The banana tree is the ideal to look up to when it comes to a ‘no wastage’ policy. Almost all parts of the banana tree can be used. The most obvious is the fruit — bananas that we eat almost daily. But, other parts of the tree also offer many health benefits.

Both the South Asians and Southeast Asians use banana flowers as a vegetable. They use it either raw or steamed with dips. They also use those in soups, curries and fried foods. The flavor resembles that of artichoke. Like artichokes, both the fleshy part of the bracts and the heart are edible.

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Benefits Of Banana Flowers:

Some of the health benefits of banana flowers are listed below.

Wards Off Infections:

Banana flowers treat infections, thanks to their ethanol based extracts. Banana flower inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacterias. Some of these are bacillus subtalis, bacillus cereus, and escherichia coli. Banana flower also helps to heal wounds. According to a study, banana flower extracts can also inhibit the growth of the malarial parasite plasmodium falciparum in vitro.

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Reduces Free Radical Activity:

The presence of free radicals in the body can cause serious problems. Fortunately, the extracts of methanol present in banana flower possess antioxidant properties. These flowers perfectly handle free radicals that cause damages to the body. It treats many health issues, such as premature aging and cancer.

Reduces Menstrual Bleeding:

Menstruation brings pain in many women. Some suffer from severe PMS symptoms, while others bleed excessively. A cup of cooked banana flowers can help deal with these problems. Cooked banana flowers along with curd or yogurt increases the progesterone hormone in the body and reduces bleeding.

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Manages Diabetes And Anemia:

Calculated intake of banana flowers reduces blood sugar levels. It also increases the total hemoglobin levels in the body.

Rich Source Of Vitamins And Minerals:

Banana flowers contain various vitamins like Vitamin A, C, and E. They also contain potassium and fiber. This makes them an excellent health food and a source of healthy nutrients.

Boosts Mood And Reduces Anxiety:

Don’t reach for an anti-depressant if you are feeling down and out! Try banana flowers instead. Since they contain magnesium, banana flowers reduce anxiety and boost the mood. They are natural anti depressants without any side effects.

Helps Nursing Mothers:

New mothers face many problems when it comes to breast feeding. One of the major problems that they face is dwindling milk supply. Banana flowers boost the supply of milk that helps the new mothers feed their young better.

These are some of the benefits of banana flowers. When combined with bananas, you can reap all the wonderful health benefits they have to offer.

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How to Cook Banana Flower

Step 1: Take a pan and add in 2 table spoons of oil.

Step 2: Add in mustard seeds and wait until they sputter.

Step 3: Now add in chopped green chilies, and sauté them well.

Step 4: Next include the chopped banana flower (drain well) in the pan.

Step 5: Add salt, turmeric, hing, curry leaves and daniya/corriander powder.

Step 6: Splash a little water into the pan and cover it with a lid, then wait until it is cooked.

Step 7: After the dish is almost ready, put in the grated coconut and stir well.

Step 8: The dish is now ready to eat.

Source: stylecraze.com