Banana Stem For Good Health

Traditional dishes with banana stems have become rare these days. And It's good that many bloggers are keeping a record of these recipes by putting it up on their blogs. People living in cities and staying in multi-storeyed flats can hardly grow a banana plant in their vicinity. But people staying in  small towns and villages do grow them in their backyards. But even in these places, the preparation of such traditional dishes is fast disappearing as people these days are preferring to eat unhealthy packed and processed stuff.


Now we all know the benefits of eating bananas and also their use in homemade beauty aids. But few know about the benefits of eating banana stem or having it in juice form. The availability of banana stem may be a problem in some places but those who grow these trees in their garden can always try to use them in their diet.  Once the tree has borne the fruits,  the stem is cut off. Instead of discarding it as a waste you can use it in your diet. Some others may discard it  due to sheer laziness though it's available to them easily, the reason being that cleaning and cutting it is a time-consuming process. While  others may discard it because they do not like its taste.  However considering the immense benefits of banana stem which will be mentioned later, you should avoid tossing it away. It's an acquired taste and you can make the dishes more palatable by using your creativity. Banana stem can be cooked or if it's tender can be consumed in raw form as salads or raitas.





After getting a banana stem, peel all the outer layers until you can peel no more. Now cut these into round pieces and store them in water to which 4--5 tbsp of buttermilk is added. This is done to avoid discoloration of the pieces. You can even store in the fridge in the same way, but change the diluted buttermilk once in three days or so. Banana stem dishes are most commonly prepared in South India.It's called Bale Dindu in Kannada and Vazhai Thandu in Tamil.



Benefits of banana stem
Highly nutritious: Just like the fruit, banana stem is also rich in potassium and vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps in production of haemoglobin and insulin.

For constipation: Since banana stem is a good source of fibre, it acts as a good laxative and can keep constipation at bay. However if you are consuming it in juice form, do not strain the juice but have it along with the residue. But I'm not sure if this can be used by pregnant women who are suffering from constipation.

For weight loss: Banana stem is highly recommended for those who wish to lose their weight quickly. Of course, this should be combined with exercise and keeping a watch on the other foods also. Being full of fibre, it will keep you satiated or a long time and thus reduces your food intake. It's best to consume as side dishes, sabzis or palyas. But you can have it in juice form too. But as mentioned before try to have it without straining. Vazhai Thandu Paruppu Usili is one of the tasty plantain stem dishes from Tamil Nadu.

Banana stem with buttermilk for weight-loss
A simple but popular juice made with banana stem is to combine the shreddings of banana stem with some buttermilk and grind it in a mixer until smooth. Remove it. Do not stain; just dilute it with some more buttermilk with a pinch of black salt and have it. Having this juice on an empty stomach supposedly helps with weight-reduction.

Banana stem juice with ginger for weight loss
Combine banana stem shreddings with 1 tsp of finely chopped ginger and grind it in the mixer along with some water to a smooth paste. Transfer the paste into a glass, add some more water to dilute it, a pinch of black salt or saindhav salt to dilute it and have it.

Vazhai Thandu juice or plaintain stem juice commonly prepared in Tamil Nadu:
Take around 1/4 cup of banana stem pieces. Add 1/2 cup of yogurt and 1 tsp of roasted cumin seed (jeera) powder and 1/2 tsp of pepper powder and grind it in a mixer. Transfer it to a glass, add thinned buttermilk or water with a pinch of salt, preferably black salt and have it.



For acidity and burning sensation: The above mentioned banana juice with buttermilk can also be used for stomach ulcers, burning sensation in the chest and for hyperacidity as well.

For diabetes: It has low glycemic index and is very filling and hence good for diabetic patients as well.

For kidney stones: Banana stem is said to be a diuretic and helps detoxify the body. Those who have kidney stones should include have it twice a week in their diet. Having it on a regular basis also prevents the occurrence of kidney and gall bladder stones.

Good for Immune system: Banana stem helps fight infection and boosts your immunity.

Helps in UTI: Having it also prevents and treats Urinary tract infections.

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