We all know that fruits and vegetables are great for our health. But did you know that the peel of certain fruits is even more nutritious than the fruit itself? One remarkable example is the banana peel. Often discarded, banana peels are packed with beneficial nutrients and can be used in a variety of surprising ways! Here’s a look at how banana peels can benefit your health and some creative ways to use them.
Health Benefits of Banana Peels
1. Cancer Prevention
Banana peels are rich in polyphenols, carotenoids, and other powerful antioxidants that protect the body from harmful free radicals that can cause cancer. Eating banana peels can increase antioxidant levels in the body, potentially reducing the risk of cancer over time.
2. Mood Booster and Depression Aid
Banana peels contain high amounts of vitamin B6 and tryptophan, which have been linked to improved mood and may help with symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. Including banana peels in your diet may naturally support emotional well-being.
3. Cholesterol Reduction
Loaded with soluble and insoluble fiber, banana peels can help lower cholesterol levels by preventing cholesterol from sticking to the walls of arteries. This fiber support helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and supports heart health.
4. Eye Health and Dark Circle Reduction
Banana peels are good for eye health and can help reduce the risk of cataracts. Additionally, placing a banana peel under your eyes can reduce puffiness, lighten dark circles, and minimize fine lines.
5. Constipation Relief
Packed with fiber, banana peels support regular bowel movements and encourage the growth of good bacteria in the gut, which aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut.
Everyday Uses for Banana Peels
1. Natural Teeth Whitener
To brighten your smile, rub a banana peel on your teeth daily for about a week. Rich in potassium and magnesium, the peel helps absorb minerals into your enamel for whiter, shinier teeth.
2. Pimple Remedy
Troubled by pimples? Banana peels contain phenolics with natural antimicrobial properties that help fight acne. Rub the peel on the affected area, and within a week, you may see reduced inflammation and fewer pimples.
3. Wrinkle Reduction
Banana peels are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, which help retain skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and keeping your skin looking youthful.
4. Natural Pain Reliever
Studies show that banana peels are rich in bioactive compounds, including carotenoids and polyphenols. These compounds, along with anti-inflammatory properties, can help relieve body pain. Simply apply a banana peel to the affected area to feel the soothing effects.
5. UV Protection
The bioactive compounds in banana peels—like phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and carotenoids—offer a protective layer against UV radiation. Rubbing banana peels on your skin can add a layer of natural defense.
Household Uses of Banana Peels
1. Clean and Shine Silverware
The inside of a banana peel is perfect for polishing silverware, removing ink stains, and even cleaning leather and wooden furniture. Simply rub the peel on the surface, and wipe it with a clean cloth for a natural shine.
2. Natural Mosquito Bite Remedy
Banana peels contain soothing properties that can help alleviate itching and irritation caused by mosquito bites. Rubbing the inside of a peel on the bite provides instant relief.
3. Plant Pest Repellent
If you’re an avid gardener, try using banana peels to keep pests at bay. Placing strips of banana peel around your plants can repel aphids and other pests due to the strong odor, which naturally deters insects.
How to Eat Banana Peels
If you want to add banana peels to your diet, there are a few tasty ways to do so:
- Banana Peel Chips: Air-fry the peels to create a crunchy, nutrient-dense snack.
- Smoothies: Blend banana peels into smoothies for an extra fiber and nutrient boost.
- Stir-Fry: Add sliced banana peels to a stir-fry as a unique side dish.
- Baking: Incorporate banana peels into baked goods for added nutrition.
Final Thoughts
The next time you eat a banana, consider using the peel rather than tossing it out. Whether for your health, skin, household, or garden, banana peels are an underrated resource with multiple benefits and uses. So, start unlocking the power of banana peels today!
Note: It is advisable to thoroughly wash banana peels before eating them because the surface may contain harmful pesticides and dust.
Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
