Banana and papaya have emerged to belong in the group of fruits that has much to do with a man’s health than simply fill an empty stomach. Significantly, knowing both fruits are available all year round and costs fairly little, anyone can benefit from the nutrients they offer anytime.
You probably grab a banana whenever your tummy growls but lunch is not yet ready. Its fibrous composition provides that feeling of fullness, while being assured of small probability of gaining extra pounds for it contains low saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Aside from that, bananas are also packed with vitamin c for improved resistance against common diseases, potassium to ward off hypertension and maintain the body’s water balance, and manganese for strong bones, normal sugar levels, optimal thyroid gland function and healthier nerves.
A study showed more of banana than just potassium, vitamin c, manganese and dietary fiber, though. Jacalin-related lectin Banlec, a substance in bananas, may help inhibit HIV replication, according to researchers at the University of Michigan Medical Center.
The abstract of the study states: “BanLec is a jacalin-related lectin isolated from the fruit of bananas, Musa acuminata. This lectin binds to high mannose carbohydrate structures, including those found on viruses containing glycosylated envelope proteins such as human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1). Therefore, we hypothesized that BanLec might inhibit HIV-1 through binding of the glycosylated HIV-1 envelope protein, gp120. We determined that BanLec inhibits primary and laboratory-adapted HIV-1 isolates of different tropisms and subtypes. BanLec possesses potent anti-HIV activity, with IC50 values in the low nanomolar to picomolar range. The mechanism for BanLec-mediated antiviral activity was investigated by determining if this lectin can directly bind the HIV-1 envelope protein and block entry of the virus into the cell. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed direct binding of BanLec to gp120 and indicated that BanLec can recognize the high mannose structures that are recognized by the monoclonal antibody 2G12. Furthermore, BanLec is able to block HIV-1 cellular entry as indicated by temperature-sensitive viral entry studies and by the decreased levels of the strong-stop product of early reverse transcription seen in the presence of BanLec. Thus, our data indicate that BanLec inhibits HIV-1 infection by binding to the glycosylated viral envelope and blocking cellular entry. The relative anti-HIV activity of BanLec compared favorably to other anti-HIV lectins, such as snowdrop lectin and Griffithsin, and to T-20 and maraviroc, two anti-HIV drugs currently in clinical use. Based on these results, BanLec is a potential component for an anti-viral microbicide that could be used to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV-1.”
Papaya is best known for its skin-whitening properties, but its health benefits are also notable. This fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, dietary fiber, vit A, and vit E. It’s also got B vitamins, magnesium, pantothenic acid, folic acid, and antioxidants. All this nutrients work together to protect the cardiovascular system from diseases such as atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Papaya also work promotes digestive health, boost the immune system, protect eyesight, improve lung health, protect against rheumatoid arthritis, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Several studies also suggest that papaya help fight certain types of cancers such as cancer of the breast, cervix, liver, lung and pancreas. Published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, the study done by research scientists from the University of Florida found that papaya leaves extracts boosts the production of key signaling molecules called Th1-type cytokines for improved the immune system. The extract also has dramatic effect against laboratory-grown cancer cells.
Dubbed at the fruit of the angels, papaya sits more often on our table during the early summer and fall, providing soft and succulent food that fills both the stomach and quench thirst. Papaya is best for dieters for its low caloric content. They can enjoy its luscious taste when ripe as raw fruit and it also makes great fruit juice or shake, and of course, fruit salad. In some countries, thinly-sliced unripe papaya is cooked with coconut milk or chopped in about an inch thick to add flavor to chicken soup.
So, next time you head to the fruit stand for some pricey fruits, take your eyes to the less costly nutrient-packed bananas and papayas. And when you’re in the hospital fir some treatment, ask your nurse who stands lovely in those nursing shoes and nursing uniform if you could have banana or papaya for lunch.
