swelling? Acidity? Not anymore! Try banana tea for better digestion

The banana is possibly one of the most popular fruits in the world. It is available all year round and is a versatile ingredient in the world of gastronomy. You can have a ripe banana as is or use it as a vegetable in its raw form. You can also use the flowers, leaves, and stems for various culinary purposes, making the fruit a perfect example of zero-waste cooking. Another major reason for its popularity is its rich nutrient profile. Bananas are packed with fiber, protein, healthy fats, and several essential minerals and vitamins, all of which come together to boost digestion, metabolism, and promote overall nutrition. However, bananas also have their own share of controversies. Due to the relatively high sugar and carbohydrate content, various theories claim that bananas are bad for those trying to lose weight. Does that mean that you completely give up the banana and its benefits? It doesn’t seem like a feasible solution. Instead, we found you an easy way to enjoy all the benefits of the banana and make it part of your gut-healthy diet, without fear of weight gain. It’s the humble banana tea.

About banana tea: why is it considered healthy?

Banana tea is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a tea made by infusing a whole banana in water. Some use green/raw plantains for the recipe, while others enjoy the ripe ones. You can enhance the flavor by adding some spices. Regardless of what you use in the banana tea recipe, the idea is to extract all of the essential water-soluble nutrients from the fruit, minus any excess starch or indigestible carbohydrates. This makes the tea a healthier option for those trying to avoid any type of caloric intake through diet.
Also read: Should we or shouldn’t we eat bananas on an empty stomach?

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Is banana tea good for gut health? Does banana tea promote digestion?

Banana tea is packed with potassium, manganese, copper, B vitamins, and electrolytes. These nutrients are known to regulate the fluid balance in your body, promoting better digestion and metabolism, which further helps improve your gut health and prevents various problems such as bloating, indigestion, and irregular bowel movements, among others. Boiling the banana also helps the fiber break down, making it easier for the body to absorb all the nutrients and aiding digestion.

How to make banana tea to prevent bloating and promote digestion?

You need three basic ingredients to make the drink: water, banana, and ground cinnamon. Here, we use raw plantains for the recipe. Start by cleaning the banana well and cutting it into pieces, with the peel. Now boil water in a saucepan and add the chopped banana to it. Let it boil until you notice the shells fall off and the water changes color. Once this is done, add some ground cinnamon for flavor and infuse for a while. Finally, strain the tea and take a sip. Click here for the detailed recipe.
Also read: Reduce Acne And More: 5 Surprising Health Benefits Of Banana Peels

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Why do you use banana peel in the banana tea recipe?

While you’ll find several recipes online that discard the banana peels, experts suggest that adding the peels while boiling can help promote the nutritional value of the tea. How, you ask? One study, published in the journal Food Chemistry, found that banana peels have higher amounts of antioxidants than the fruit itself. So adding it to tea, while it’s brewing, can help you better extract the nutrients.

When is the best time to drink banana tea?

According to various health experts, the best time to drink banana tea is before bed. Helps your body settle down for a good night’s sleep and function better the next day. But remember, take it in moderation to make the most of its benefits. In fact, we always recommend consulting an expert to better understand the pros and cons of your eating regimen.

Disclaimer: This content, including tips, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV is not responsible for this information.