Bananas are a familiar fruit, often used by people to boost energy and provide essential nutrients to the body. The simplest way to eat bananas is to consume them directly. In addition, bananas can also be used to make smoothies, cakes, and eaten with yogurt. There is one way to use bananas that offers multiple health benefits, yet many people are unaware of it. That is to soak bananas in vinegar.
This method was practiced by Professor Murakami Shoko (82 years old), a nutrition expert at Fukuoka Women’s University in Japan, for an extended period. She noticed that after consistently drinking banana vinegar, her body did not feel tired, even when working past midnight.
Banana-soaked vinegar offers a plethora of health benefits.
Murakami Shoko initially prepared this banana vinegar for her three children, who were all engaged in long-term training at a swimming club. She used banana vinegar as a quick energy booster for her kids. Since then, she also adopted the habit of drinking banana vinegar herself. Apart from mixing banana vinegar with water to drink, she also used it as a condiment in various dishes.
Bananas are rich in fiber, potassium, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients for the body’s functions. Fiber aids in the easy excretion of waste from the intestines. Additionally, it plays a role in improving the intestinal environment. The potassium in bananas helps the body excrete excess sodium, thereby lowering blood pressure and reducing edema. Vitamin B2 in this fruit helps maintain skin health and slows down the aging process.
The sugar in bananas and citric acid in vinegar stimulate energy production in the body and promote metabolism.
After years of drinking banana vinegar, Dr. Murakami rarely felt tired, and issues like stiff shoulders, colds, and long-term constipation improved.
Some of the key benefits of banana vinegar for human health include:
– Promotes a healthy gut, improves mood, and supports sleep
The gut is responsible for producing 90% of serotonin, which stabilizes mood, relaxes the body, improves sleep quality, and induces feelings of happiness.
Bananas contain tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin and other essential elements for the body’s serotonin synthesis. Therefore, regular consumption of banana vinegar in appropriate amounts can contribute to mental stability.
– Detoxifies and nourishes beneficial bacteria
Bananas are a source of soluble fiber, beneficial for nourishing beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Additionally, insoluble fiber aids in the excretion of intestinal toxins. Research indicates that regular banana intake reduces harmful bacteria in the intestines. Good digestive health is one of the critical factors in longevity.
– Antioxidant, anti-aging, and cognitive function support
Both vinegar and bananas contain beneficial components that promote overall health. These two ingredients are rich in antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals that damage body cells. Animal experiments suggest that vinegar can activate the hippocampus, helping to suppress Alzheimer’s disease.
– Improves blood pressure-related issues
Vinegar has been shown to improve blood pressure. According to a report supervised by nutritionist Rina Kanbara, vinegar regulates the blood pressure system and dilates blood vessels, thus preventing blood pressure spikes.
Another study found that after ten weeks of consuming vinegar, the volunteers’ systolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 6.5%, and diastolic blood pressure dropped by 8.0%.
The best time to consume banana vinegar
According to Dr. Mizutani Tsuyoshi, director of the Higashi-Urawa Internal Medicine & Surgery Clinic in Japan, the ideal time to consume banana vinegar is in the morning.
Drinking banana vinegar in the evening helps maintain stable blood pressure. Additionally, it creates a sense of fullness, curbs nighttime cravings, and aids in weight loss.
The mixture of banana-soaked vinegar can be diluted with water for drinking or used as a condiment.
You can mix banana vinegar with water, stir well, and drink directly, or use it as a condiment in various dishes. The suggested dosage for banana vinegar is 1-2 small spoons per intake.
How to make banana-soaked vinegar
You will need: 100 grams of ripe bananas, 200ml of vinegar, 100 grams of brown or rock sugar, a wide-mouthed jar with a lid (preferably a glass jar).
Clean the jar, rinse it with boiling water for sterilization, and let it air dry before use.
Peel the bananas and cut them into slices about 2cm thick.
Place the bananas and sugar in the jar. Pour in enough vinegar to submerge the bananas and sugar. Close the jar and store it in a cool, dry place. If the ambient temperature is high, you can refrigerate the banana-soaked vinegar. Use a clean spoon to take out the bananas and vinegar each time.
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