Banana is a good source of many vitamins and minerals particularly vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C.
Many of banana varieties contain high levels of provitamin A carotenoids, the source of the yellow or orange color of the fruit.
The importance of carotenoids becomes clear when one considers that vitamin A deficiency affects around 120 millions children a year. Vitamin deficiency has many effects including weakening the immune system and causing blindness.
Because they contain vitamin A bananas and plantains act as an aid to digestion, and it is reported that boiled mashed ripe fruit can be good for constipation, especially when mixed with other recommended plants.
Banana contains about 10-25 mg of vitamin C per 100 g, though figures as high as 50 mg have been quoted in some varieties.
The quantity is the same whether it is ripe or unripe. Vitamin C in banana helps the body to heal and defend against infections.
Vitamin C also is valuable in the absorption of iron, synthesis of connective tissue, and blood formation.
What are the main vitamins in Banana?
