Everybody loves eating bananas. The fruit has been consumed by humans for time immemorial, and even today, it forms an important part of our diet. The simple banana is a great source of energy. But, are banana peels edible? Well, they are completely edible. Usually, not much thought is given to the poor banana peel. Well, it isn’t surprising that the banana peel has some advantages of its own. Packed with vitamins C and E, the banana peel also contains potassium, zinc, iron, and manganese. There are so many benefits of banana peel, that the next time you eat a banana, you might think twice before throwing the peel into a dustbin.
Health benefits of banana peel
1. They help reduce acne
Rich in vitamin C and E, these peels contain many other nutrients as well. They can calm inflamed skin, and reduce the outbreak of acne. The lutein and carotenoids, or fat-soluble compounds present in banana peel help fight inflammation and acne breakouts. Take a banana peel, and rub it over your skin. Leave it for 5 to 10 minutes. Then rinse off. You may repeat this twice daily. This is one of the uses of banana peel for skin.
2. They can help reduce wrinkles
When the skin loses its elasticity and firmness, facial wrinkles occur. The antioxidants and vitamin C in bananas may help reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. Take a banana peel and rub it over your skin. Next, leave if for 30 minutes or overnight. Next, when you get up, or after half an hour, wash your face and use a moisturizer. You can repeat this 3 times a week. This is one of the most vital uses of banana peel for face(1).
3. Help whiten your teeth
Rich in potassium, banana peels may help reduce yellow stains on the teeth that arise as a result of coffee and tea consumption, or as a result of eating certain foods such as blueberries and raspberries. All you need to do is first brush your teeth and rinse them well. Next, take the inside of the banana peel, and rub it on your teeth for two minutes. Now, rinse your teeth and repeat this daily(2).
[Read: Bananas for Constipation]
4. Help reduce the appearance of scars
Banana peels have properties that drastically reduce skin ailments such as swelling, redness, and scarring. These peels also contain esterified fatty acids, that have actually been isolated and used in various scar-reduction creams. Here’s what you can do. Take the banana peel and apply it to the affected area. Leave it for an hour or overnight. Repeat this daily.
5. Natural cure for headaches
A banana peel placed across the forehead and the back of the neck may be able to relieve headaches. This is due to the presence of potassium in the peel. Take the peel and put it in the freezer for an hour. Take one line of peel, and apply it to your forehead, and another to the back of the neck. Leave it on till the peel becomes warm. If the headache persists, repeat with more cold peels(3).
6. Help relieve itches
Banana peels are a great source of histamine lowering nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium. Use a banana peel to relieve itching from a mosquito bite, for instance. Take a banana skin and apply it to the affected area. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Remove it, and repeat for additional affected areas.
7. Promotes good hair health
Try using banana peel as an ingredient in a hair mask. It might make your hair softer and shinier. There are many antioxidants present in the banana peel. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals, to keep hair strong and healthy.
How to use?
Banana peels may be used in any way that you desire. Whether you want to use the peels on your body or use them in cooking, it is up to you.
When it comes to external application, the peel may be applied on your skin to reduce itchiness, promote skin health, and more. Since banana peel nutrition benefits are many, you may also consume it.
Try boiling the peel in water to make tea. Or, use the peels as an ingredient to make scrub. Another scrumptious way to consume the peels is to cook them with water and sugar and turn them into candy. And finally, why not try blending some banana peels the next time you make a fruit smoothie.
[Read: The Morning Banana Diet]
Myths and side effects of banana peels
There was a myth that banana peels are poisonous. It’s not true. In fact, they are edible and packed with nutrients. When it comes to side effects of consuming banana peels, the only problem you may face is an upset stomach. This is because of the extra fiber that the banana peel has. Regulate your consumption of peels, and you may have nothing to worry about.
In conclusion, the banana peel may just have as many advantages as the fruit it covers. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it has many benefits for the body, both internal and topical use. The peel may also be used as a household cleaner. If you rub the peel on silverware that has stains, it helps to get rid of the stains. A good food item that takes care of your skin, hair, and teeth, and also cleans household goods. With so many banana peel uses, it indeed is quite the complete package.
FAQs
1. Can We Apply the Banana Peel to Scalp?
Yes, you can. They treat various scalp conditions. Consult your dermatologist to know if it can be your scalp condition.
2. Can I Apply Banana Peel on My Pimples?
The anti-oxidants present in the banana peels will help reduce the breakouts and pimples.
