Banana leaves have a wide range of applications because they are large, flexible, waterproof and decorative. They are used for cooking, wrapping, and food-serving in a wide range of cuisines in tropical and subtropical areas. Banana leaves contain a plant compound called polyphenols such as epigallocatechin (EGCG), also found in green tea. Polyphenols are natural antioxidants that fight free radicals and prevent disease.