The banana plant was likely native to the territory of present-day Papua New Guinea around 8000 BC. It then spread to Southeast Asia. The first mention of it there was in Buddhist texts around 600 BC. Alexander the Great tasted bananas in India in 327 BC. Around 200 AD, a banana orchard in this territory was described in ancient Chinese texts. Around 650 AD, Islamic conquerors brought bananas to Palestine, and Arab merchants spread them across most of Africa. The first banana plantations in the Caribbean and Central America were established by Portuguese colonists in 1502.

They are rich in carbohydrates, therefore very filling, and contain a lot of potassium. At the same time, they are very rich in vitamin A, C, and B-complex vitamins.

Bananas have a sweet taste and a cooling nature. They clear heat, moisten, and detoxify the intestines. They generate body fluids and are suitable for constipation and bleeding haemorrhoids. If a person has problems with cold and swelling, they should avoid bananas in their raw form. However, they can prepare them fried in butter, sprinkled with cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg.