Banana Stem: 7 Amazing Health Benefits and Recipes
Are you unaware of the benefits of the banana stem? You are just aware of the distinct advantages of the banana, considering it as a fruit. Besides the banana tree fruit, every part, like the leaf and stem, is fully packed with multiple health ingredients.
Banana belongs to an extensive herbaceous flowering family, Musaceae family, with the genus Musa. Their trees are usually 20 to 25 feet tall. The Fe’i banana is mainly cultivated for the sole purpose of fruits. There are multiple types of bananas existing around the globe. Bananas are a regular meal for a variety of people because of their nutritious nature. Besides bananas, the banana stem also offers a vast list of benefits to deal with multiple problems.
To be specific, this article deals with the banana stem benefits, recipes, and related information to boost awareness among the public. Stay connected with the article details to grab a bundle of information related to this stem.
What is the banana stem?
Unlike the banana fruit, most people are unaware of the stem. The stem is quite different from the other plant stems. The flower stalk of the banana plant is usually known as the banana stem. These thick stalks arise from the deeper portions of the soil and turn into the spine part of the herbaceous plant. These stems possess a crunchy outside texture with mild flavors to satisfy your taste buds while eating. It is sweeter but gives a bitter taste after eating it.
These banana stalks or stems cultivate only one colossal flower cluster and die off. The stalk is cut off from the plant when bananas get plump and need to undergo ripening procedures. For this reason, people use these stalks as stems.
What is the nutritional value of banana stems?
Just like the health benefits of bananas, the stem is a beneficial supplementary product because of its incredible nutritional ingredients. Here is a list of the primary contents present in the stem.
- Potassium
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Iron
- Manganese
- Carbohydrates
- Dietary fibers
- Minerals
- Other micronutrients
What are the expected benefits of this stem?
It is full of multiple nutrients to offer a variety of benefits. Here is a list of significant benefits provided by this stem.
Ease the weight loss journey
It contains a high quantity of fibers to lower the appetite level for food. These fibers make you feel fuller for a longer time and reduce weight.
Cures constipation
Constipation is a nightmare for some people. The fiber content in this stem not only helps you to lose weight but also maintains bowel movements and helps as one of the remedies of constipation. You can have stem juice to ensure the maximum intake level of dietary fiber. Just make sure to drink the juice without straining it.
Maintain blood glucose level
This stem juice offers lower glycemic index levels. For this reason, it is the best dietary item for diabetic patients. It is low in sugar so people with diabetes can easily consume it in their daily routine.
Detoxify the body
It contains antioxidants to remove deadly toxins from the body. In addition, it also possesses diuretic properties to soothe the digestive system. In combination with healthy fibers, it also plays a key role in maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, the stem juice balances the acidic pH of the human body. It reduces the heartburn and discomfort of the digestive system.
Relieves kidney problems
This stem juice is a healthy diuretic drink to pass out smaller kidney stones. In addition, doctors recommend the use of this drink to relieve gallbladder stones. Moreover, mixing it with cardamom helps you to soothe the bladder and cure cystitis.
Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection that irritates the bladder. It is quite common among women. Sometimes, it heals on its own. Whereas, sometimes it requires a proper antibiotic regimen for treatment.
Prevents anemia
Anemia is prevailing around the globe at an overwhelming rate of 29.9% among reproductive women, ranging from 15 to 49 years old. Banana stem is rich in vitamin B6 and iron to promote hemoglobin levels in the blood. Healthcare professionals recommend the use of the banana stem to relieve the symptoms of anemia.
Maintains blood pressure
Hypertension is a common medical problem around the globe. If left untreated, it may increase the chances of stroke. Banana stem is rich in potassium. Potassium is best known to regulate the fluctuations of blood pressure. Consuming banana stem on a regular basis helps to maintain blood pressure effectively and reduces cardiovascular risks.
Besides these health benefits, eating red bananas during pregnancy can be beneficial. You can check out these 10 health benefits of eating bananas during pregnancy.
What are the potential side effects of the banana stem?
Being a natural food item, the stem does not possess any kind of side effects. For some people, it may induce allergic reactions, stomach aches, vomiting, or minor harm to the liver and kidneys. In addition, these side effects vary from person to person and also on the amount of banana stem consumed. Practice moderate amounts of consumption while eating or drinking stem juice. Skin allergy can be a potential side effect of this stem.
If you feel any symptoms mentioned above, consult your doctor or medical expert to treat the symptoms.
What are the best ways to consume banana stem?
People avoid using the stem because it takes time to clean and cut the it. Considering the benefits, there are some easy methods to use the stem without wasting time. Once cut and cleaned, you can soak the stem in the buttermilk and store it in the freezer for some days. According to the requirement, you can use the stem for making juice. Continue changing the buttermilk after some days.
You can also add a chopped stem to different sweet and sour vegetables. Moreover, you can also use the stem in cooking meals.
- Clean the banana stem and remove the outer layers.
- Cut the inner layer of the stem into small slices.
- Fry or cook it in a raw firm according to the person’s desire.
- Moreover, you can also have this into cutlets, kababs, and tikka items.
Conclusion
The banana stem is the non-woody part of the banana tree, famous for a variety of health benefits. It is fully packed with nutritious ingredients and flavors to enhance the appetite level. People use this stem in a variety of ways, including meals or juice form. It may induce some side effects. Therefore, you must consult your health care professionals in case of any unhealthy symptoms.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs):
How can we store the banana stems for a longer period?
It is preferable to clean and cut the stem properly. After this, you can soak the stem in the buttermilk and freeze them for days. You can use the stem according to your requirement. Moreover, you can wrap them in plastic to keep them fresh for a longer period.
Can we use the banana stem in raw form?
Yes, you can use banana stems in raw form. Fresh banana stems are easy to consume. Whereas, the older stem is a bit hard and requires some cooking. You can also fry the banana stem according to your taste.