Banana is among the class of plants that almost every part has some medicinal or wonderful use. In this post we will discuss the important health benefits of Banana Leaves. Banana leaves are large, flexible, and waterproof leaves that come from the banana plant. 

They are commonly used in many cultures for various purposes, including cooking, serving food, and wrapping items. The leaves are typically bright green in color and have a glossy, waxy texture.

Health Benefits of Banana Leaves

Surprisingly, both the fresh and dried leaves from banana are useful to the human system and can cure ailments. below are some of the health benefits;

Anti-cancer Properties 

Banana Leaves contain polyphenols which may act against cancer cells. These polyphenols contained in banana leaves can exert anticancer effects through a broad range of mechanisms, that includes cancer cell removal by modification of signaling pathways, inhibition of cell cycle events, and apoptosis induction.

Treatment of Digestive Ailments

Long before now, banana leaves has been used locally to cure stomach ailments because they contain digestive enhancing properties. Which are effective in treating and preventing diarrhea and dysentery.

Before you use use banana leaves to enhance digestion, dissolve some banana leaves in hot water. You can boil it together with water. After that, let it cool and take it gradually. It helps in relieving symptoms of indigestion, flatulence, and acidity. This makes it effective in treating stomach ulcers.

Boosts Immunity

Banana leaves are rich in lectin, a type of protein that has immunomodulating properties which can cause an increase in the count of T-cells in the body. T-cells are immune cells that help detect and mark pathogens in the body and send signals to B-cells for their elimination.

Also dried banana leaves contain allantoin, a unique substance known for boosting the immune system, acting as an astringent and accelerating the healing process.

Hair Nourishment and Growth

When it comes to hair nourishment, banana leaves paste is thought to be good for hair growth and shine. The compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), is found in banana leaves and is also found in green tea. However, there aren’t many studies that back up banana leaves’ hair benefits

For those that have a sore and an itchy scalp often can use the banana leaves mask, it is very effective. The astringent properties of banana leaves are responsible for that. 

Wound Treatment

Banana leaves are also useful in healing wounds because of the abundant inflammatory properties. This method has been used to treat wound since long time ago and is still in use till today. 

To use it, crush some banana leaves by a mortar, then you can apply the ground product to the affected area. In addition, you can bind it with a bandage so that it can hold it firmly. Remember to change both the leaves and the bandage at least two times a day.

Skin Nourishment

The use of banana leaves for skin nourishment is often practiced by traditional spas and it has been done for many generations. Extract from banana leaves are used to massage the body which helps to nourish the skin. Banana leaves contains enough amount of antioxidants and allantoins that prevent early aging signs on the skin. Additionally, it has the ability to keep the skin moist and also reduces pimples and acne.

Also, lignin found in banana leaf is used as an ingredient to make sunscreen gel for protecting the skin against harmful sun rays. 

Wrapping Foods

An important use of banana leaves is for wrapping food materials. When banana leaves are used to wrap food, some medicinal properties are diffused. Furthermore, it is environmentally friendly because it reduces the use of disposable plastics. They are thick and wide enough to hold snacks and many other foods that are sold on the streets. Also, it adds a pleasant aroma that is capable of increasing your appetite. There are some anti-bacterial properties found in the leaves capable of killing germs. Fruits are also wrapped with the leaves as they are being transported to the market, making them maintain their color and firmness. 

  Livestock Feeds

The health benefits of banana leaves is not only for humans alone, but it extends to livestocks that eat grasses. They are also used as livestock feed, which makes them more active and healthy. Livestock such as cows, sheep, chicken, and goats love eating banana leaves. The young leaves contain a great taste that the animals love. It is highly nutritious, and it also acts as a natural medicine to the livestock. In addition, it has lignin and proteins, which are were beneficial to animals.

Conclusion

It is important to know that moderation is key, as such always take it in moderation or consult a medical professional if you have an underlying disease or a family history of banana allergy. 

However, only some of those benefits are backed by science while most of the other benefits are based on anecdotal studies or personal experiences.