Health Benefits of Banaba
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Jan 14, 2022 • 3 min Read
Banaba (Crape Myrtle) is a tree native to our country that offers various medicinal properties. It is considered as an alternative medicine to different health concerns like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, UTI, and metabolic syndrome. It is now being marketed in the form of supplements.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of banaba:
1. Control Blood Sugar
One of the remarkable effects of banaba leaf is its ability to help lower blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. Investigations through both test tube and animal studies denote significant improvement in blood sugar levels. Results recommend that banaba leaf can be of help as an adjunct treatment for diabetes.
2. Weight Management
Evidence shows that taking banaba leaf regularly can help obese individuals lose weight and maintain better weight control. Compounds within the leaf appear to block fat absorption and storage in body tissues in our body.
3. Heart Health
Banaba leaf is effective in treating metabolic syndrome, a group of pre-diabetic conditions that increases susceptibility to heart disease and stroke. Researchers found that after 10 weeks of treatment, blood pressure dropped, fat metabolism had normalized, and the body’s inflammation levels decreased.
4. Natural Antioxidant
Leaves consist of minerals manganese and zinc. Extracts from the seeds are powerful antioxidant properties and are being explored as a possible HIV treatment.
5. Cures Cancer
Banaba plays an important role in the fight against cervical cancer. If taken daily, it was shown to encourage the release of the body’s cancer-killing agents to help stop cancer in its tracks. Leukemia and breast cancer are extremely susceptible to the effects of Banaba treatment.
6. Cures Gout
Banaba is considered a very safe and effective natural treatment remedy for gout. For centuries, Filipinos have boiled the leaves to treat gout. Leaves consisting of Valoneic acid dilactone or VAD is extremely effective in preventing the xanthine oxidase enzyme from producing uric acid. High amounts of uric acid in the body crystallize and cause devastating pain and inflammation. Thus, reducing the excess uric acid in the body prevents the formation of gout.
7. Urinary Tract Health
Banaba leaf has traditional use for urinary tract infections and kidney problems. The anti-inflammatory properties components are supposed to have a soothing effect on urinary tract tissues, while anti-bacterial effects remove the infectious agents. Banaba leaf was traditionally soaked into a tea to relieve symptoms of UTI.
8. Kidney Health
Banaba is a cost-effective and safe medication for people that suffer from poor kidney health. When taken daily, Banaba tea or supplements forces toxins from the kidneys and encourage healthy function.
9. Viral and Bacterial Infections
Banana leaf as a medicinal compound was used as a natural remedy in relieving viral infections. Research has discovered that ellagic acid, one of the active components of banaba leaf, was found to be effective against three common viral agents involved in the occurrence of rhinitis symptoms. Banaba leaf’s anti-viral properties are being studied as an assistant treatment for HIV infection, to improve patients’ ability to fight the disease.
Banaba leaf has also been used traditionally as an anti-infective agent and for lowering fever caused by infections. The University of the Philippines studied the use of banaba leaf against common infectious agents and found it to be highly effective in reducing these infections with results similar to pharmaceutical antibiotics.
Wait no more. Go and start using this wonderful herb and enjoy its benefits!
Stay healthy and safe!
