Banana stem, also called the plantain stalk, is the soft, fibrous and edible trunk of the banana plant. Though it is often discarded and thrown away, did you know that banana stem is not only edible but also has a number of health benefits?
Yes, the stem of a banana tree has several benefits worth knowing about. From weight loss to preventing diabetes and kidney stones, the banana stem has plenty of benefits. It has also been used as a traditional medicine to treat various health problems for centuries.
It is the new superfood that you need to add to your diet, and there are many things you need to know about it. So, let’s get started!
Banana stem nutrition
Banana stem, like banana, has a low carbohydrate content. It is also a low in calories and contains more than 85 percent water. Moreover, it is low in fat and a good source of iron.
A 100 gram serving of banana stem provides:
- Calories: 42
- Water: 88 gram
- Protein: 0 gram
- Fat: 0 gram
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 10 gram
- Calcium: 10 mg
- Phosphorus: 10 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
10 Benefits of eating banana stem
1. Keeps you hydrated
The banana stem comprises more than 85% water of its total weight. This is helpful for you in summer as the body tends to dehydrate more quickly during summer. Adding even a single serving of banana stem juice during this time can help your body prevent dehydration.
2. Help in weight loss
The banana stem is low in calories, making it an excellent choice for people looking to lose weight. With only 42 calories per 100 gram, the banana stem is also high in fiber, another nutrient that aids in weight loss. Fiber helps you feel full for longer and prevents you from eating unnecessary calories.
3. It prevents constipation and promotes regularity
The fiber in the banana stem not only favours you in weight loss but also helps to prevent a common problem like constipation. Fiber is an important part of a diet that helps to keep the digestive system functioning properly and promotes regularity.
Additionally, fiber also helps reduce cholesterol levels and prevents heart disease.
4. Regulate blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes
The juice made from the banana stem has immense potential in managing diabetes and blood sugar levels. It is naturally low in sugar and also has a low glycemic index, which is an important measure of managing your diabetes.
5. Maintain blood pressure
The presence of potassium in the banana stem is beneficial in treating high cholesterol and blood pressure. According to research, drinking banana stem juice three times a week can help maintain your blood pressure levels.
6. It helps to prevent anemia
Anemia is a condition that occurs when the body doesn’t have enough iron. As a result, the person feels tired and very weak. It is one of the most common types of deficiency around the world.
Banana stem is a good source of iron and vitamin B6, which help prevent anemia. In addition, vitamin B6 helps develop the brain, nerves and many other parts of the body.
7. Flush out the toxins
Flushing out the toxins is one of the most important benefits of banana stem. Toxins in your body can come from the food you eat, the air you breathe, and the water you drink.
In addition, the juice made from the banana stem is a diuretic that increases urine production. The increased urination caused by a banana stem help rid the body of excess fluid, salt, and potassium.
Many people believe that diuretics cause dehydration in the body, but don’t forget that banana stem can also help you hydrate your body. As a result, it’s a win-win situation.
8. It may treat kidney stones
Banana stem is traditionally known to be a natural remedy for treating kidney stones.
When the amount of oxalates gets excess in the body, they combine with calcium to create kidney stones and crystals, which damage the kidneys and cause them to stop working.
According to studies, drinking banana stem juice with a few drops of lime can effectively treat kidney stones.
Moreover, a study on rats also showed that banana steam extract could effectively treat hyperoxaluria(condition of too much oxalate in urine).
9. Boost immune system
Banana stem is high in polyphenols and antioxidants such as vitamin C, gentisic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid, etc. All these antioxidants in the banana stem can help reduce inflammation in your body. This is beneficial for people who have arthritis or joint problems.
Furthermore, antioxidants help your body fight free radicals and boost your immune system.
10. Good for your skin
As mentioned above, the banana stem is an excellent source of many antioxidants that can help you maintain beautiful looking skin. The antioxidants protect the skin from free radical damage, which can cause skin cancer, wrinkles, and age spots. They also promote collagen production, which keeps the skin looking young and healthy.
Uses of banana stem
Due to its medicinal properties, people have found many ways to use banana stems daily. Here are some common uses of banana stem.
- It is commonly used to make a South Indian dish called kootu (lentil and vegetable stew ).
- Banana stem juice is widely used to make juice which is very beneficial to health.
- It can also be used to make curries.
- Many people use banana stem in salads too.
- Apart from eating, the banana stem is also used for preparing various handicrafts, ropes, fabrics and paper.
How to make banana stem juice
You can easily prepare banana stem juice if you have it, but if you don’t have it, you can find it at the market or buy it online.
- Clean the stem properly and then cut it into medium-sized slices.
- Remove the fiber between the slices with your hand.
- Soak the slices in diluted buttermilk water for around 10 minutes.
- Now add stem pieces to a grinder along with some fresh buttermilk.
- Add ginger, salt, roasted cumin powder, some coriander leaves, few curry leaves and grind it to a smooth paste.
- Voila! Your fresh banana stem juice is ready to serve.
Difficult to follow the above steps? Don’t worry; here’s the complete video.
Are there any side effects of the banana stem?
In general, eating banana stems has no severe side effects. However, excessive consumption can cause allergic reactions, abdominal pain, itching, and vomiting.
Final words
Banana stem is not only nutritious, but it’s also a cost-effective food product. Because the banana stem is usually considered waste, using it to create a food product has many benefits and is efficient.
I recommend including banana stem in your weekly diet to enjoy its many health benefits.
FAQs about banana stem
Yes, you can include banana stem daily in your diet. It will help you in weight loss and improve overall health.
Drinking banana stem juice daily can be very good for your health. Adding few drops of lemon to the juice will help in preventing the formation of kidney stones.
Consuming banana stem can help you prevent constipation and prevents anemia, both of which are common problems during pregnancy. So yes, banana stem is good during pregnancy. However, always consult your doctor first before taking banana stem.
You can store banana stem inside a polythene and store in the refrigerator.
Banana stem is naturally low in sugar and has low glycemic index , which can help you manage your diabetes.
No, banana stem is not a keto friendly.
