Banana, banana stem, banana leaf health benefits
A large herbaceous plant with large leaves which you see in country yard of many south Indian houses. Banana plant is unique as its every part is edible in which stem, leaves, fruits and flowers are are edible.
The scientific names of banana plant are Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. It is called kela in Hindi, kadalika in Sanskrit.
Firstly it is grown for food and secondly it is grown for production of fibre used in the textile industry. It is also grown as an ornamental plant.
In South Indian states banana plant is considered as sacred and traditionally it is used in worshipping god in many festivals and ceremonies. Small banana plant is used for decorating purpose in religious ceremonies and marriages. Banana leaves are used to serve food.
Banana plant grows in many parts of the world and it produce fruit once in its lifespan and normally you can see many off shoots around the plant. It grows up to 9 meters and it has wider, longer leaves which are flexible.
It takes 8-9 months to produce fruit and many bunches of fruits are arranged in a single stalk. Once the plant produces fruit then the plant dies.
Banana stem consists of harder exterior part and and inner stalk is softer. This softer portion is edible part of the stem. The cone shaped flower is edible. Banana leaves are also edible and it is used in cooking and in the process of cooking.
Banana stem
As banana fruit is harvested from the plant, stem is cut and outer thick, harder layer is peeled off. The inner soft stalk is used in cooking and in home remedies. This part is fleshy, juicy and full of fibre. It is used prepare dishes like raita, palya and in salads. Its juice prepared also taken as medicine. Banana stem when taken in raw form is healthier than cooked form.
Banana stem is packed with vitamins and minerals like potassium, iron, vitamin B 6 in larger amount. It also contains high fibre, antioxidants and it is diuretic. It contains low calorie and can be added in diet food for many ailments.
Banana stem health benefits and in home remedies
Keeps diabetes at bay
Juice of banana stem is taken as raw helps to control blood sugar level. Banana stem juice contains no sugar in it. It increases the production of insulin and it slows down the release of sugar and fat in the blood stream. Banana stem juice is used without straining is more beneficial.
Aids kidney health
Banana stem is rich in potassium and it helps in the absorption of calcium. It avoids formation of kidney stones and also dissolves kidney stones. As it is diuretic, it helps to convert waste to urine and it in turn helps to flush out waste from the body. This improves body health as well as kidney health. It avoids infection and inflammation in kidney.
Detoxification
Antioxidants present in banana stem helps to remove toxins from the body which is formed in the process of digestion and from the environmental factors. It keeps liver, kidney, heart healthy.
Anaemia
Banana stem is rich in iron and vitamin B 6 and juice from banana stem taken regularly effectively increases the production of haemoglobin. It prevents from anaemic condition.
Weight loss
Banana stem contains rich fibre and low in calorie makes your stomach feel full and you do not feel hungry for a long time. It reduces the amount of food you intake and aids in weight loss.
Urinary tract infection
As banana stem is diuretic and it contains potassium and vitamin B 6 , it increases the production of urine and by this toxins are removed easily from the system. Urinary tract infections are prevented by this.
Avoids constipation
Fibre present in banana stem acts as laxative and helps in easy bowel movement and this aids in clearing intestine and preventing constipation. It helps to treat piles and prevent piles.
Aids in heart health
Potassium and vitamin B 6 in banana stem helps in keeping blood pressure under control.
Digestion
Vitamins, minerals and fibre in banana stem balances the secretion of digestive juices and aids in digestion. It avoids acidity and stomach ulcer. It also cleanses the digestive system which in turn improves the health of skin and hair too.
Banana stem or bale dindu juice
Juice is prepared from banana stem which diuretic and improves the overall health of kidney, heart and liver by improving digestion and excretion. Potassium containing in banana stem and citric acid in lime juice avoids the formation of kidney stones and also reduces the size of the stones.
Ingredients needed
Banana stem 6-8 inch length
Lemon juice 1 tsp
Pepper powder 1/2 tsp
Butter milk 1 glass
Salt as per taste
Preparation
Remove the outer layer of banana stem and chop the inner soft portion and grind it.
Strain this and add pepper powder, lemon juice and salt to it.
Add butter milk and mix well.
You can also use this without straining.
Banana stem in recipe
Banana stem or bale dindu used in many recipes like palya, curries, salads. You can use it raw or cooked form. Because of nutrients in banana stem makes it a healthy food in your diet.
Banana stem or bale dindu palya
Ingredients needed
Banana stem 8-10 inch length
Mustard seeds 1/2 tsp
Urad dal 1 tsp
Green chilli 2-3
Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves 7-8
Coriander leaves chopped 3 tsp
Fresh grated coconut 1/2 cup
Cooking oil 4 tsp
Lemon juice 1 tsp
Salt as per taste
Preparation
Chop banana stem and keep it aside.
Heat cooking oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and urad dal and fry it till aroma comes.
Then add curry leaves and chopped chilli and fry it.
Next add chopped banana stem and mix well and add turmeric powder to it.
Add one cup of water and cook it, closing it with a lid.
After it is cooked add salt, lemon juice and fresh grated coconut and mix well.
Finally add chopped coriander leaves.
Banana leaves
Banana leaves are elongated and larges leaves and its length may vary from 6-8 feet. Leaves are flexible and delicate. It contains good amount of antioxidants and its juice is used as medicine. It also used in the process of cooking where it is used for covering dishes in steam cooking. It is also used as packing material for flowers, food items. Dried leaves are also used as packing material.
Traditionally, in South Indian states banana leaves are used for serving meal in religious ceremonies and marriage ceremonies. These leaves are considered as sacred leaves and food offered as naivedya, served on banana leaves during worshipping god.
Banana leaf adds a good aroma to the cooked food which served on it. When we eat food which served on banana leaf various nutrients got mix with the food and it improves the immune system of our body.
Steaming dishes covered with banana leaves adds a unique flavour and aroma to the dish. As the leaves are chemical free, it is healthy to use in cooking process as covering dishes.
Banana leaves are rich in calcium, vitamin D and magnesium which helps in digestion and excretion and in turn it prevents kidney and gall stones.
Banana leaves in home remedies
Helps to relieve from cold and cough
Decoction prepared with 3-4 tsp of banana leaf juice with water helps to relieve from cold and cough. It treats throat infection and fever considerably.
Immunity
Nutrients present in banana leaves boosts immunity of our body. Its soup is taken two times a day to improves our body health.
Stomach pain
Decoction prepared using banana leaves relieves from stomach pain. It also aids in digestion.
Avoids pimples
Leaves paste is applied as face pack and washed after half an hour with warm water. Continue this for a week or two which removes pimples and prevents the formation of pimples.
Hair care
Banana leaf paste is applied on scalp and washed after half an hour. This removes dandruff and strengthens hair root and avoids hair fall.
Weight loss
When you use banana leaf decoction regularly it helps in weight loss. It burns unwanted fat in the body.
Banana leaves used in steam cooking
Banana leaves are used in many dishes like idli, dumplings where we steam cook these dishes.
Sweet dumplings
Sweet dumplings are also called patholi or kayikadubu in which dish is covered with banana leaves which add unique aroma to the dish. This is specially prepared during Ganesha festival.
Ingredients required for dumplings :
Banana leaves 1-2Rice 2 cups
Fresh coconut grated 2 cups
Jaggery 1 cup
Sesame seeds 1 tsp
Cardamom powder 1/2 tsp
A pinch of salt
Ghee 1/4 cup
Preparation
Soak rice for 2-3 hours and grind it to make a batter.Cook this batter adding little water and 1 spoon of ghee to it. Cook it until a soft dough is formed.
Take grated coconut and jaggery in a pan.
Cook it for a 4-5 minutes on low flame, while keep on stirring so that it will not stick to the bottom.
Then add fried sesame, 3 tsp of ghee,cardamom powder and a pinch of salt to it and mix well.
Spread the rice batter on the leaves not too thick or not too thin.
Spread the coconut filling of the rice batter.
Gently fold leaves and steam it for about 20 minutes in a steamer. Dumplings are served with ghee.
Raw banana importance
Raw bananas are in the form of bunches which are arranged in a single stalk. These ripens gradually and the flower is attached to the bottom end of stalk.
Raw banana in which its colour of outer skin is green in colour and it can be eaten without cooking. It is also used in preparing palya, chips and in curries.
Raw banana is dried and powdered form can also be used in diet.
It mainly contains starch, antioxidants, potassium, vitamin B 6, Vitamin C and it is also rich in other nutrients.
Raw banana has good amount of starch which makes it a healthy diet food for many ailments.
Raw banana in home remedies
Weight loss
Raw banana taken as snack or with meal you do not feel hungry for a long time as it contains lot of starch and it avoids taking more food. It also burns unwanted fat and helps in weight loss.
Makes bones stronger
Calcium and potassium present in raw banana makes bones stronger and healthier. It prevents joint pain.
Digestion
Amino acids present in raw banana helps in easy digestion and makes digestive system stronger.
Rejuvenates nervous system
Raw banana contains vitamin B 6 which strengthens nervous system and rejuvenates it. It increases the production of hormones that are necessary for overall health. It helps to overcome stress and anxiety.
Heart health
Iron present in raw banana increases the production of haemoglobin and other nutrients present in it also maintains good circulation of blood in body improves heart health.
Raw banana in recipe
Raw banana is used in preparing many dishes and snacks. Curries, dosa, palya, chips are prepared using raw banana.
Raw banana chips
Raw banana chips is a famous snack in South India. Banana chips are fried in coconut oil and they are perfect for tea time snacks. They should be stored in air tight container keeps it fresh and crispy for several days. Nendra bale variety is preferred in preparing chips.
Ingredients needed
Coconut oil 3 cups
Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
Red chilli powder 1 -2 tsp
Salt to taste
Preparation
Peel the skin of raw banana and then slice it.
Take 1/2 cup of water in a bowl and add turmeric powder, chilli powder and salt to it.
Heat the oil in a pan. When oil heats up put sliced banana and when it fries add 1/2 tsp salt, chilli powder and turmeric mixture. Fry this till it turns crispy. You can also add pepper powder instead of red chilli powder.
Banana fruit
Banana fruit is popular fruit available in many countries. There are many varieties of banana namely cavendish banana, pisang raja, nendra bale, putta bale, pacha bale are grown in India.
Banana fruit is consumed as fruit and also used in preparing many sweet dishes.
Banana fruit is a must for worshipping god in India and it is offered to god as naivedya. It also used in religious ceremonies and festivals.
Banana is fleshy fruit inside the thick outer cover and it is elongated and many bananas are clustered to form a bunch which is attached to a long stalk in the middle. A single banana tree can produce 100 -200 bananas.
Banana fruit is rich in potassium, calcium, iron, protein, fibre, carbohydrates, vitamin A,B 6,C, E, magnesium, beta carotene and lots of antioxidants. It is also rich in fibre.
Health benefits of banana
Heart health
Bananas contains rich potassium and low sodium which improves heart health and controls blood pressure. Anti oxidants present in banana also helps to keep the heart health.
Aids in digestion
Nutrients present in banana aids in digestion and it avoids constipation. It in turn prevents and treats piles. It also relieves from other digestive disorders. It helps in easy bowel movement and treats irritable bowel syndrome.
Memory booster
Amino acids present in bananas may help in improving memory. More research needed on this. It also treats anxiety and insomnia and fatigue.
Bones health
Calcium present in banana improves bones strength. It helps our body to absorb calcium.
Strengthens muscle
Banana is a good source of magnesium which helps to build muscles and strengthens muscle.
Immunity booster
Bananas with vitamin B and other nutrients which boosts our immunity considerably. Eating a banana everyday avoids many diseases.
Source of energy
Glucose rich bananas provide energy. After exercise and work outs you can have banana which gives energy needed for the body.
Detoxification
Antioxidants present in banana helps to remove free radicals from the body and it detoxifies the organs which in turn makes our body healthier.
Banana in recipe
Banana is used mainly in the preparation of desserts and in South India banana halwa, burfi, payasam and other sweets are prepared. Banana is one of the main ingredient in fruit salad. It is also mixed with oatmeal with dry fruits makes a healthy breakfast. Banana milkshake is healthy drink for growing children.
Banana halwa recipe
Ingredients needed
Banana medium sized 6
Sugar 1 cup
Ghee 1/2 cup
Cardamon powder 1/4 tsp
Preparation
First remove the skin of banana and grind to make paste of it.
Then cook banana paste in a pan for 2-3 minutes in low flame with stirring.
Add sugar to it and cook it with continuous stirring till it attains halwa consistency.
As it cook it changes to brownish colour and then add ghee and cardamon powder and cook it for 2 minute.
Then pour this mixture on greased plate and cut into square pieces when it cools down.
You can also add dry fruits to this halwa.
Banana flower or banana blossoms
Banana flowers are widely used in culinary purpose in South East Asian countries. In south India banana flowers are commonly used.
These banana flowers are packed with nutrients like vitamin A, C, E and minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium and rich is fibre and antioxidants.
Banana flowers in home remedies
Benefits pregnant and lactating mothers
Iron rich banana flowers nourishes pregnant women and lactating mothers and it avoids anaemia during pregnancy and after delivery. It is said that it increases the quality and quantity of breast milk after delivery. It also benefits babies.
Magnesium present in banana flowers prevents muscle cramps during pregnancy. It also helps uterus to regain its strength and health after delivery. Cooked banana flowers can be taken regularly with butter milk.
Aids digestion
Banana flowers contains good dietary fibre which aids in digestion and maintains the bowel movement and prevents constipation. It avoids many digestive disorders at bay. It also prevents and treats piles.
Boost immunity
Banana flowers nutrients contents strengthens our body and it prevents infections due to pathogenic bacteria. It boosts our body immunity.
Menstruation problems
Regular use of banana flowers increases the hormone progesterone and it prevents heavy bleeding and abdominal pain during menstruation.
Stress and anxiety
Potassium rich banana flowers relieves from stress and anxiety and relaxes our mood. It also acts as antidepressant.
Longevity
Nutrients present in banana flowers helps in digestion, assimilation and excretion and maintains good health of heart, liver, kidney and digestive system. Antioxidants present in it removes toxins from the body and protect the cells from natural ageing process. This helps in longevity.
Banana flower in recipe
Banana flower is used in preparing many dishes like palya, raita, salads and chutney. The outer layers are removed and inner part of the flower is used in cooking.
Banana flower palya or curry
Ingredients needed
Banana flower 1
Coconut oil 4 tsp
Mustard seeds 1/2 tsp
Cumin `1/2 tsp
Urad dal 1 tsp
Curry leaves 7-8
Onion 1
Red chilli 1-2
Green chilli 2-4
Lemon juice 1 tsp
Fresh grated coconut 1 cup
Turmeric powder 1 tsp
Hing 1/4 tsp
Preparation
First remove 1-3 layers of outer covering of flower and chop it.
Soak in water for 5 minutes.
Heat pan and add oil and mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves and fry it.
Next add urad dal and red chilli, green chilli and fry it. As it fries add turmeric powder and hing.
Add chopped onions and fry it. Then add chopped banana flower and fry it till it cooks.
Finally add fresh grated coconut, salt, lemon juice to it. Mix well.
You can add tomato instead of lemon.
The opinions expressed herein are authors personal opinions and do not represent any one's view in anyway, do not use this information to diagnose or treat your problem without consulting your physician. Remedies here mentioned are used for ages may not be clinically proven.
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