Maple bark: benefits, how to use and recipes

By the general, the cascara del plátano can only be harvested, however, it can be reused using it as an ingredient to prepare various recipes, because it is rich in antioxidants and minerals such as potassium and calcium, the ingredients fortifying the bones and preventing the calambres muscle.

In addition, the plantain bark is rich in fiber and low in calories, so it helps to improve the functioning of the intestine and promotes weight loss, being able to be used in the form of harina, even, add it to shakes or use it to prepare pasteles and other desserts.

Using the shell of this and other fruits is a way to avoid food waste, making the most of everything that is possible to consume and which also brings benefits to health.

Main benefits

The plantain bark provides several nutrients and, for this reason, it also offers other benefits that are not always observed in the fruit pulp:

1. Combat the stress

The banana peel is rich in soluble fibers that favor the increase of the volume of the heces, facilitating the transit through the intestine, especially when accompanied by an adequate intake of water.

In addition to this, soluble fibers have also been associated with a reduction in the risk of suffering from colon cancer and favoring weight loss, they can form a gel in the stomach that increases the feeling of satiety.

2. Regulate cholesterol and blood sugar

The soluble fibers present in the banana bark retrace the absorption of the fats and the sugars present in the food at the intestinal level, favoring the reduction of cholesterol and preventing the increase of the sugar in the blood.

Furthermore, thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and that it contains omega 3 and omega 6, the consumption of maple bark could also reduce the risk of suffering heart diseases.

3. Prevent premature aging

Some scientific studies show that the plantain bark has bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties such as flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, alkaloids, among others, that prevent the damage that causes free radicals to the cells, preventing the appearance of wrinkles and taking care of the skin.

In addition, these antioxidants also prevent the emergence of chronic diseases and even some types of cancer.

4. Repair and care for the skin

Some animal studies have shown that the placement or topical application of the green banana peel induces the proliferation of cells and accelerates the healing of herids and burns, as it contains leucocyanidin, a flavonoid with healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

In addition to this, it could also help to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis, acne, bruises or allergies on the skin, due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. See some benefits of green banana for health.

5. Posses antibacterial properties

Some studies have also shown that the yellow banana bark has antibacterial activity against bacteria such as: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, M. catarrhalis, E. aerogenes, S. pyogenesand K. pneumoniae.

In addition, it could also protect against some bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontitis such as P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans, so it helps to protect patients and maintain oral health.

6. Avoid muscle fatigue

The bark of the plantain is rich in potassium, a mineral that helps to prevent muscle weakness and fatigue. In addition, potassium helps regulate blood pressure, reduces fluid retention, protects against bone loss, reduces the risk of suffering kidney stones and preventing heart attacks.

7. Maintain visual health

Banana peel is rich in carotenes, mainly lutein, a powerful antioxidant that maintains eye health, as it protects them from the action of free radicals and is the main component of the macula pigment, which forms part of la retina del eye. Asimism, protects against macular degeneration induced by ageing, against light damage and the development of visual disorders. See this and other benefits of lutein.

8. Maintain the health of the huesos

As it is rich in calcium and phosphorus, the consumption of banana peel helps to strengthen bones and teeth, thus reducing the risk of fractures or suffering from diseases such as osteoporosis or osteopenia.

nutritional composition

The following table shows the nutritional composition of 100 g of ripe plantain bark:

To obtain all the benefits mentioned above, the plantain bark must be included in a balanced and healthy diet.

How to use the plantain bark

The banana peel can be used raw, having to wash properly to add the fruit juice to a smoothie. In addition, it can also be used to prepare tea, it can be cooked and used as an ingredient in various preparations.

Below are some recipes that can be used:

1. Plane bark tea

Ingredients

• 1 maple bark;
• 500 ml of boiling water.

preparation method

Wash the bark of the plane to remove dirt and remove spots. Add the cascara in the water by boiling under low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the fire and discard the cascara, wait for the tibio and drink.

2. Matcha and banana peel smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 spoonful of matcha in octopus;
• 1 banana frozen in rounds;
• La cascara de la banana;
• 1 cup of chia seeds.
• 1 cup of almond or coconut milk.

preparation method

Mix all the ingredients, add 1 teaspoon of chia seeds and drink.

3. Banana peel pan

The banana peel bread can be eaten in the breakfast and in healthy snacks, it contains few calories and is rich in fiber.

Ingredients

• 6 plantains with shell;
• 1 cup of water;
• 1 cup of skimmed milk;
• ½ cup of oil;
• 30 grams of fresh yeast;
• ½ kg of whole wheat harina;
• ½ pinch of salt;
• 1 huevo;
• 1 spoonful of sugar.

Preparation mode

Peel the plantains and cut the pulp in wheels. Liquefying the cascaras de platanos and the water, adding the oil, the eggs and the levadura. Adding the harina and the sugar, mixing well; add the salt and the plantains on wheels in the mass; Place the dough in a greased and greased extended mold.

Take the preheated oven at 200 ºC for approximately 30 minutes until it increases twice in size.

4. Maple bark truffles

Maple bark truffles are a more healthy option compared to conventional truffles, as they have a greater amount of fiber and antioxidants.

Ingredients

• 5 maple bark;
• ½ liter of water;
• 1 ½ cups of whole wheat harina;
• 1 ½ cups of sugar;
• 1 cup of cocoa in octopus;
• 1 cup of skimmed milk;
• ½ cup of octopus milk;
• 1 spoonful of butter;
• 2 cloves of scent.

Preparation mode

Place the washed and chopped plantain shells in a pot next to the water, the sugar and the scented cloves. Cook until a bland mass forms, but without letting the water dry completely. Remove from the fire, leave to cool and remove the clavos de olor and then clean the tibias, the harina, the cacao in octopus and the milk in octopus and liquid.

Finally, add the butter and cook it again until you see that the mix separates from the bottom of the pot. Let it cool down and, before grabbing the mixture to make the balls, it is important to keep your hands together to prevent them from sticking, with a bowl, grab a well of the mixture and put it in your hands to make a ball, if you want to, you can have it in a bowl of chocolate, having to add the bowl and shake it so that it gets the bowl of chocolate, once the list is put in a capacity. Repeat until the mix ends.

The truffles can be used in the form of regular sweets or the mixture can be used to refill pastries.

5. Maple bark pastel

The cascara de platano pastel is an excellent option for the breakfast or for the afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• 4 washed and chopped plantain shells;
• ¾ cup of oil;
• 4 huevos;
• 1 cup of grated bread;
• 1 cup of oatmeal in hojuelas;
• 1 cup of wheat harina;
• 4 chopped bananas;
• 1/2 cup of black raisins;
• 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate;
• 1 spoonful of hornear octopus;
• 1 spoonful of cinnamon in octopus.

preparation method

Licuar the plantain shells, the accept and the huevos. Mix well in a container the grated pan, the avena, the wheat harina, the chopped plantains, the raw grapes, the bicarbonate, the octopus of hornear and the cinnamon. Next, add the blender mix in the container with the dry ingredients and mix well. Finally, place the dough in a greased and greased mold.

The pastel must be placed in the oven at intermediate height, preheated at 200 ºC, for around 30 minutes.