banana blossom

Banana blossom, also known as banana heart or banana flower, is the edible inflorescence of various banana species, including *Musa acuminata*, *Musa balbisiana*, and *Musa x paradisiaca*. It is a traditional dietary component in Southeast Asia and is investigated for its potential health benefits as a functional food or nutraceutical. Clinical research has focused on its use as a galactagogue to increase breast milk volume in postpartum mothers, though recent randomized controlled trials have not supported this effect. Additionally, it has been studied for its impact on metabolic health, including potential reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure in prediabetic individuals, as well as its antioxidant and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities.

Other names

banana flowerbanana heartMusa acuminata blossomMusa balbisiana blossomMusa x paradisiaca inflorescence