Benefits and Uses of Green Banana Flour

Green banana flour is touted as a superfood that can be substituted for wheat flour. In this article, we'll explore what green banana flour is and its purported health benefits.

0
34

In Vietnam, green banana flour is not yet popular, but in Western countries, Africa, and India, green banana flour is preferred and used as a substitute for wheat flour in daily dishes. Discover more interesting information about green banana flour through the article below.

1What is Green Banana Flour?

Green banana flour is a flour made from green bananas, widely used in Africa and Jamaica as a replacement for wheat flour. Green banana flour is gluten-free, suitable for those on a diet or those who are intolerant to gluten. Banana flour has a mild banana flavor and after cooking, it carries a unique flavor, unlike any other. At the same time, the texture of green banana flour is similar to wheat flour but lighter.

Green banana flour

2How to Make Green Banana Flour

Green bananas will be peeled, processed for sap, chopped, and dried. After that, the bananas will be ground into flour. About 8–10 kg of green bananas will produce 1 kg of banana flour. Some places also use freeze-drying to dry green bananas.

How to make green banana flour

3Benefits of Green Banana Flour

Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

Reducing blood sugar is one of the notable benefits of green bananas. If ripe bananas are rich in sugar and potassium, green bananas contain high starch content.

Scientific research has also shown that green bananas contain the highest resistant starch of any fruit. This starch is not digested in the small intestine, increasing fermentation in the large intestine and preventing the growth of abnormal cells in the intestine.

In addition, green bananas are also rich in vitamins B3, B6, B12, C, E and have a lower glycemic index (GI) than ripe bananas, helping to reduce the risk of increased blood sugar. At the same time, the amount of pectin in green bananas is also useful in treating diarrhea.

Suitable for Gluten Intolerant People

Green banana flour is an ideal choice for people with allergies or intolerances to gluten, wheat, and other grains.

Unlike some other gluten-free flours, green banana flour has starch compounds that create a similar structure to wheat flour, making dishes more appealing and eliminating the need to mix in other flours.

In particular, green banana flour has a creamy yellow color and a mild neutral flavor, not carrying the characteristic banana smell, so you can comfortably substitute wheat flour without altering the overall taste of the dish.

Suitable for people with gluten intolerance

Supports Weight Loss

Green bananas’ weight loss support comes not only from resistant starch that helps control blood sugar but also from high fiber content. Insoluble fiber accounts for 84% of green banana flour, helping you feel full longer and supporting the weight loss process.

Source of Essential Minerals

In addition, green banana flour is also an important source of minerals such as potassium and calcium that are not lost during processing. Potassium supports nervous system function and can lower blood pressure. Calcium is a necessary mineral for bones and is especially good for pregnant women and the elderly. Therefore, green banana flour is not only delicious but also a valuable source of nutrition.

Source of essential minerals

The above is information about green banana flour as well as the benefits that green banana flour brings. Hopefully, the above information will help you in your cooking.

Frequently asked questions

To make green banana flour, the bananas are first peeled and processed for their sap. They are then chopped and dried, after which they are ground into flour. Approximately 8-10 kg of green bananas are needed to produce 1 kg of banana flour. Some producers also use freeze-drying techniques to dry the bananas.

Green banana flour has several notable benefits. It helps reduce blood sugar levels due to its high starch content and low glycemic index. It is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B3, B6, B12, C, and E, potassium, and calcium. Additionally, the flour supports weight loss by containing a high amount of insoluble fiber, which helps keep you feeling full for longer. Green banana flour is also suitable for people with gluten intolerance or allergies to wheat and other grains, as it has a similar structure to wheat flour without the gluten.