Proximate composition and nutritional analysis of selected bananas cultivated in Hainan, China

Authors: TAN, LIN - Chinese Academy Of Tropical Agricultural Sciences; HE, YINGDUI - Chinese Academy Of Tropical Agricultural Sciences; LI, SUNJING - Yunnan Agricultural University; DENG, JIE - Yunnan Agricultural University; AVULA, BHARATHI - University Of Mississippi; ZHANG, JIN - University Of Mississippi; NIRMAL, PUGH - University Of Mississippi; SOLIS-SAINZ, JUAN CARLOS - Chinese Academy Of Agricultural Sciences; Wang, Mei

Submitted to: Journal of Food Composition and Analysis
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/28/2023
Publication Date: 10/31/2023
Citation: Tan, L., He, Y., Li, S., Deng, J., Avula, B., Zhang, J., Nirmal, P.D., Solis-Sainz, J., Wang, M. 2023. Proximate composition and nutritional analysis of selected bananas cultivated in Hainan, China. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2023.105798.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2023.105798

Interpretive Summary: Banana is a globally renowned fruit, widely recognized for its ability to supply essential nutrients to the body, while also serving as a natural reservoir of bioactive compounds. Fenjiao, Plantain, Red banana and Haigongjiao are four selected banana varieties widely cultivated in Hainan, China. In this study, we investigate their proximate composition, vitamins, amino acids, minerals and bioactivities. Each variety was collected from two different counties in Hainan. Results showed Haigongjiao had the highest level of soluble sugars, proteins, and vitamin C. The ideal protein level of Red banana and Haigongjiao met the WHO/FAO criteria. Red banana was found to contain much higher levels of Zn and Mn elements than other varieties by mineral content study. For the proximate composition, Haigongjiao and Red banana presented much higher levels of different bioactive compounds then other varieties. Red banana exhibited stronger bioactivities, compared to other varieties. These findings suggested that Red banana and Haigongjiao varieties possess a better nutritional and health value.

Technical Abstract: Banana fruit is well known for its high nutritional value and as a rich source of bioactive compounds. Fenjiao, Plantain, Red banana and Haigongjiao are four selected banana varieties widely cultivated in Hainan, China. Our aim was to investigate their proximate composition, vitamins C and B6, amino acids, minerals, bioactive compounds, and antilipoxidation endproducts (ALEs) and immunostimulatory activities. Each variety was collected from two different counties in Hainan. Results showed Haigongjiao had the highest level of soluble sugars, proteins, and vitamin C. Ten essential amino acids were present in all the varieties. The ratio of essential to total and to non-essential amino acids in Red banana and Haigongjiao met the WHO/FAO criteria for an ideal protein. K and Mg were the most abundant macro-elements in all samples, Red banana contained much higher Zn and Mn levels than other varieties. The highest levels of carotenoids were detected in Haigongjiao and Red banana, which also presented a much higher level of flavonoids, serotonin and rutin. Red banana exhibited stronger ALEs and immunostimulatory activities, compared to other varieties. These findings demonstrated that Red banana and Haigongjiao varieties possess a better nutritional and health value.