Banana leaves are used for cooking, decoration but also as a serving tray, throughout South-East Asia. In South India, food is directly served on the banana leaf due to its, hygienic, antioxidant and healthy properties. They are considered a much better option than the manufactured plates.
Why Are Banana Leaves Healthy?
Banana leaves are rich in polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin gallate, a plant-based compound which is a potent antioxidant. Such antioxidant belongs to the group of catechins, containing three phenol rings and some very important antioxidant qualities. This antioxidant is the main active component of the green tea leaves.
Epigallocatechin gallate, plays an important role in the protection of oxidative damage from free radicals. These free radicals are results from the stressful modern life and cause numerous chronic diseases such as arteriosclerosis, accelerated aging, heart diseases and even cancer.
So, EGCG protects the DNA from the visible and ultraviolet radiation damage, promotes fat oxidation and reduces body weight. Along, the potent antioxidant properties, banana leaf abounds in many benefits that promote skin rejuvenation.
You would probably ask why people do not consume them despite their health benefits. It is because they are difficult to digest if eaten directly. In India, people eat the food served on banana leaves and then feed the cows with the leaves.
Also, you might wonder how the banana leaf could provide these benefits if not eaten. Well, the warm food activates the polyphenols in banana leaves and they get absorbed in the food. Along these benefits, banana leaves are high in citric acid, carotene, calcium and vitamin A.
Benefits of Eating on a Banana Leaves
Eating on a banana leaf is an excellent way to absorb the numerous nutrients from the food. Some of the benefits include:
- It’s chlorophyll in banana leaves that prevent skin diseases and intestinal ulcers.
- Cleanses the blood.
- Stimulates appetite and help in the digestion of food.
- Provides many benefits for the skin.
- Soothes the mucous lining in the stomach and treats ulcer.
- Treats kidney stones and other diseases related to bladder.
- Improve the immune system.
Why to Practice Eating on a Banana Leaf?
1. Provides Great Flavor
The waxy coating on banana leaves gives the food a distinct but a subtle flavor. So, when the food is put on the leaves, the wax melts and provides a better taste. You can also cook or steam food in banana leaf and in this way, you will provide astringent flavor.
2. Environment Friendly
The manufactured plates can harm the environment, in contrast to banana leaves which are eco-friendly to the environment.
3. Hygienic and Clean
In relation with plates, banana leaves only need to be rinsed with water before use. Even, it is much better to eat from a banana leaf rather than from a place where there are no proper hygiene standards.
4. Chemical-Free
The everyday use of chemical detergents and soaps can affect your health because due to the traces of chemicals on plates. In case of banana leaves there are no such risks.
5. Waterproof
The waxy coating of banana leaves enables some slightly soupy preparations without turning the food soggy. You can also use banana leaves instead of aluminum foil.
Other Benefits of Banana Leaves
You can use banana leaf not only as a serving tray, but for many other purposes, including:
- Banana leaf will help you treat skin wounds and other skin issues such as sunburn and dandruff.
- The soaked banana leaf will soothe the sunburned area.
- The medicinal qualities of banana leaf will reduce poisonous insect bites, spider bites, bee stings, skin irritation and rashes.
Via Cure Joy