Saba banana, particularly its peel and blossom, offers significant health benefits due to its rich nutritional and bioactive compound content, which includes antioxidants, dietary fiber, and various phytochemicals.

Key Insights

• Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Properties:

  • Saba banana peel (SBP) contains high levels of moisture, crude fat, crude protein, total ash, crude fiber, and nitrogen-free extracts. It also has a substantial amount of vitamin C and antioxidant activity, which can help in reducing oxidative stress
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  • The banana blossom is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which exhibit strong antioxidant properties, suggesting potential use as an antioxidant
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• Health Benefits:

  • Anti-Obesity and Lipid-Lowering Effects:
    • SBP shows significant pancreatic lipase inhibition and cholesterol micellar solubility inhibition, making it effective in managing obesity and lowering cholesterol levels
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  • Dietary Fiber and Digestive Health:
    • The high fiber content in both the peel and blossom aids in digestion, helps prevent constipation, and may lower the risk of colon cancer
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  • Anti-Cancer and Anti-Diabetic Properties:
    • The bioactive compounds in the banana blossom, such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, have demonstrated anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and anti-diabetic activities
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Conclusion

Saba banana, particularly its peel and blossom, is a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that offer various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic effects. These properties make it a promising ingredient for nutraceuticals and functional foods.