By Niveditha Kalyanaraman
September 10th, 2023
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It's a beautiful tradition of South India, to spread their dishes out on a banana leaf and eat from it. Though the practice may be judged to be unhygienic or old school or something one wouldn't prefer, there are joys in eating from a banana leaf that no plate can fulfil. Here are 6 benefits to eating from a banana leaf.
When you sit down and eat with your hands from a banana leaf, you're exercising your whole body as well.
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Eating from a banana leaf stimulates all your senses. You're more focused on your food and eat better.
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The banana leaf isn't edible but the food on it absorbs some healthy nutrients including phenols, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins from it, that exhibit natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
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The leaf is naturally coated with wax. When it comes in contact with hot food, some of it melts to improve the taste of food.
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Banana leaves contain polyphenols, which are organic antioxidants also present in green tea. These polyphenols fight off all the body's free radicals and guard against illnesses.
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Used banana leaves are sent to farms where they can be used as compost. It also acts as natural fodder to cows. Unlike disposable plates, they don't add to waste.
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