Ditch Plastic, Eat Food On These Leaves To Keep Health Problems At Bay

In India, people followed the tradition of eating on leaves with their hands for ages. However, this practice got substituted with the use of different types of cutleries, such as plates, spoons, forks, bowls, etc. This shift happened due to western influence and also because some started considering this practice unhygienic and primitive. Other than steel and copper utensils, plastic plates and bowls, due to its designs and low cost have become very popular. In some parts of the country, people still eat on leaves with their hands and do not use plastic utensils. While steel and copper cause no such harm, studies show that eating on leaves has health benefits, but, plastic can lead to cardiovascular diseases.

A study published in the journal, 'PLoS ONE. found evidence between a chemical in plastic containers and cardiovascular diseases. Researchers from the Peninsula Medical School and the University of Exeter, UK, also mentioned in the study that the chemical called, Bisphenol is used in plastic eating utensils and it has caused concerns over the health of people, including babies. Eating on leaves is not just economical but has several other benefits. Here are different leaves you can eat on and the advantages associated with it.

Banana Leaf

If you have been to south India, you already know eating on a banana leaf is a tradition the natives are following for ages. It is one of the best natural cutleries nature has gifted us. Wondering what makes banana leaf the best to eat food on? Well, they are thick and waterproof, this makes banana leaf excellent for eating rice, chapattis or even curries.

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Health Benefits

Rich in antioxidants, the leaf also contains polyphenol oxidase, an enzyme that produces chemicals used in treating Parkinson's disease. It is also loaded with plant-based compounds called polyphenols, which are the natural antioxidants. When eating in plastic plates, one must not pour very hot food in it, but when it comes to banana leaves the warm food stimulates the polyphenols which further gets absorbed in the food.

Lotus Leaf

If you have ever seen a leaf of a lotus plant, you already know it almost looks like a plate. If till now you have only considered eating most part of this plant then brace yourself because now you know you can also eat on the leaves of this plant. Lotus is not just versatile but is also extremely beneficial. For ages, people used lotus leaves for wrapping food. The best part is, you will never have to worry about the cleanliness of this leaf as water keeps running off the leaves, leaving them all well cleaned and good to be used. However, don’t forget to sanitise for extra hygiene.

Health Benefits

Lotus has an element called alkaloids present in its leaves. As per the reports, it naturally cures diseases like diarrhoea. Not only this, but it holds the ability to improve heart function and blood circulation. The nutrients present in it, such as vitamin C and potassium are important for your body's daily function.

Jackfruit Leaf

Back in the 80s and 90s, when street food vendors didn’t have access to well-formed leaf plates or disposable plates, they used same green leaves, straight from the tress to serve food. One of those leaves used to be jackfruit leaves. The oval-shaped leaves are again more popular in the southern part of the country, but now small and marginal enterprises have started making the tradition of eating on jackfruit leaf popular in other states too. They are strong and have the ability to hold liquids or curries for a long duration. People use this by folding it in between and consuming flavourful curries in it. Also, these are used for steaming food items.

Health Benefits

Rich in antioxidants, the eating or steaming of food in jackfruit leaf helps to delay signs of ageing. Jack fruit is also loaded with calcium and a compound called, a phytonutrient that lowers the risk of cancer and heart diseases, as per a health report.

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