For some, banana tea may sound like a delicious combination of two
unrelated culinary items. It’s considered beneficial by many given the
helpful vitamins and minerals, and antioxidant compounds, contained in
bananas. It is thought to aid sleep disorders, help improve mood and
skin, and could be a boon to protecting heart health and managing
weight loss.
Banana tea is made using either a peeled banana but is also found in
the form of banana peel tea, where the peel is left on while brewing
this unique drink. Banana peels are typically discarded as trash, but
they actually contain a dense concentration of nutrients including
potassium and dietary fiber. While it seems unlikely that people will
begin eating whole bananas anytime soon, peel included, banana peel
tea is beginning to gain popularity. Most of the health benefits are
due to the pectin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, potassium,
manganese, and magnesium, among others.
In folk medicine, drinking banana tea is highly recommended for people
suffering from a variety of issues, including insomnia, depression,
chronic anxiety, low immunity, high blood pressure, obesity,
inflammatory conditions, and skin irritation, among other conditions.
Decreasing Blood Pressure
Banana tea is perhaps most well known for its potassium content, which
promotes heart health and can lower your blood pressure. As a
vasodilator, potassium not only regulates fluid balance in the body
but also reduces strain on the cardiovascular system by easing tension
in arteries and blood vessels.
Regulates Sleep
The high levels of tryptophan, serotonin, and dopamine in banana tea
have been linked to improved sleep levels, a reduced occurrence of
insomnia, and generally more restful and uninterrupted sleep.
Lack of sleep may increase the beta-amyloid levels in the brain, and
increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Relieves Depression
The dopamine and serotonin found in banana tea also help regulate
hormone levels and boost mood, since they are the good feeling
neurotransmitters. If you regularly suffer from anxiety or depression,
adding banana tea to your diet might be an effective natural, healthy
remedy for boosting mood.
Improves Bone Density
There is a good variety of minerals in banana tea including manganese
and magnesium, both of which contribute to improving bone mineral
density. Adequate intake of these essential vitamins and minerals from
banana tea and other foods in a balanced diet can help slow or
completely prevent osteoporosis as we age.
Aids Digestion
Potassium and magnesium are both known to optimize smooth muscle
function, which is important in the digestive tract. This can help
stimulate peristaltic motion, which regulates bowel movements, thereby
preventing constipation, bloating and cramping, while also improving
nutrient uptake.
Boosts Immune System
Vitamin C and vitamin A, both present in bananas, help boost the
immune system. Both of these vitamins act as antioxidants. Ascorbic
acid (vitamin C) stimulates the production of white blood cells,
vitamin A is directly linked to preventing oxidative stress in the
retina, macular degeneration, and the development of cataracts.
Weight Loss
Banana tea is thought to offer weight-loss benefits due to a variety
of factors. Bananas are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, these two
types of fiber are known to slow digestion, suppress appetite, boost
metabolism and keep you feeling satisfied, thanks to the tryptophan,
dopamine, and serotonin they contain!
