Banana Stem Benefits: Here's Why You Should Add It to Your Diet

Everybody likes eating bananas, and there is no good reason why one should not indulge in them. After all, bananas are one of the most valuable fruits and plants on the planet.

However, have you ever heard that the banana stem, one of the most neglected parts of the plant, has inherent health benefits?

It is worth discussing, as the banana stem might help with digestion, detoxification, weight management, and many other potential health benefits.

In this blog, you will discover how banana stems have been proven beneficial based on their nutritional value and health benefits.

Nutritional Composition of Banana Stem

The banana stems are also referred to as Banana pith, Banana stalk, Plantain stem, “kele ke tane,” and a few more names in different local languages.

However, it has always been associated with its nutritional and health values.

Hence, let’s discuss Banana stem’s nutritional composition, which is key to their wide range of potential health benefits ^[1]:

Health Benefits of Banana Stem

The pharmacological and medicinal properties of banana stems are very wide in the spectrum; thus, they may help with several health benefits.

Some of them include antioxidant, immunomodulatory (enhances the body’s immune status), antibacterial, hypolipidemic (regulates lipid levels), and hypoglycemic (impacts blood sugar levels) properties ^[2].

We will discuss each of them in more detail below.

1. Manages Blood Sugar Levels ^[3]

• Due to its bioactive components, banana stem juice may help manage blood sugar levels.
• It may stimulate insulin generation (a hormone that controls sugar) to support better glucose handling and utilisation (using sugar for energy).
• In many tropical countries, banana stem juice is traditionally used by people to manage diabetes.
• It has a low glycemic index that causes slow sugar release in the bloodstream, which may benefit people with diabetes or those monitoring blood sugar levels ^[4].

2. Digestive Health ^[5]

• Banana stems are a good source of dietary fibre and have prebiotic properties, which may benefit digestive and overall gut health.
• Dietary fibre is essential for digestive health. This is due to its laxative property, which may promote regular bowel movements and ease constipation.
• Its insoluble fibres swell upon consumption, facilitating waste elimination ^[6].
• Dietary fibres in banana stems may also stimulate the growth of good bacteria, making them a potential source of prebiotics.
• Likewise, prebiotics are indigestible foods that might help increase the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines and enhance mineral absorption.
• Consuming banana stems may provide relief from burning sensations and acidity in the gastrointestinal or digestive tract. They are also high in potassium, which may help alleviate stomach pain when consumed regularly ^[7].

Along with this, knowing your digestive health is another factor that may help you stay healthy and avoid any health ailments. Hence, check your digestive score through the Aashirvaad Digestive Quotient test and plan your meals accordingly to be in the best health possible.

3. Weight Management

• Besides the benefits for digestive health, banana stems may also support weight management by promoting feelings of fullness ^[8].
• The fibre and prebiotic ^[9] content might help with digestion, boost metabolism, and support overall weight management efforts.
• According to research studies, drinking banana stem juice mixed with buttermilk, especially on an empty stomach, may benefit those looking to manage their weight ^[10].

4. Heart Health

• Banana stems are a good source of potassium, with 373 mg per 100g. It could promote heart health by helping maintain cholesterol levels and blood pressure ^[11].
• Its high potassium content may also support fluid balance and muscle function, including that of the cardiac muscles ^[12].

We saw how fibres might have a role in promoting prebiotic properties and ultimately promoting different health benefits. This is why having adequate fibres in your meals is necessary.

But how do we know if what we are eating provides the right amount of fibre and essential nutrients?

Therefore, you must take the Aashirvaad’ My Meal Plan’ test to check your fibre intake. You will also receive a complete diet plan totally personalised for you by our expert nutritionists and dieticians.

5. Kidney Health and Detoxification ^[14]

• The body accumulates dietary minerals from various foods and drinks, such as tea, coffee, chocolate, fruits, and vegetables. If not properly excreted, these minerals may sometimes accumulate in the kidneys, leading to imbalances.
• Banana stem juice is known for its diuretic properties, which may promote urination. Therefore, by aiding detoxification, banana stems may help support kidney health by flushing out waste products and maintaining balance ^[15].
• The extract from banana stems contains beneficial bioactive compounds, such as tannin, alkaloids, and flavonoids, which may promote this process.
• Kidney stones are hard deposits that form when minerals and acid salts in concentrated urine adhere together. Banana stem extract contains bioactive compounds, and studies have shown that consuming banana stems in different forms may help break down these stones by reducing their weight and size.

Therefore, the use of banana stem extract may be considered if someone is facing such issues.

6. Antibacterial Effects ^[16]

• Banana stems contain phenolic chemicals,   proteins, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which may exhibit antibacterial properties.
• These compounds could assist in managing bacterial infections when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

7. Wound Healing and Antioxidant Properties ^[17]

• Banana stems may help speed up the wound healing process by positively influencing inflammatory cells and promoting key healing processes such as skin regeneration and the formation of new blood vessels and connective tissue.
• The antioxidant activity in banana stems might play a crucial role in supporting this healing process.
• The highest bioactive compound in banana stems is tannin, followed by vitamin C, which may trap free radicals and protect cells from damage.
• These compounds may also help enhance the clotting time. However, individuals on blood thinners or Vitamin K-restricted diets should consult their healthcare professional before consuming banana stems.

8. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals ^[18]

• Studies show that banana stems contain a higher level of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) than other vitamins like E and B6.
• Moreover, the presence of the vitamin B complex in banana stems highlights their potential for maintaining physiological health.
• Banana stems are reported to be a good source of fibre and minerals, particularly potassium ^[19].
• Banana stems are abundant in minerals, and one must understand that they are primarily potassium, followed by calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium, along with several other macro and micronutrients.

Micronutrients are necessary for our health, yet they often go unnoticed in our daily diets. Over time, deficiencies may lead to various health conditions we may not immediately recognise.

Hence, Aashirvaad Fortified Chakki Atta offers a simple way to add important nutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to your meals.

By choosing this atta, you can enjoy soft, nutritious rotis while supporting your body’s micronutrient needs naturally. It’s a small change that might contribute to long-term well-being.

Other Benefits ^[20]

• The stems of bananas are high in potassium, vitamin B6, and iron ^[21], which may benefit muscle function, support the body in producing haemoglobin (oxygen-carrying protein), and maintain healthy blood function.
• The astringent quality of banana stems may aid in blood coagulation (clotting), and the outer parts of the stem may be used to relieve heat burns.
• Bananas, including their stems, might help the body retain essential minerals like calcium, nitrogen, and phosphorus, which are necessary for building healthy tissues ^[22].

These are the recorded and proven health benefits of banana stems. However, tolerance towards any food may vary widely according to an individual’s body.

Hence, it is good to consult a dietician in case of any side effects after consumption.

Conclusion 

As we learned, banana stem benefits extend far beyond traditional uses as they offer distinct potential health advantages supported by their rich nutritional profile.

Whether aiding digestion, supporting weight management, or promoting heart and kidney health, the banana stem may present a versatile addition to any diet.

By including this nutrient-dense food in your meals, you may take a small but meaningful step toward better health.

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