficult to digest. The raw bananas contain 20 to 25 per cent starch. Bananas should never be kept in a refrigerator as low temperature prevents their ripening. The Fruit should not be taken by those who are suffering from kidney failure because of its high pottassium content.