Bananas are a popular fruit and ingredient in many dishes. While most of us discard the peels and consume only the sweet and juicy flesh of bananas, the truth is that the peels are packed with nutrients and offer a range of potential health benefits that are worth exploring.
Banana peels are the outer covering of a banana fruit, which are usually yellow in color when the fruit is ripe. They are thin and flexible, with a slightly rough texture on the outside and a smooth surface on the inside.
Few people know that these peels offer numerous health benefits. Banana peels have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and contain many healing compounds that can help with various ailments. In this article, we’ll explore the possible health benefits of banana peels and how you can incorporate them into your diet!
8 Health Benefits of Banana Peels
Here are some of the amazing health benefits of banana peels:
1. Rich in nutrients and vitamins
Banana peels are rich in many essential vitamins and minerals, some of which are:
- Vitamin C: The banana peel is a rich source of vitamin C, which can help strengthen the immune system and ward off colds and flu.
- Potassium: The potassium content in banana peels may help reduce high blood pressure as well as prevent kidney stones and heart disease.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps regulate heart rate and blood flow to the muscles, nerves, bones, and other organs.
- Iron: Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there are not enough red blood cells circulating through your body due to an underactive thyroid gland causing low levels of iron absorption from food sources into our bodies’ tissues where it needs building blocks
2. Great source of fiber
Banana peels are a good source of fiber, which helps lower blood sugar levels. Fiber can also help with digestion and heart health, as well.
The high fiber content present in banana peels can assist in regulating the digestive system, providing relief for both constipation and diarrhea. For individuals who suffer from Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome, this benefit of banana peels could be especially significant.
3. Help reduce inflammation
Banana peels contain an antioxidant called lutein. Lutein has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and may help prevent eye disease. It also helps protect against sun damage, so it’s great for skin health too!
In addition, 2012 study found that extracts of banana peel possessed anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Promotes skin health
Banana peels have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. According to studies, banana peels have a stabilizing impact on the skin and help treat psoriasis and eczema, as well as soothe insect bites, wounds, sunburns, and skin irritations.
Studies further show that banana peel tannins have antibacterial properties and can inhibit the growth of bacteria that can cause infections.
5. Moisturizes the skin
Banana peels can be used as a natural moisturizer, reducing puffiness, redness, and irritation when applied on the skin by rubbing or wearing it as a mask for your face.
Dermatologists believe the tannins and phytonutrients in the peels can benefit the skin, even though there aren’t many studies that specifically demonstrate this.
6. Slows down aging
The peel of banana contains a variety of phytochemicals, including polyphenols and carotenoids, which promote skin health by curbing free radical damage. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and protective effects, which can make your skin appear and stay younger.
7. Supports hair health
Banana peels can be used to add glow and moisture to your hair. Simply rub the insides of the peels into your hair, or combine them to make a hair mask.
8. Can improve dental health
In 2015, a medical study found that banana peels exhibit antibacterial properties against A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis, bacteria that are responsible for periodontal diseases including periodontitis and gingivitis.
While these and other studies have not specifically investigated the direct application of banana peels to teeth, advocates of natural remedies suggest that rubbing banana peels onto your teeth can be beneficial for your oral health.
How to Eat Your Banana Peels
Banana peels are edible, both raw and cooked. Unless the fruit is organic, wash the peels completely before eating because pesticides are frequently used in banana farming. Banana peels are particularly high in fiber, so if you’re eating them, start with a minimal amount to prevent digestive issues.
Here are a few ideas you can explore
- Puree them and incorporate them into baked goods such as banana bread or muffins.
- For tea, boil them.
- Fruit smoothies can be made with peel slices.
- Ripe peels can be chopped and added to savory meals to add sweetness.
Conclusion
Even though most people discard the peel after eating a banana, it, however, proves to be useful.
Peels can improve the condition of your skin, hair, and gums. They can also be added to your garden, used to apply first aid, purify water, and much more.
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