SIGNIFICANCE OF BANANA LEAVES IN HINDUISM AND HEALTH BENEFITS ON EATING ON BANANA LEAVES
I recently had my Roka in Hyderabad, and my girl served us food on a Banana leaf. It got me into a research mode.
Hinduism is a beautiful religion, and it has a meaningful bond between the elements of nature. Animals and plants have been mentioned several times within our holy texts for a variety of different reasons. All of them are known to be directly related to God and are essential for their specific roles. Everything that moves or grows is worshipped in this beautiful faith.
Significance of Banana Leaves in Hinduism
Banana Leaf is an attractive long leaf with a rib in the middle of it, and it is mostly used for serving food in the Hindu culture. Hot foods served on these leaves absorb and acquire the nutritional and medicinal values of the banana. In Hinduism, the trunk of the tree denotes prosperity and good luck, and so it is used for decoration during religious festivals. Bhagwan Ganesh loves banana leaves and gets appeased by the offering of leaves during Ganesh puja. The banana tree symbolizes Bhagwan Vishnu and is worshipped every Thursday.
The following are the health benefits of eating on a banana leaf.
Eating on Banana Leaves adds Pleasant Flavour & Aroma.
The fresh banana leaves have a fragile wax coating that melts when hot food is served on them. This wax-like coating produces a pleasant aroma and infuses an extra flavor into your food. While eating on Banana leaves, you will most likely feel this fresh flavor and phenomenal aroma.
Banana leaves are a Hygienic option.
The water-resistant banana leaves blocks the harmful chemical liquid fertilizers from sticking on its surface, making them less dangerous. It is a natural purifier, that removes harmful chemicals from entering your body.
Banana leave is made up of valuable compounds
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Banana leaves are made up of plant-based compounds called polyphenols. The warm food served on banana leaf stimulates the polyphenols, which get absorbed in the food. Food served on the banana leaves swallows the polyphenols, which are said to prevent many diseases. These are natural antioxidants. The leaf is known to have significant medicinal properties, which is why it is widely used as a herb in various ayurvedic and Siddha preparations.
When eaten whole, Bananas are a staple source of starch and fiber. They have a moderate level of serotonin in them, which is a good mood stabilizer. They help hinder constipation and help maintain a healthy ph balance in the stomach. To top it all off, they are an excellent source of vitamin B.
It improves the immune system.
Banana leaves are made up of a compound called allantoin, which boosts the immune system. In addition to preventing diseases, it helps as an agent to lower fever and heal sore throats.
Conclusion
Eating on a banana leaf could be a tremendous cultural spectacle for anyone who has never tried it before.
Hot foods served on these leaves absorb and acquire the nutritional and medicinal values of the banana. Eating on a banana leaf is like using a new plate every time. From an environmental point of view, using these sheets is somewhat beneficial since it is biodegradable, unlike plastic dishes. Additionally, the leaf has anti-bacterial properties that eliminate all the germs in the food, thereby decreasing the chances of you falling sick.
This form of detoxification of the body leads to rejuvenation, peace of mind, and total relaxation, thanks to the layers of banana leaves that shfields the body from the sun’s harmful rays and aids the flow of energy to the muscles, tissues, and organs.
