In Fall 1997, at only 2 years old, a cockatoo of mine was diagnosed with a kidney density. I began to research food and nutrition with a renewed interest that I have had since the 1960’s and 70’s. In my research and through my flock and others’ flocks, I have focused not only on nutrition but on the medicinal value of food. Living with parrots, whether they are completely well or are those that have health and nutritional illnesses and/or deficiencies inspires me to continue to research and learn more about the healing properties of food. I also developed a strong interest in herbs after chatting and consulting with the late Alicia McWatters. Alicia not only helped my parrots and me, but she was a teacher for me and so many others. This column is dedicated to her memory and to the parrots that have the gift to be one of nature’s most sublime teachers if I only remember to listen, look and learn.

 

I hope that you and your flock enjoy the information, photographs, and new grocery lists presented here and that you’ll share your comments and stories with us. Welcome to the first edition of our monthly BIO-Food Nutrition Column.

 

—       Shauna Roberts

 

If you have questions or comments for Shauna, please email her at shauna@thegabrielfoundation.org.  Thanks for reading.

Banana News             

By Shauna Roberts

 

Not many parrots disapprove of bananas, in fact most eat them happily. Bananas and plantains (not to be confused with the herb plant plantago ovata or lanceolata) are found in the tropics native to many parrots, growing on tall trees. Trees? Actually no, bananas and plantains are not really trees.  They are giant herb plants. They are a good addition to any diet, brimming with high amounts of vitamins A (beta carotene), B6 and C. Although we often hear of them being a good source of potassium, they are only a moderate source at about 630 mg. potassium per banana, compared to potassium giants like kelp, parsley or almonds. Also they are a good source of soluble fiber, which can be helpful in absorbing endotoxins (a byproduct of bacterial and fungal putrefaction in the gut).  Even though bananas aren’t the biggest source of potassium out there, they can still help those with hypertension.

 

Green bananas as well as ripe ones are enjoyed by my parrots. If you want to try some green bananas but don’t see them, just ask your grocer, there are probably some in the back storage.  In their green state, bananas are also used as food and medicine in the tropics. Green bananas are higher in starch and lower in sugar than when ripened. One kind of sugar that is found in banana is fructooligosaccharide or FOS. This is a type of sugar that helps with beneficial bacteria production in the gut. Overall, banana is a great food for gastrointestinal health! These herbs are also great at helping to detoxify any body.  When bananas are used medicinally for people, they are often used to help treat diarrhea (eaten semi-ripe….in this stage bananas have an astringent property) or constipation (eaten very ripe). Unripe bananas have also been used to treat colitis, ulcers and gastrointestinal irritations.

 

 Unfortunately conventionally grown bananas can be heavily sprayed with chemicals so it’s always best to purchase organic, not only for your parrots, but you as well.

 

Trouble sleeping at night? Try a banana. They contain high levels of serotonin, a chemical in our brains that induces relaxation. 

 

Recipes

Banana condiment:

Mash banana with some minced garlic and a little hot sauce

Banana side salad:

1 diced banana
Toss with some plain yogurt and a dash of curry powder

 

 

 

Past Articles:

 

June 2004 Coconut  http://www.thegabrielfoundation.org/HTML/Shaunacoconut.htm