Health
benefits of Banana stem
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| BANANA STEM |
The banana tree is one of those few species where each part is used in some way or the other, be it the leaves which are used for eating food, the fruit which is eaten in the raw or ripe form, or the flower or stem which is also consumed.
Banana
stem can be cooked or consumed raw in juice form. The stem is cooked in various
ways in South Indian cuisine and in some parts of West Bengal. Dishes such as
vazhaithandu usli (dry cooked banana stem with lentils), vazhaithandu kootu
(banana stem cooked with lentils), vazahaithandu porial (banana stem tempered
and garnished with coconut) are popular in Tamil Nadu. Thor chapper, a dish
made of banana stem and lentil, is consumed in West Bengal.
Description:
Banana fruit grows in hanging clusters and these clusters are known as Banana Stem or a Bunch. It is mostly chopped and soaked in buttermilk before being cooked. Sizes vary but it is usually around 10 inches in most markets. You will find it in various colours like off white, light pink and purple.
How to select:
Ensure that the banana stem is firm and fresh. It usually ranges from pale pinkish white to off white colour and is around 8 to 10 inches in size when sold in the market.
Banana stem juice is beneficial to health
according to the science of Ayurveda. To make this juice, combine chopped
banana stem, some water and grind in a mixer till smooth. Add some buttermilk
and salt, mix well and have it immediately. It will be a little astringent and
bitter in taste.
- Combine chopped stem soaked in buttermilk with basic spices and garam masala to make delicious subzis and curries.
- It is a good source of dietary fiber. Since it is high in fibre, it acts as a laxative and can ease constipation.
- Banana stems juice when combined with buttermilk and had on a empty stomach helps in weight reduction. The juice has various other benefits. It is a relief for ulcers, burning sensation and acidity. Its astringent quality helps in blood coagulation.
- Banana stem is rich in potassium and thus if regularly taken, it can cure stomach pains.
- The outer parts of the stem can be used to treat heat burns. To apply on burns, apply the banana stem juice which wile se the burn.
Banana
Stem Extract suppresses Oxalate Kidney Stones
A water extract of
banana stem extract has been found to suppress the formation of
oxalate-associated kidney stones in the animal model, leading researchers to
conclude that it "may be a useful agent in the treatment of patients with
hyperoxaluric urolithiasis.
Health benefits
Banana
stem is a rich source of fibre and helps in weight loss. Its high fibre content
creates a feeling of satiation and hence, reduces the intake of food. It also helps
ease constipation. Banana stem is rich in potassium and vitamin B6 just like
the fruit. Vitamin B6 helps in production of haemoglobin and insulin.
Again, it improves
the ability of the body to fight infection. Potassium helps in the proper
functioning of muscles, including the cardiac muscles. It also helps prevent
high blood pressure, and maintain fluid balance within the body. Banana stem is
said to be a diuretic and helps detoxify the body. It is used prevent and treat
kidney stones.
Banana
stem juice is beneficial to health, according to Ayurveda. To make the juice,
combine chopped banana stem and water and grind it in a mixer till it becomes
smooth. Add some buttermilk and salt. Mix well and drink it immediately.
It will be a little astringent and bitter to
taste. Banana stem juice combined with buttermilk and taken on an empty stomach
helps in weight reduction. The juice also relieves ulcers, burning sensation
and acidity. Its astringent quality helps in blood coagulation. Banana stem is
believed to have a cooling effect on the body and hence, is recommended in
tropical climates.
