*Banana fruit is the fruit of the plant Musa paradisiaca or Musa acuminata, believed to have been originated in Southeast Asia and Australia.

*Bananas grow in hanging clusters or bunches, each having bananas arranged in tiers.

*Each banana has an outer thick peel, and an inner creamy white smooth flesh, and no seeds.

*They come in a variety of colors like green, yellow, purple and red.

*Taste also varies from mildly sweet to very sweet to bland to starchy.

*Texture can be firm or mushy depending on the ripeness.

*Buying and storage: Select firm, evenly colored, ripe or unripe bananas without any bruises on the skin. Store at room temperature. Keep well for about a week. Do not store in the refrigerator, as the skin will turn black.

Is it raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, most varieties of fresh bananas can be eaten raw.
*No, as some varieties may need to be cooked before eaten. Also mashed banana, glazed banana, banana chips are not raw. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Bananas provide good amount of calories, less fats and no cholesterol.

2. They are rich in easily digestible carbohydrates, provide immediate energy, and are filling.

3. Low in sodium and high in potassium, bananas are good to maintain blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension, heart diseases and atherosclerosis.

4. Bananas also have a soothing effect on the stomach and intestinal ulcers, and acidity in the gastrointestinal tract.

5. Good sources of minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and manganese, which play a very important role in maintaining proper metabolic activities of the body.

6. Bananas help to replace minerals lost due to diarrhea.

7. Good sources of Vitamin C, a natural water soluble antioxidant. It enhances the body's immune system, increases the elasticity of skin and blood vessels, increases absorption of iron from the intestines, and prevents bruising of the skin.

8. Good source of Vitamin B6, which helps in the synthesis of antibodies in the immune system apart from red blood formation, protein metabolism and functioning of the central nervous system.

9. Good source of dietary fiber. It adds roughage to the contents of the intestines, promotes satiety, promotes the health of the colon, and also helps in relieving constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders, etc.

10. The soluble fiber, pectin, present in bananas helps to move the bowels easily and relieves constipation.