Abstract

A REVIEW ON COMPLETE NUTRIENT PROFILE OF BANANA FLOWER (MUSA)

M. Maneesha* and C. Reddy Kumari

ABSTRACT

Banana blossom or banana male bud are other names for banana flower. It is a substantial dark maroon blossom that grows from the end of a bunch of bananas. Since the flower is a rich source of a class of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavanoids, tannins, vitamins, minerals and phenolic compounds. These pretty flower can be eaten incorporate of different type of food products like –chocolate, cookies, because this type food products shelf life long lasting. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-huperglycemic properties of banana flower from six different Malaysian cultivars –namely, pisang Abu (Musa balbisiana cv p. Abu), pisang Berangan (Musa acuminata cv p. Berangan), pisang Nipah (Musa balbisiana cv p. Nipah), pisang susu (Musa acuminata cv p. Mas). The flower‟s functional characteristics, such as bulk density, oil and water holding capacity, swelling power, and solubility, were also examined. The flower‟s low bulk density revealed that banana flower power could be added to a variety of foods to boost their antioxidant and fibre content. Banana flower many or health benefits prevent diabetes, lower menstrual bleeding, increase the milk production for lactating women, good for gastrointestinal health, helpful in weight loss, prevent ulcer, constipation.

Keywords: Banana flower, Diabetes mellitus, chocolate, antioxidants, nutritional properties, Fiber rich, whole milk.