SAFETY IN CONSUMPTION OF THE UNRIPE AND RIPE BANANAS, IN NATURE AND DEHYDRATED, EVALUATED BY ENERGY-DISPERSIVE X-RAY FLUORESCENCE TO DETERMINE THE ELEMENTAL CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Bananas, both "in nature" and dehydrated, were examined at ripening stages 1 and 7 using an oven and were analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique facilitated the elemental analysis. This investigation established an experimental protocol for the EDXRF analysis of bananas, yielding empirical data on their elemental nutritional content. Consequently, the elemental concentrations in the silver banana (Musa spp.) may correlate with its maturity and hydration state. Additionally, it was observed that beyond the macro and micronutrients present, bananas contain impurities and heavy metals, warranting caution in their consumption. Discussions encompassed the daily intake limits of silver bananas, their toxicological safety based on experimental data, and the implications for human consumption of this pseudo-fruit.