Why the banana plant? Benefits, uses and ecological impact

Bananas, a sustainable resource rich in natural active ingredients, are at the heart of our eco-responsible approach.

History of the banana tree

Musaceae is a family of flowering plants belonging to the order Zingiberales. Native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia, these plants are distinguished by their impressive herbaceous growth.

Their leaves, which have interlocking basal sheaths, form a pseudostem, giving some species the appearance of woody trees. This unique structure allows the banana plant to withstand tropical conditions while maintaining rapid growth.

Traditional use

In traditional medicine, bananas are recognized for their multiple therapeutic benefits, earning them the nickname “plant with a thousand uses”.

Fruit: Rich in water and minerals, it promotes hydration and supports the cardiovascular system.

Seeds and roots: Used to soothe digestive disorders and known for their depurative properties, they were formerly used against scurvy and helminths (intestinal worms).

Skin: Applied directly to the skin to treat psoriasis, acne, warts, and even relieve depressive conditions.

Flowers: Known for their anti-ulcer properties and their effectiveness against dysentery and diabetes.

The leaves: Thanks to their astringent and diuretic properties, they are used to soothe burns and promote healing.

A sustainable culture

Bananas are a sustainable crop because they have no seasonality and can be grown all year round. While the soil is left to rest, healthy plants from in vitro cultivation are grown in a greenhouse and then planted in the open field. It takes about 9 to 12 months between the planting of the banana plant and the harvest of its regime, which then weighs, on average, 30 to 50 kg. From the 6th to the 7th month, the flower appears.

The nutritional richness of the banana plant

The banana plant is a veritable mine of essential micronutrients present in each of its parts.

The fruit

Rich in potassium, it promotes the regulation of blood pressure and supports muscle health. Its B vitamins, especially B6, play a key role in energy metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis.

Banana skin

Often overlooked, it is full of powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols and carotenoids, as well as magnesium and tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, essential for mood and sleep.

The banana flower

An excellent source of iron, it promotes the production of red blood cells and contains flavonoids and tannins with anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic properties.