The tradition of serving food on banana leaves has been going on for generations in South India. Which is not just a beautiful part of culture, but it is also a proof of the deep scientific understanding of our ancestors.
Although today most people associate it only with South Indian tradition or wedding customs, but in reality every morsel kept in this ‘natural disposable’ plate has a direct relation with your health and digestion. When hot food comes in contact with these leaves, they release invisible nutrients and aroma present on their surface, which not only enhance the taste of the food but also act as a natural medicine for many stomach problems. To know these benefits of eating food on banana leaves, we talked to Dr. Anurag Aggarwal, physician of Fortis Hospital (Faridabad).
5 big benefits of eating food on banana leaves
better digestion
According to science, digestion depends on three main things – what we eat, how fast we eat and what is the gut-brain reaction of the body during food. Banana leaf can affect at least two of these three aspects. When hot rice, sambar or vegetable is placed on a fresh banana leaf, some natural aromatic elements are released from the surface of the leaf. These leaves impart a subtle, earthy flavor that enhances the enjoyment of food. The sense of smell and taste increases salivation and secretion of gastric juice. Which helps in activating the initial process of digestion.
the taste increases
Eating food on banana leaves increases the taste of food. When hot food is served on leaves, the leaves impart a subtle, earthy flavor, which enhances the enjoyment of the food. This is why food served on leaves seems more delicious and satisfying to many people.
reserves of polyphenols
Banana leaves contain abundant amounts of ‘polyphenols’, which are natural antioxidants. When hot food is put on the leaves, these nutrients get absorbed into the food, which makes the digestion process easier and increases the body’s immunity. However, according to several studies, the amount of compounds that enter the body through food (at human levels) is not yet clear, so scientifically proven medicinal claims are limited and more human studies are needed.
chemical free
Unlike plastic or thermocol plates, banana leaves are completely natural and hygienic. There are no harmful chemicals present in them which can harm your metabolism by entering your stomach along with food. While there is growing global concern over the possibility of microplastics and certain chemicals being released from plastic plates with hot food, banana leaves provide a natural, biodegradable and safe alternative.
Nutritional Value
Banana leaves contain many essential nutrients like polyphenols, vitamin A and vitamin C. When food is placed on a banana leaf, some of these nutrients are transferred to the food, further increasing its nutritional value. Apart from this, banana leaves have anti-microbial, antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties, which protect the food from bacteria.
Finally, Dr. Anurag says that the medicinal benefits of serving food on banana leaves are not yet fully proven in human studies, but this tradition certainly makes sense from a practical and environmental point of view.