Bananas are among the most popular fruits in the world. They are nutritious, tasty, sweet, and can replace sugar in many recipes. Moreover, they are easy to take on the go, making them a great substitute for a meal or a snack.
But what is banana tea?
Banana tea is made by boiling a whole banana in water. It can be prepared with or without the peel, depending on your preferences. If prepared with the peel, the cooking time is longer, according to Healthline.
Usually, a little cinnamon or honey is added to this banana tea to enhance its flavor. It is most often consumed in the evening due to its properties.
What minerals does banana tea contain?
Using whole bananas, the soluble nutrients found in bananas will most likely be present in the tea as well. We are talking about vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and copper.
Certainly, you will not obtain as many vitamins and nutrients as when eating the whole fruit. However, a longer infusion time can increase the concentration of nutrients in the tea.
Banana tea, at the same time, is not a significant source of calories.
Health benefits of banana tea
Consuming banana tea can offer various health benefits.
Contains antioxidants
Bananas are naturally rich in water-soluble antioxidants, including dopamine and gallocatechin, which can help combat free radicals and prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease.
However, the peel has a much higher level of antioxidants than the pulp. Therefore, adding the peel to the tea during preparation can increase the intake of these molecules.
Although bananas are naturally rich in vitamin C, banana tea is not a good source of this antioxidant, as it is sensitive to heat and is likely to be destroyed during boiling.
May prevent bloating
Banana tea is rich in potassium, an important mineral and electrolyte for regulating fluid balance, healthy blood pressure, and muscle contractions.
Potassium works closely with sodium, another mineral and electrolyte, to regulate fluid balance in cells. The potassium and water content in banana tea can help counteract bloating caused by a high-salt diet, signaling the kidneys to eliminate more sodium through urine.
May help sleep
Banana tea has become a popular aid for those suffering from insomnia. It contains three main nutrients believed to help improve sleep: potassium, magnesium, and tryptophan.
Bananas are a good source of magnesium and potassium, two minerals that have been associated with better sleep quality and duration due to their muscle-relaxing properties.
It also provides some tryptophan, an important amino acid for producing sleep-promoting hormones, serotonin, and melatonin.
Low in sugar
Banana tea can be a good substitute for sugary drinks. Only a small portion of the sugar in bananas is released into the water during boiling, acting as a natural sweetener for the tea.
Most people consume too much sugar from drinks, which is associated with an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, opting for drinks without added sugars, such as banana tea, reduces sugar intake.
May support heart health
The nutrients in banana tea may support heart health. Banana tea contains potassium and magnesium, which have been shown to help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A study involving 90,137 women found that a diet rich in potassium was associated with a 27% reduced risk of stroke. Additionally, a diet high in catechins, a type of antioxidant found in banana tea, may reduce the risk of heart disease. However, no study has directly reviewed the antioxidants in banana tea or their effects on heart disease risk.
How to prepare banana tea
Banana tea is very easy to prepare and can be made with or without the peel.
1. Boil 2-3 cups (500-750 ml) of water.
2. Take a banana and cut off the ends.
3. Add the banana to the boiling water.
4. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
5. Add cinnamon or honey (optional).
6. Remove the banana and divide the remaining liquid into 2-3 cups.
Banana peel tea
1. Boil 2-3 cups (500-750 ml) of water.
2. Wash a whole banana to remove dirt and debris.
3. Leave the peel on, cut off the ends.
4. Add the banana with the peel to the boiling water.
5. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Add cinnamon or honey (optional).
7. Remove the banana and divide the remaining liquid into 2-3 cups.
The tea can be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 days, either cold or reheated.
To avoid waste, use the banana removed from the tea in other recipes, such as smoothies, oatmeal, or banana pancakes.
