Benefits of Using Banana leaves:

The Custom of Eating Food on Banana Leaves

In Southern India, special meals are served on banana leaves. It is customary to use a large leaf as a communal serving platter. This type of meal is called saapad in Tamil.

The Banana leaves are used as natural food wrappers when steaming, grilling and baking different types of food.

Cultural Beliefs:

A traditional meal on a banana leaf is a must at any South Indian celebration. One has to eat carbohydrates (rice) first, then protein (dal), iron-rich vegetables and fat (curd). This is the order in which food is served and consumed as well. It is even more traditional to sit on the floor on a mat and eat one’s food. One has to squat as if one is sitting in the padmasana (lotus) pose.

Eating from a banana leaf is considered hygienic and healthy. Any guest can be served on a banana leaf which is considered humble and respectful.

Benefits of Using Banana leaves:

 

Serving hot food on banana leaf will emanate important nutrients from the leaf which will be mixed with the food and will be eaten.

In the past there were no plates available; banana leaves were easily available and were large enough to contain all the food. Also, there is no particular smell in the leaf that can put you off.

Leaves are easily disposable and environment friendly. Even when leaves are burned, the ozone layers are not affected.

Scientific Reasons:

Banana leaves contain large amounts of polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, also found in green tea. Polyphenols are natural antioxidants found in many plant based foods.

As there is no chemical reaction, the food keeps its value intact: it can endure heat and react well without tearing apart from the heat.

Sitting and eating on the Floor is beneficial too, as this position helps the food reach the stomach through alimentary canal, efficiently. Thereby, controlling the risk of overeating.