Why South Indians Eat On Banana Leaves – Well being Advantages And Extra

Only a glimpse of a south Indian meals platter is sufficient for us to salivate. The distinctive mix of aroma and flavours present in south Indian meals has made folks everywhere in the world fall in love with it. And if it is served within the conventional means – on a banana leaf, it tastes even higher. Sadya is a well-liked celebratory meal in south, and is at all times served on a banana leaf. Whereas gobbling down all of the totally different dishes within the thali, have you ever ever puzzled why meals is served on a banana leaf? Is it for well being causes or for style? It’s really a mixture of each.

A examine printed within the ‘Journal of Ethnic Meals’ reminds us that using banana leaves dates again to the period earlier than steel utensils got here into being. Since, banana leaves have been thick, massive in dimension and likewise inexhaustible, they have been introduced into use for serving meals.

Whereas this actually explains the comfort of utilizing banana leaves, there’s extra to its advantages for serving meals.

Additionally Learn: Consuming With Your Fingers and Different Indian Meals Traditions

Why is it wholesome to eat on banana leaves?:

Protects In opposition to Ailments:

Banana leaves naturally include polyphenols, a kind of antioxidants that helps construct immunity and stave off widespread sicknesses. It’s believed that meals served on the leaf tends to soak up the polyphenols to imbue the immunity-boosting property.

Anti-Bacterial In Nature:

Banana leaves are stated to be anti-bacterial and kill the germs if current within the meals, making it more healthy and purer. This explains using banana leaves for spiritual customs.

Extra Hygienic:

After we wash our common utensils, there’s a danger of chemical residue from the cleaning soap cleaners. However banana leaves are naturally coated with a wax-like substance that stops meals from sticking to its floor. So, it is simpler to scrub the leaves (simply rinsing with plain water will do) and extra hygienic for reuse.

In addition to these well being advantages, there are extra benefits of consuming from banana leaves that make them so well-liked in south Indian delicacies. For one, it’s extra economical as in comparison with steel and glass plates. And secondly, banana leaves are extra eco-friendly, particularly compared to paper plates and disposable plastic plates.

Additionally, let’s not overlook the enjoyment of consuming with fingers, when meals touches all our senses. Already hungry for a conventional south Indian banana leaf thali? Click on right here to see the right way to make it.