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| - Last Updated on September 7, 2022 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
Several social media posts claim that banana flowers can cure anemia. We evaluated these assertions. Our findings indicate that the claim is only Half True.
The Claim
The post claiming “Banana Flowers Cure Anemia” is accessible on Facebook and Pinterest. Another picture poster promoting the advantages of eating banana flowers had the phrase “cure anemia” as one of its points. One of the screenshots is shown below.
Fact Check
Can banana flowers be beneficial to one’s health?
Yes. Banana flowers are often referred to as banana hearts. These may be crisp, nutty, or starchy in flavor. The evidence states that these are exceptionally nutritious edible flowers. And they are high in fiber, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, vitamins A, E and C as well as antioxidants. Because of their properties, they could be used to treat bronchitis, ulcers, and constipation. Furthermore, they may help to lower blood sugar levels and increase hemoglobin levels. It also aids in the reduction of monthly flow, muscular cramps, bone health, and even helps in the milk supply in breastfeeding mothers. It should also be mentioned that these are cost-effective agricultural byproducts. And could be employed to create a variety of new culinary products as well as dehydrated powders.
Can banana flowers contribute to the prevention of anemia?
Yes. This is a functional food that offers both medicinal as well as nutritional benefits. Banana flowers are high in both macro and micro components. This edible plant component may be a rich source of iron. Furthermore, there is evidence that the iron content of a banana flower preparations could provide for an individual’s daily iron requirement. Thus, the availability of iron in banana flowers might greatly boost iron storage. This would be a significant contributor towards relieving symptoms of anemia. These mainly include tiredness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, pale skin, etc. Thus, the consistent and balanced consumption of banana blossom stimulates red blood cell production. As a result, people suffering from iron deficiency anemia may find this incredibly beneficial.
Can banana flowers treat anemia completely?
Not Exactly. Anemia is a kind of blood condition. Iron deficiency, pernicious, aplastic, and hemolytic anemia are some of its forms. Furthermore, some of them may be less harmful, but others can be critical, or even fatal. These distinct kinds of anemia are associated with a wide range of risk factors. Thus, managing anemia involves increasing red blood cells, relieving symptoms, resolving the underlying condition, minimizing anemic complications, and thus enhancing overall quality of life. Furthermore, mild anemia can be treated with dietary modifications and supplements. Severe anemia, on the other hand, is treated with medications, blood transfusions, and, in certain cases, by addressing the underlying pathology.
Thus, banana flowers may help with mild anemic symptoms caused by iron deficiency anemia. However, there is no evidence that banana flowers alone could manage severe or life-threatening anemic cases.
Why is it risky to rely solely on nutrition to address anemia?
Three major mechanisms contribute to anemia. These include failure to develop RBCs, an excess of RBC destruction, and blood loss. Anemia caused by nutritional deficiencies continues to be the predominant cause of anemia worldwide. Following this are underlying illnesses and possibly hereditary issues. Anemia management is not limited to nutrition rather, it includes medical management along with dietary modifications. Further, it is vital to acknowledge that nutritional supplements could help with mild symptoms. However, if the patient does not respond to these supplements, the physician will have to manage the symptoms.
We asked General Physician Dr. Kashyap Dakshini why relying solely on nutrition to address anemia is risky and what is the proper way to manage anemia. Dr Kashyap explained that, “determining the cause of anemia is crucial in the overall management of anemia. Some of the common causes of anemia include – blood loss, nutritional inadequacy, impaired red blood cell production, faulty red blood cell destruction, advanced diseases, chronic infection, renal or autoimmune disease, and thalassemia. Therefore, the main part of treatment of anemia is the treatment of the underlying cause. For the treatment of anemia due to nutritional deficiency, iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid are used. Patients with severe iron deficiency may require blood transfusions to correct low hemoglobin levels.”
THIP Media Take: Banana flower is unquestionably a nutritious edible component of the banana plant. However, it should be underlined that much data is accessible on health benefits of bananas but very less has been recorded regarding banana flowers. As a result, additional research is needed to document its full potential. Therefore, the claim remains only half true.
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