Green banana powder is considered a “superfood” that has taken the health care community by storm. In this article, Long Chau Pharmacy will provide interesting information about the nutritional content and the health benefits that this powder brings if used properly.
In an era where people are increasingly concerned about health, green banana powder has emerged as a new “star” in the world of healthy foods. This powder contains many nutrients that are good for health, especially resistant starch. Let’s learn about the nutritional content as well as what our health will receive if we use green banana powder properly.
The process of producing green banana powder
Green banana powder is made from the only source of raw materials, which are fresh, delicious green bananas. The type of banana commonly used to make powder is green banana. Green bananas are harvested when they are still green, at the time when the resistant starch content in bananas is highest. To produce green banana powder, people have to go through a rather meticulous production process.
First, fresh green bananas are carefully selected, then washed to remove dirt. The banana stems are cut off and the skin is peeled by machine or by hand. The bananas are then sliced into thin slices with uniform thickness using a specialized slicer. This helps the drying process to be faster and more efficient.
Green banana powder is made from pure green bananas.
After being sliced, bananas are dried using different methods. Of which, freeze-drying is the most popular and preferred method today because it retains the maximum nutritional content, especially resistant starch in bananas. After drying, the moisture content of the banana slices needs to reach a certain level (usually below 10%) to ensure the quality and preservation of the powder.
The dried bananas are ground into a coarse powder using an industrial grinder. The coarse powder is further ground using a centrifugal mill or ball mill to achieve the desired fineness. After that, the green banana powder is screened, tested for moisture, fineness, color, taste, microorganisms, and then packaged and stored.
What nutrients does green banana powder contain?
It is estimated that 100g of green banana powder contains about:
- Resistant starch – 25 g;
- Potassium – 320 mg;
- Fiber – 2 g;
- Protein – 1 g;
- Calcium – 4 mg;
- Sugar – 1 g;
- Total Carbohydrates – 25 g.
Compared to the nutritional composition of ripe bananas, the biggest difference between green banana powder and banana powder is the resistant starch content and sugar content. While the resistant starch content in green banana powder is much higher than that of ripe bananas, the sugar content in green banana powder is much lower than that of ripe bananas.
The biggest difference between green banana flour and ripe banana flour is resistant starch.
Health benefits of green banana powder
With the above nutritional composition, green banana powder brings many health benefits to users. Specifically:
Green banana powder is good for the digestive system
Resistant starch is a special type of carbohydrate, with a complex molecular structure that makes it difficult for our bodies to digest completely. Unlike regular starch, when entering the body, resistant starch will pass through the small intestine without being broken down into glucose to provide immediate energy. Instead, they will continue their journey to the large intestine and become “food” for intestinal bacteria.
This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids, which are very beneficial for intestinal health. Not only does it help balance the intestinal microflora, it also aids digestion, reduces constipation and other intestinal problems.
Green banana powder supports weight loss
The fermentation process of resistant starch from green bananas in the stomach will help stimulate the production of hormones that signal a feeling of fullness to the brain. This helps you feel fuller for longer after eating, thereby reducing the amount of food consumed in the next meals. Some studies show that resistant starch can help increase metabolism and burn calories, contributing to the weight loss process. The fiber in green banana powder also helps increase the feeling of fullness for a long time. From there, we can cut calories, reduce snacking, support weight loss and control weight effectively.
Have you taken full advantage of the benefits that green banana powder brings?
Green banana powder helps control blood sugar
Resistant starch slows down the absorption of sugar into the blood. This helps stabilize blood sugar and prevent cravings caused by sudden increases and decreases in blood sugar. This is especially important for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
Other benefits of green banana powder
Not only good for the digestive system, green banana powder is also good for the heart. Potassium in green banana powder helps regulate blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, magnesium and vitamin B6 in green banana powder also help strengthen the immune system, reduce fatigue and improve sleep quality. Resistant starch in green banana powder has also been shown to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and colorectal cancer.
What should you pay attention to when using green banana powder?
To ensure your health and maximize the benefits of green banana powder, you need to pay attention to the following issues:
When buying green banana powder, you should prioritize choosing products with clear origins, from reputable brands. After purchasing, you should store green banana powder in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight. Close the bag or container tightly after each use to avoid exposure to air. This helps the powder retain its best flavor and nutrients.
Green banana powder should be used properly to maximize its effectiveness.
In addition, although green banana powder is very good for health, you should not abuse it. The appropriate dosage depends on each person’s age, weight and health status. It is best to consult a nutritionist for advice on the appropriate dosage.
Proteins such as chitinase, profilin and thaumatin-like protein in bananas can activate the immune system and cause allergic reactions. Some people who are allergic to latex may also be allergic to bananas due to the similar protein structure between them. This is called latex-fruit syndrome. In addition, some people who are allergic to pollen (eg birch pollen) may also be allergic to bananas due to the similarity in protein.
The use of green bananas in cuisine and medicine has long been popular in Vietnam. The increase in health awareness and the trend of searching for natural, healthy foods. This also contributes to the popularity of green banana powder in modern society. With such great health benefits, green banana powder deserves an important place in your daily diet.
