In the early age, banana considered as an inedible or wild fruit. But through the curiosity of the native people, they did a way to cultivate and produce banana to be edible for their consumption.

According to the Chinese history, the first banana cultivation was done by the Chinese people in 200 AD. But India claimed that they had a record of the earliest banana cultivation in 2500 years ago. From India, banana spread out in different continents by the explorers and early missionaries. One Chinese variety of bananas was sent to England.

Later, bananas were expanded to Africa through Madagascar and to the mainland. The expansion of bananas in Africa was appropriate because of the vast land, lead to propagate several varieties. From Africa, it was transported to Canary Islands and later to Central America and the Caribbean by the Spanish explorers.

Even though bananas were brought to America by the early explorers and Missionaries, it was not until the mid-1800 that was introduced to the United States as a dessert. From this, banana became popular in America, not only as a dessert but as staple fruits and beyond.

Half of the world's bananas are cultivated in Asia and are being consumed locally. The leading banana exporter countries are Central America and South America. The demand is great that the farming or plantation of banana become huge in the regions to meet the market order. Because of its popularity in consumption and use, banana price is up and the shortage is visible.

Banana can be eaten in plain raw and by itself. It can be added in ice cream, to mix in cake, banana juice, can be fried, roasted or broiled, preserves and marmalades. It can be mixed with bread, cupcakes, jelly, cookies and with some other desserts.

The nutritional benefit of banana is incredible, especially potassium. Banana is high in potassium that it is extremely recommended to the malnourished children, to boost their health. Also, it is commended to those who are low in potassium.

Other nutrients from banana are vitamins and minerals. Bananas are rich in vitamins A, B, B6, and C. For minerals: calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Therefore bananas are brain power boosters and blood circulation enhancer.

The medicinal uses of bananas are as follows:
1. Cure anemia
2. Restore bowel action
3. Make ones relax and happy
4. Help cure hangovers
5. Soothing relief of heartburn
6. Avoid morning sickness
7. Brain power booster
8. Banana skin erase mosquito bites
9. Calm nervous system
10. Good for PMS
11. Mood enhancer
12. Help normalize heart beats
13. Cut risk of stroke
14. Control body temperature
15. Banana skin kill warts

Banana is not only popular for consumption and medicinal use, but can also produce several products. Banana trunk can produce hemp for textiles. The dried leaves are used for baskets. The inner buds from the trunk is good for cooking with chicken or beef as delicacies in Asia. The banana heart can be made as pickles. Therefore, banana is a plant that brings wonder in many ways.

Reference: Internet search, history of banana.

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