Almost every part of the banana tree can be used in some way or the other. The flowers, fruit and stems can be eaten, the leaves can be used as plates and the bark can be used to make paper.
Known as banana hearts, banana flowers are loaded with fibre, protein, potassium, calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and Vitamin E. These pretty flowers can be eaten raw or cooked, added to salads, soups, stir-fries and herbal teas.Its also called banana blossom.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Heals Menstrual problems and help with weight loss
REGULATES MENSTRUAL CYCLE:
According to Ayurveda, eating a cup of cooked banana flowers with yoghurt can increase progesterone levels in the body and prevent excessive menstrual bleeding. Banana flowers are also believed to help women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Reduces menstrual bleeding:
Women often experience great pain during menstruation. Some suffer from severe PMS symptoms, while others experience excessive bleeding. You can get relief from such problems by having a cup of boiled banana flowers. Cook banana flowers and have it along with curd or yogurt.
This helps in increasing the progesterone hormone in the body, thereby reducing the bleeding.
It increases progesterone which helps to reduce the excessive bleeding. ¼ cup of banana flower should be cooked in a little water and salt till it is completely cooked. After it is cooled, in ¼ cup coconut, 2 g. chilies, ½ tsp. cumin seeds should be added to make a thick and fine taste.
The coconut mixture should be added to the thick yogurt with the cooked banana flowers and required salt. Excess bleeding could be treated if this is eaten with rice.
As it is rich in fiber and nutrients, it results in weight loss. It soothes the stomach as well. For weight loss, the banana flowers should be added to the salads and soups.
Healthy uterus
It helps to prevent from the uterus problems. To boost the healthy uterus, the banana flowers should be added with turmeric powder, peppercorns and cumin seeds.
The banana flowers should be boiled with minor peppercorns and cumin seeds; ¼ tsp. of turmeric powder and salt till it is half. The uterus problems are eliminated by drinking this decoction.
Boosts mood and reduces anxiety:
If you are feeling down, don’t go for anti-depressants. All you need to do is to include banana flowers in your diet. This can helps in lifting your mood.
This is because banana flowers contain magnesium, which is effective for reducing anxiety and boosting your mood. So, banana flowers are natural antidepressants and have no side effects at all.
Good for nursing mothers:
New mothers may face a lot of problems when they breast feed their new born babies. One of the major problems faced is the reduced supply of milk. By consuming banana flowers the supply of milk can b increased. As a result the new mothers can feed their babies better.
Cures Anaemia :
Women are more susceptible to be diagnosed with Anaemia. Due to their rich iron content, banana flowers can increase the levels of haemoglobin in the body and prevent anaemia.
Banana tree offers you a lot of health benefits. Almost all parts of banana tree can be used. The fruit of banana is particularly very beneficial. We all eat it almost daily.
Other parts are also very important. Banana flowers are used as a vegetable by the South Asians as well as the Southeast Asians. They use it in the raw form or steamed with dips. They also add banana flowers to soups, curries and fried foods.
The flavour of banana flowers is like that of artichoke. You can eat the fleshy part of the bracts and the heart of banana flower.
Curing the infection
The banana flower has ability to treat infection because it possesses ethanol flowers which helps to prevent the pathogenic bacterial growth. It can cure the wound as well. The extracts of banana flower helps to prevent the growth of malaria parasites.
Overcoming diabetes and anemia
The diabetic patients should consume banana flowers either boiled or alone so that it reduces the level of blood sugar and raise the hemoglobin in the body as it is rich in fiber and iron which assists in red blood cell production.
The pan should be heated with the oil and put mustard seeds till it crackles, then ½ tsp. of urad dal and channa dal should be added frying till it is brown and then 1/8 cup of cut shallots and curry leaves should be added. The banana flowers which are cut should be added with a tsp. of sambar powder, ¼ tsp. of turmeric powder and salt. Then it should be cooked by covering.
Then it should be fried in a low flame so that the water evaporates fully then a tbsp. of fresh coconut scrapings should be added and switch off. It works a great for diabetic patients.
Reduce Free Radical Activity
The free radicals lead to various problems. The antioxidant property is possessed in the banana flower. It also treats the health problems like cancer and premature aging. It should be included in health supplements in order to make the full use of antioxidant properties.
Anti-ageing power
It helps to encounter the free radicals and cure the health issues related to it such as early aging.
Gastrointestinal health
Banana flowers are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. A soluble fiber allows the food to pass easily through the digestive tract as it dissolves in water and forms a gel. Insoluble fiber assist the bulk to undigested products as it is not dissolved in water. Both of it boost the healthy digestion and absorption of food.
Cancer and Heart disease
Banana flowers are high source of tannins, acids, flavonoids and other antioxidants which helps to counteract free radicals and eliminates the oxidative damage which leads to cancer and heart disease. The banana flower can prevent these conditions.
Neural disorders
The free radicals may cause Alzheimer and Parkinson’s disease which may be prevented by consuming banana flowers regularly.
How to Select Banana Flowers?
Select banana flowers that are fresh and firm. See that there are no cuts or blemishes on the flower. They should be smooth and bright in appearance. The overlapping of outer leaves should be tight.
How to Store Banana Flower?
Use fresh banana flowers. Wrap it in transparent plastic, cover in zip lock bags and store it in the refrigerator.
You can just chop these flowers and add it to salads. It is also used in soups. In India and other Asian countries sliced banana flower is added to meat, stews, stir-fries, rice and sauce.
