How To Relish The Banana Stem For Good Health

Banana stem, appearing as a waste of the banana plant is supposed to be very good for health. One can use banana stem for its high nutritive value in different ways. It is also a source of energy and can be taken by one when he or she is fatigued or tired. After the tree has given fruit, its stem can be taken out and consumed in various forms as salads, raitas, vegetable and soups.

The banana stem is thick and fibrous and has the taste of banana. It can be eaten raw or cooked. It forms an integral part of most South Indian health conscious families. The banana stem adds bulk to the food and is very useful for all those who wish to lose weight. However the use of banana stem should be carried on with other means to lose weight like exercise and a positive spirit.

 The fiber in banana stem helps to cure constipation and detoxify the body. The use of banana to eliminate kidney stones cannot be overlooked. Banana stem is also good taken as a juice or soup which helps eliminate and treat kidney stone. Those suffering from kidney stones can benefit a lot by taking the juice prepared from the tender stem of the banana plant.  Yes, banana stem also acts like a diuretic helping to eliminate waste fluids from the body. Besides it has a cooling effect on the body and is highly recommended in tropical countries.

One can enjoy banana stem in a variety of recipes. However, one should follow a set method to prepare the banana stem before consumption. First one should cut the banana stem into thin round slices and remove the fiber from inside, Then they can be cut into small pieces and put in water to which a few drops of buttermilk has been added to prevent discoloration. If the stem of the banana stem is tender, it can be enjoyed as a salad. After cutting the stem into small pieces, one can add salt. Then this can be seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, coriander leaves (add both or one according to preference) and green chilies. The juice of half to one lemon (according to taste) would taste real good and give you all the benefits of the banana stem

The taste and goodness of the vegetable made with the banana stem cannot be overlooked. First the banana stem can be prepared and cut into small pieces. Then take oil in a frying pan and heat it. Then add ½ a teaspoon of mustard seeds, and then 2 red or green chilies (according to preference) when the mustard seeds splutter. Add broken black gram and fry till they turn brown. Add curry leaves, fry a little and then add the banana stem pieces, salt to taste and a handful of water. Close the pan and allow it to cook stirring occasionally. The vegetable is done once the water is absorbed and the banana stem turns soft. Add coconut scrapings and mix well and enjoy it as a side dish with rice or chapattis. . 

Treat your family and yourself to that special banana stem raita this weekend. If the stem is tender it requires no cooking before you make the raita. However if it is not tender you can cook the stem by putting them in boiling water and cooking them for about 5 to 10 minutes. Place the cooked banana stem pieces in a bowl and put salt to taste. Add beaten curds on it and mix well. Then season the preparation with spluttered mustard seeds, 1 or 2 green chilies and add coriander leaves to garnish. I am sure it will be enjoyed by one and all and would be a healthy treat. Not to forget enjoy this as your special side dish this weekend.

One can also enjoy it in many other ways and creativity is the mother of invention. Dear folks make it a point to use banana stem for its high nutritive value, to cure constipation, and to detoxify the body. Do enjoy the banana stem in various recipes and make it a habit to include it in your diet every week to 10 days.