Banana peel isn’t just a protective layer for the interior fruit. That may have been a weird sentence to read, but it’s true. Bananas are perhaps one of the most common fruits around, which might be why they’re under-appreciated. Before you throw the banana peel into your bin, read this article. You’ll learn all about the benefits of banana peels, which are rich in carbohydrates and nutrients and have high levels of vitamin B12, B6, potassium and magnesium. Their sugar content is at the highest level when the peel turns black. Keep reading to learn more!
Nutrients in Banana Peels
Banana peels are very rich in potassium and have more insoluble and soluble fiber than the fruit’s flesh. The dietary fiber promotes better digestion and bowel movements, and it can help lower cholesterol. Banana peels contain tryptophan, a substance that increases serotonin levels and boosts your mood. Some studies have found the peel to be helpful for easing depression, as the serotonin is a neurotransmitter that communicates with the brain to balance moods and emotions. Eating two banana peels per day for three days can increase serotonin levels by about 16%. Banana peels also contain lutein, a potent antioxidant that protects the eye from damages caused by free radicals and UV radiation.
Can You Really Eat Banana Peels?
The answer to that question is obviously yes. You can eat the skin of banana raw or cooked. If you eat the peel when the fruit is ripe, it’ll be much sweeter and much easier to chew. Some prefer to boil the peel for about ten minutes or so before consuming it, or you can also put it into a juicer or blender and blend it with some other fruits. Be sure to clean the peel thoroughly before eating it!
Benefits of Banana Peel
Here are some of the health benefits of banana peels:
Helps treat psoriasis. Apply banana peel to the affected area. Its moisturizing properties help treat it and reduce itchiness. You’ll see results in no time.
Offers UV protection. The banana peel helps protect the eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Moreover, it also helps reduce the risk of cataracts.
Reduces wrinkles. Banana peel helps hydrate the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. Just add an egg yolk to your mashed banana peel and apply it to your face.
Treats bug bites. If you’ve been bitten by bugs or insects, massage the peel onto the bite to relieve any itching and pain.
Helps cure pimples. To cure pimples on your face, use banana peel as a facial scrub, massaging it into your face and body for 5 minutes each day.
Is Edible. If you’re hungry and looking for something new to try, look no further. In fact, there are several Indian recipes that incorporate banana peels.
Helps remove warts. Keep a banana peel pressed against a wart to remove it.
Makes your teeth sparkle. Rub a banana peel on your teeth regularly to see much whiter chompers.
Important Tips about Banana Peels
- Don’t litter! If you’re not going to repurpose the peel for any of the above uses, throw them in a bin.
- Avoid storing bananas in the refrigerator.
- Always use fresh banana peels to gain best results.
- Store bananas in cool, dry places.
- Keep bananas away from sunlight or direct heat.
- Avoid keeping bananas unpeeled for long, and eat them immediately after you peel them. Be sure to eat the peel fresh, too.
Conclusion
Banana peels are really good, aren’t they? They have some surprisingly beneficial effects on the body and our overall health. Now that we’ve taught you everything you need to know about their powers, we hope you’ll make use of the peel next time you eat a banana.
