From our childhood days, we now have heard that the consumption of bananas is great for our well being. It is filled with micronutrients and macronutrients, which impart quite a few well being advantages. Each a part of the banana tree, just like the fruit, leaf, and stem, is filled with a number of well being advantages. As well as, virtually each a part of the banana tree has industrial purposes.
Banana belongs to the Musaceae household within the genus Musa. The Fe‘i banana, which belongs to the Australimusa sub-section of the Musa genus, is cultivated primarily for its fruit. The Fe‘i bananas are categorised by straight bunches, pink-red to purple sap, and deep yellow or orange colored fruit pulp. Banana and plantain are a gaggle of enormous perennial herbs that may develop as much as 20 ft.
An Overview of Banana
Individuals domesticate bananas within the tropical area, with India being the most important producer with a median annual output of 14.2 million tonnes. Different main producers of bananas embrace Ecuador, the Philippines, Brazil, Mexico, China, and Costarica. Individuals additionally use the fruit, leaves, stem (also referred to as ‘false stem’), flowers, and banana tree roots as drugs. In North America, a lot of the accessible bananas are from one exact selection. Nonetheless, many varieties of bananas exist around the globe.
Banana is a healthful fruit, and you should utilize virtually each a part of the tree for its medicinal worth. For instance, it helps preserve low potassium ranges within the blood (hypokalaemia), constipation, and diarrhoea. Individuals additionally use bananas to deal with diabetes, excessive ldl cholesterol, and lots of different circumstances, however no detailed scientific analysis helps most of those makes use of.
Banana fruit comprises chemical substances and carbohydrates. A few of these carbohydrates work as fibres, which play an important function in regulating the gastrointestinal system. The chemical substances operate as antioxidants which play a job in decreasing swelling and preventing free radicals. Bananas additionally comprise potassium, nutritional vitamins, and a number of other different minerals.
Banana Stem – Right here’s What You Ought to Know
The banana stem is just not like different plant stems as a result of the flower stalk of the banana plant is called the banana stem. The thick stalks rise from the soil, thus forming the backbone of the herbaceous plant. The banana stem has a crunchy floor and possesses a light flavour when consumed as a meals product. However, then again, it’s candy and provides a bitter aftertaste. Subsequently, it’s honest to say that the stalk is the stem of the banana plant.
The banana stalk harvests one colossal flower cluster after which dies. The stalk is mostly reduce off from the plant when the bananas are plump and subjected to the ripening course of. Subsequently, individuals eat this stalk because the banana stem.
Dietary Contents in Banana Stem
- Potassium (Ok)
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Copper (CU)
- Iron (Fe)
- Manganese (Mn)
- Carbohydrates
- Fibres
- Different minerals & micronutrients
Well being Advantages of Banana Stem
The banana stem is loaded with an ample quantity of fibre and is thus identified to profit in stopping constipation and ulcers in the long term.
The banana stem additionally comprises a considerable quantity of nutritional vitamins B6 and potassium. Therefore, sufferers affected by anaemia and diabetes are suggested to incorporate this meals product of their weight loss plan often. A few of the different advantages of the banana stem are:
Prevents Diabetes
The prevalence of diabetes is witnessing fast development amongst low and middle-income international locations in comparison with high-income international locations. Rising instances of diabetes worldwide are primarily on account of a number of elements reminiscent of weight problems, sedentary & unhealthy way of life, and genetic historical past.
Vitamin B6 is a cofactor concerned in lots of reactions answerable for modulating varied functionalities. Subsequently, deficiency of it usually results in a number of implications like Parkinson’s, diabetes, autism, most cancers, and lots of extra.
Research linking diabetes and vitamin B6 have correlated each problems and effectiveness. Research in Drosophila have indicated that vitamin B6 deficiency might result in diabetes. Therefore, banana stems, a wealthy supply of vitamin B6, are believed to provide efficient leads to combating diabetes. Moreover, vitamin B6 within the stem helps the manufacturing of haemoglobin and insulin.
Individuals additionally use the stem for the therapy of hyperglycaemia. Lectin current within the banana stem stimulates insulin-like enzymes, which regulate the expansion of fatty cells. Furthermore, bananas stems are extremely appropriate for consumption amongst diabetes sufferers, owing to their low glycemic index.
Cleansing
The juice of the banana stem flushes out toxins from the physique. Subsequently, it is usually consumed as a drink by many. It has diuretic properties and positively impacts the digestive system. It additionally has a number of good fibre, which performs a significant function in sustaining optimum intestine well being.
Banana stem juice regulates the acidic ranges within the human physique and balances them. Because of this, it helps to cut back heartburn and discomfort within the digestive system.
Scale back Weight
Banana stem juice could be very helpful within the weight reduction course of. The excessive content material of fibre curbs starvation pangs and cravings, thereby decreasing meals consumption and contributing to weight reduction. The fibre additionally facilitates the discharge of sugar and fat into the physique’s cells. If consumed as salad, the uncooked stem items assist scale back weight problems by chopping down on fats.
Prevents Kidney Points
At present, medical doctors usually advocate together with banana stem within the weight loss plan for sufferers that suffer from gall bladder stones. You’ll be able to embrace banana stem within the weight loss plan as a beverage or a part of a meal.
The stem juice is a good diuretic drink and helps oust small kidney stones. If combined with cardamom, this juice soothes the bladder and offers aid in opposition to cystitis. Cystitis is a type of urinary tract an infection (UTI) that disturbs the bladder. It’s extra widespread amongst girls. Cystitis typically heals by itself. Nonetheless, in excessive instances, you’ll require antibiotics for its therapy.
Prevents Anaemia
Based on WHO, in 2019, the worldwide prevalence of anaemia stood at an awesome 29.9% amongst girls within the reproductive age class or aged 15-49 years. Whereas anaemia’s prevalence amongst youngsters aged between 6-and 59 months stood at 39.8%.
Banana stems are extremely beneficial within the therapy of anaemia by healthcare professionals. They’re wealthy in vitamin B6 and iron, each identified to advertise haemoglobin ranges within the blood.
Relieves Constipation
Subsequently, the plantain stem is filled with fibre, which may successfully present aid in constipation. Subsequently, consumption within the type of juice for treating constipation is exceptionally helpful. Nonetheless, not straining the juice is beneficial by consultants to keep up optimum ranges of fibre within the drink.
Reduces Dangerous Ldl cholesterol
Based on reviews printed by WHO, one-third of ischaemic coronary heart illness instances globally are on account of excessive levels of cholesterol. As well as, excessive levels of cholesterol are estimated to trigger roughly 2.6 million deadly episodes yearly. Between 2015 and 2018, roughly 12% of American adults confirmed levels of cholesterol increased than 240 mg/dL, says CDC.
The banana stem may assist effectively handle levels of cholesterol, amongst many advantages. It’s a wealthy supply of vitamin iron & B6, which play an important function in growing haemoglobin depend and decreasing low-density lipoproteins (LDL) levels of cholesterol.
Regulates Blood Stress
Hypertension or hypertension is when the blood stress in opposition to the arteries’ partitions is abnormally excessive. If left unadministered, hypertension will increase the possibilities of stroke. Based on CDC, roughly half of the whole American grownup inhabitants, i.e., ~47%, endure from hypertension.
Banana stems are wealthy in potassium, a mineral greatest identified for combating fluctuations in blood stress. Therefore, common consumption of banana stems may help handle hypertension successfully and reduces the danger of cardiovascular issues.
Prevents Urinary Tract An infection
Research have discovered that Urinary tract an infection (UTI) is likely one of the commonest infections that have an effect on girls worldwide. UTI usually results in vaginal infections, and it majorly outcomes from pathogens that originate within the digestive tract.
Banana stem juice possesses diuretic properties. Thus, it aids the physique in flushing away toxins and purifying the urinary tract. Subsequently, it’s best to eat banana stem juice a minimum of thrice per week to evade the possibilities of urinary tract infections.
Banana Stem and Ayurveda
As per Ayurveda, all parts of the banana tree have nice medicinal advantages in opposition to a variety of circumstances. Individuals discuss with it by synonyms like Kadali, Vaarnaa, Mocha, Ambusara, and Anshumatiphala. Few of the various makes use of of bananas in Ayurveda embrace:
- The juice of the banana stem improves Vata issues and thirst. Vata establishes power and regulates all motion processes at a microcellular and macroscopic degree – from the blinking of our eyelids to the actions of our muscle tissues. Additionally it is answerable for enhancing circulation, respiration, and the nervous system capabilities.
- The juice of the banana stem helps flush out kidney stones.
- The Sherbet (syrup) made out of banana stem offers aid from cough.
- You’ll be able to eat the internal tender stem as a vegetable.
Potential Aspect Results of Banana Stem
Though banana stem doesn’t have vital negative effects, some doable negative effects are allergy, abdomen ache, vomiting, or hurt to the liver & kidneys. Nonetheless, it depends upon the particular person’s medical historical past and the quantity of banana stem consumed. It is best to train moderation whereas consuming or consuming in any type. A pores and skin allergy may also be a possible facet impact.
In such conditions, it’s of utmost significance that the particular person consults a health care provider, a medical knowledgeable, a nutritionist, or a dietician. Ignoring the signs talked about above can result in far-reaching well being issues.
Banana Stem – Greatest Methods to Devour
Many individuals keep away from incorporating banana stem because it takes time to scrub and reduce the banana stem. However on condition that it’s useful in some ways, there are simple strategies to keep away from time wastage. As soon as cleaned and reduce, they are often soaked in buttermilk and saved within the fridge for days. Then, as per the requirement, you should utilize it to make juice for consumption. Nonetheless, with time, it is best to change buttermilk.
In Southern Thailand, individuals normally add a finely chopped banana stem to a candy and bitter vegetable soup or a curry. Subsequently, you should utilize banana stems as an ingredient in cooking meals.
- Step one is to scrub it correctly after which peel the outer layers.
- Within the subsequent step, reduce the internal layer of the banana stem into small slices.
- After that, you possibly can fry it or cook dinner it uncooked in accordance with the particular person’s palette.
- You’ll be able to eat the fibrous edible as kebabs, tikkas, and cutlets.
In West Bengal, individuals fry the banana stem and incorporate it into meals. Being a tropical area, individuals in South India use banana stems to curate quite a few recipes. A well-liked recipe is Vazhaithandu Pachadi, a type of raita made with banana stems. It’s easy to make and is very helpful for well being, particularly throughout summers.
The Backside Line
The banana stem is a herbaceous and non-woody a part of the banana tree. Individuals comprehend it by many names throughout totally different components of India and the world. It’s a well-established indisputable fact that the banana stem is filled with flavour and diet. Individuals, particularly in India, devour this a part of the plant.
Whereas in different components of the world, individuals use it in assorted methods in a meal. Being a wealthy supply of vitamins, it finds a spot in each family for its affordability, medicinal advantages, and comfort. Capability & tolerance in the direction of meals varies broadly from particular person to particular person. Therefore it’s strictly beneficial to seek the advice of knowledgeable in case of potential negative effects post-consumption.
Incessantly Requested Questions (FAQs)
Q. How do you retailer banana stems long run?
A. As soon as cleaned and reduce, you possibly can soak them in buttermilk and retailer them within the fridge for days. Then, you should utilize it as per your requirement. For instance, you should utilize it to make juice for consumption. Altering the buttermilk as per its sourness must be saved in thoughts.
Q. How do you take away fibre from banana stems?
A. Banana stems represent two pure layers—the arduous internal layer is edible, and you need to discard a porous outer layer. The method of banana fibre extraction is straightforward. First, it is best to peel off the outer covers of the banana stem. Subsequent, flatten the internal layers, and strip off the fibres manually or by way of machines for industrial functions.
Q. Why are banana stems wrapped in plastic?
A. Wrapping the banana stems is a good way to maintain them contemporary. It is best to do it to cease the discharge of ethylene gasoline from the stems.
Q. What makes bananas flip brown so quick?
A. When bananas are available contact with ethylene gasoline, their acids break down. Quickly it turns into softer, and the inexperienced chlorophyll pigments within the fruit break down. It turns right into a yellow hue color, much like brown.
Q. Which a part of the banana stem is edible?
A. The within a part of the fibrous stalk in a banana stem is the edible portion. Nonetheless, you’ll have to take away the tough outer layers to disclose the white or yellowish-green stem.
Q. What a part of the banana plant develops right into a fruit?
A. The banana fruit primarily develops from the banana flower; this course of is flower growth. The event of the flower happens deep throughout the plant’s stem, which hides below the leaves’ bases. You can not see the primary few phases of flower growth till you chop the banana plant. Therefore, the stem solely seems above the leaves as soon as the flower completes its rising section.
Q. Is banana stem good for diabetes?
A. Vitamin B6 within the stem helps the manufacturing of haemoglobin and insulin. Subsequently, the stem helps fight hyperglycaemia. Furthermore, lectin current within the banana stem stimulates insulin-like enzymes, which regulate the expansion of fatty cells. Thus, the consumption of banana stem is taken into account efficient in defending in opposition to diabetes.
Q. Can banana stems be eaten uncooked?
A. You should utilize the contemporary stems uncooked. Nonetheless, it isn’t so tender when the stem is a day older. Therefore you’ll have to cook dinner or fry it to eat it.
Q. How helpful is banana stem juice for kidney stones?
A. At present, medical doctors usually advocate together with banana stems within the weight loss plan for sufferers that suffer from gallbladder stones. Together with banana stem within the weight loss plan a minimum of as soon as weekly as a beverage or meal is very helpful. The stem juice acts as a good diuretic drink and helps out small kidney stones.
Q. When to drink banana stem juice?
A. Ingesting a glass of banana stem juice within the morning a minimum of thrice per week contributes massively to your well being and gives quite a few well being advantages. Nonetheless, this depends upon particular person wants, points, and medical historical past. Therefore, it’s best to seek the advice of a health care provider to keep away from potential negative effects.
