Bananas are among the world’s most popular fruits, known for their sweet taste and nutritional value. They are a staple ingredient in many recipes and can even be used to make a relaxing tea. Banana tea, made by boiling bananas in hot water, has gained attention as a potential sleep aid and a source of essential nutrients. This article explores the benefits of banana tea, how to make it, and different variations of the recipe.
What is Banana Tea?
Banana tea is a beverage prepared by boiling a whole banana in hot water. The banana is then removed, and the remaining liquid is consumed. It can be made with or without the peel, with the latter often referred to as banana peel tea. The inclusion of the peel requires a longer preparation time due to its high fiber content. Many people enhance the flavor of banana tea with a dash of cinnamon or honey. It is commonly enjoyed at night to promote sleep.
Nutritional Profile of Banana Tea
While detailed nutrition information for banana tea is limited, it is believed to contain water-soluble nutrients found in bananas, such as vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and copper. The concentration of these nutrients can vary depending on the preparation method and brewing time. Longer steeping times may increase the nutrient concentration in the tea.
Key Nutrients and Their Benefits
- Potassium and Magnesium: These minerals are important for heart health and sleep quality.
- Vitamin B6: This vitamin supports a healthy immune system and red blood cell development.
Although banana tea may not provide as many nutrients as eating a whole banana, it can still be a good source of these essential vitamins and minerals.
Potential Health Benefits of Banana Tea
Drinking banana tea may offer several health benefits, mainly due to its nutrient and antioxidant content.
Read also: The Best Vegan Banana Bread
Antioxidant Properties
Bananas are naturally high in water-soluble antioxidants like dopamine and gallocatechin, which combat free radicals and may prevent chronic conditions like heart disease. The peel contains higher antioxidant levels than the flesh, so including the peel in your tea may increase your intake of these beneficial molecules. However, vitamin C, another antioxidant found in bananas, is heat-sensitive and may be destroyed during brewing.
May Prevent Bloating
Banana tea is rich in potassium, an electrolyte crucial for regulating fluid balance, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and supporting muscle contractions. Potassium works in tandem with sodium to regulate fluid balance in cells.
Sleep Aid
Banana peels have been featured on popular talk shows as a sleep aid due to their magnesium and potassium content. Magnesium, often called the "magic mineral," helps with hormone balance, stress support, and detoxification. It also contains the amino acid L-tryptophan, which converts to 5-HTP in the brain, further converting to serotonin (a relaxing neurotransmitter) and melatonin (the sleep hormone).
How to Make Banana Tea
Banana tea is easy to prepare, and there are several variations depending on your preferences.
Banana Tea Without the Peel
- Fill a pot with 2-3 cups (500-750 ml) of water and bring it to a boil.
- Peel one banana and slice off both ends.
- Add the banana to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Add cinnamon or honey (optional).
- Remove the banana and divide the remaining liquid into 2-3 cups.
Banana Peel Tea
- Fill a pot with 2-3 cups (500-750 ml) of water and bring it to a boil.
- Gently rinse a whole banana under running water to remove dirt and debris.
- Leaving the peel on, slice off both ends.
- Add the banana to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Add cinnamon or honey (optional).
- Remove the banana and divide the remaining liquid into 2-3 cups.
If you’re enjoying the tea by yourself, store any leftovers in your refrigerator and drink them within 1-2 days, cold or reheated. To avoid waste, use the leftover banana in other recipes, such as for smoothies, oatmeal, or banana bread.
Read also: Healthy Blueberry Banana Drink
Spiced Banana Peel Sleep Tea Recipe
This variation adds spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice for a more flavorful and potent sleep aid.
Ingredients:
- 4 peels from organic bananas, washed and scrubbed
- 4 cups of water
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp whole allspice
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a lidded pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 2-4 hours.
- Remove from heat and cool.
- Strain into jars and store in the refrigerator for two weeks.
- Use equal parts sleep tea concentrate and water to make a cup of tea. Warm before serving.
This spiced banana peel sleep tea can also be used as the basis for a Hot Toddy or Hot Buttered Rum.
Banana Tea with Dried Banana Peels
Using dried banana peels allows you to make banana tea even when you don't have fresh bananas on hand.
- Dry banana peels in a dehydrator at 155F for 6-8 hours, or in an oven at the lowest setting for 2-3 hours.
- Store the dried peels in an airtight container.
- When ready to make tea, boil water and steep the dried banana peels like loose-leaf tea.
Additional Tips and Considerations
- Use Organic Bananas: Since banana peels can be heavily sprayed with pesticides, using organic bananas is recommended to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Add Spices: Enhance the flavor of your banana tea by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, or vanilla.
- Combine with Carbohydrates: Consuming carbohydrates alongside tryptophan helps more of the amino acid pass into the brain, where it is converted into the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin. Eating the boiled banana after making the tea will ensure you get about 23 to 31 grams of carbohydrates.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you suffer from severe sleep disorders, including insomnia and depression, consult a healthcare professional before using banana tea as a sleep aid.
Banana Peel Tea as Fertilizer
Banana peel tea is not only beneficial for human consumption but can also be used as a fertilizer for plants. Banana peels contain nutrients like potassium, which are essential for plant growth.
How to Use Banana Peel Tea as Fertilizer
- Soak banana peels in water for a few days.
- Use the resulting liquid to water your plants.
The broken-down nutrients in the tea are easily accessible to plants, providing them with a boost.
Read also: Weight loss trends: a closer look at banana drops.