What Are the Benefits of Banana Peel?

Medically Reviewed on 8/17/2022
Benefits of Banana Peel
Banana peels are used in a variety of dishes around the world.

Banana peels can be used in a variety of ways to:

Even raw banana peels are edible.

11 health benefits of banana peels

  1. May reduce the risk of cancer
    • Banana peels are rich in polyphenols, carotenoids, and other antioxidants that protect your body from cancer-causing free radicals. Consuming more banana peels can boost your antioxidant levels and lower your chance of developing cancer.
    • Studies on the anticancer effects of banana peels were conducted in laboratories. More human studies are required to determine whether banana peels can reduce cancer risk in humans.
  2. Reduce depression
    • Vitamin B6 and the high tryptophan content of bananas can aid with some of the symptoms of depression and other mood disorders.
      • Tryptophan is used by the body to produce serotonin, which elevates your mood.
      • Vitamin B6 can help enhance sleep, which eventually has a favorable effect on mood.
  3. May whiten teeth
    • The minerals found in ripe banana peels can help improve oral health. You can get whiter teeth by regularly rubbing the inside of the peel for two to three minutes after brushing. There is, however, no scientific proof to support this effect.
  4. Treat acne and sun damage
    • Banana peel's anti-inflammatory characteristics and vitamin C content can help treat a variety of sun-related skin problems, acne, and other skin conditions brought on by prolonged sun exposure.
      • Use a gentle face wash and pat your face dry.
      • Choose a little piece of banana peel, then rub the inside of it on the affected area.
      • Before rinsing it off, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
      • Repeat two times per day for the best results.
      • Do it every day for 10 days to observe the results.
  5. Hair care
    • According to some research, bananas contain silica, antioxidants, and other nutrients that are beneficial for your hair. You may try adding banana peels to your next do-it-yourself hair mask. Some claim that it can make the hair hydrated, strong, and look healthy.
  6. Remove splinters
    • Because banana peels are so high in enzymes, they bring foreign things to the skin's surface, making it much easier to grab the splinter. Apply the peel to the problem area of the skin and leave it for 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove it before removing the splinter.
  7. Lower cholesterol
    • Banana peels have both soluble and insoluble fibers, which lowers cholesterol and keeps cholesterol from adhering to the walls of arteries. This helps lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  8. First aid
    • It provides relief from ivy rash, itching, and bug bites due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
    • By putting a frozen banana peel on the forehead and across the back of the neck, it may help relieve migraines naturally and minimize headaches.
  9. Good for the eyes
    • Banana peels are excellent for the eyes and reduce the chance of cataracts. Placing it near the eyes helps reduce puffiness.
    • The peel helps lighten dark circles beneath the eyes and decreases the appearance of fine lines.
  10. Relieves constipation
    • They are high in fiber, which aids in regular bowel motions. Fiber aids the growth of good bacteria in the gut, which promotes healthy digestion.
  11. Banana peels cleaning for the home
    • Banana peels are a natural, efficient, and affordable way to clean your home. They can be used to clean:
      • Silverware
      • Ink stains
      • Leather
      • Scuffed disk
      • Wood furniture

What are banana peel masks?

Bananas are a great source of skin-friendly nutrients, such as zinc, vitamins B6 and B12, and antioxidants, which can work together to treat a variety of skin conditions without any negative side effects.

To make a mask

  1. Chop half a banana and the entire peel into tiny pieces.
  2. Make a paste using a food processor.
  3. Add a spoonful of curd, honey, and rosewater. Stir the mixture thoroughly.
  4. Apply the paste to your face and neck.
  5. Let it dry for a while, and then, wash your face with warm water.

How to eat banana peels

Banana peels are used in a variety of dishes around the world. The peel could be a beneficial addition to your diet because it is high in fiber and potassium (as well as reduce waste).

Without the proper preparation, banana peels can be difficult to digest, so here are some suggestions to consume banana peels.

  • Blended in a smoothie
  • Stir-fried
  • Baked (try baking and eating the whole banana for a sweet treat)

Remember to thoroughly wash your banana peels before eating them because the surface may contain harmful pesticides.

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Medically Reviewed on 8/17/2022
References
Image Source: iStock image

Health Benefits of Banana Peel. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-banana-peel

Banana Peels: A Waste Treasure for Human Being https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9122687

Why Banana Peels Are Actually Good for Your Health https://www.lifehack.org/321113/why-banana-peels-are-actually-good-for-your-health