The banana is one of my absolute favorite fruits, not just because it is delicious, but also because it is jam-packed with vitamins and minerals that are great for my health.
However, in all my years of eating bananas, I never realized that I might actually be throwing the best (and healthiest) part of the fruit in the trash.
Just as there are surprising health benefits of potato juice, there are actually an enormous number of ways to use the peel of a banana to your benefit.
How Do I Use A Banana Peel For My Health?
Depending on the health benefit you're seeking, you may either need to apply the banana peel directly to the skin or you may need to actually consume the peel. While this might sound bizarre, it is perfectly safe and natural. Livestrong.com writes, "Banana peels can be eaten raw... Some people prefer to boil the peel for 10 minutes or so before eating it, putting it through a juicer, or blending it with other fruits." Of course, for those who don't want to eat the peel, you can use a spoon to scrape out the insides for consumption. However, as a safety precaution, "Cleaning commercially grown bananas before you eat the skins is essential due to all the spraying that bananas are subjected to."
Health Benefit #1: Stops Bug Bite Itching
Bug bites can quickly ruin your day, as an itchy and sometimes painful distraction. StyleCraze recommends that you "massage the peel on the mosquito bites to get instant relief from the itching and pain."
Health Benefit #2: Keeps You Regular
The banana peel itself is loaded with fiber, making it an easy way to stay regular. For those who can't quite seem to stomach eating the entire peel, scrape out as much of the insides as you are able using a spoon. This high fiber is great for digestion!
Health Benefit #3: Whitens Teeth
Don't worry — you don't have to chew on a banana peel to achieve this benefit. According to Native American News, "To whiten your teeth, simply rub them with the inner part of the peel on a regular daily basis for two weeks. "You'll be able to see positive results after a few treatments."
Health Benefit #4: Reduces Wrinkles
The antioxidants in banana peels also make them great for your skin. Simply rub the banana peel on the desired areas of your face, and leave the residue on for a half hour before washing off. Regular "peel treatments" should lead to positive results!
Health Benefit #5: Helps You Sleep Better
For this benefit, eating the peel is recommended. However, again, you can simply scrape the inside of the peel if the entire peel seems too daunting. According to OMTimes, "Banana peels are full of lots of tryptophan that can help you get a good night's rest."
Health Benefit #6: Lowers Cataract Risk
As we get older, the risk of cataracts may increase. Fortunately, eating banana peels can help. Livestrong.com writes, "Banana skin contains lutein, a powerful antioxidant that protects the eye from free radicals and harmful frequencies of UV radiation from the sun. "Lutein has been proven to reduce the risks of cataracts and macular degeneration."
Health Benefit #7: Lowers Cholesterol
Has your doctor told you that you need to lower your cholesterol? You might want to include banana peels as part of your healthy diet. According to OMTimes, "Banana peels have more soluble and insoluble fiber than what you find in the banana itself. "Banana peels lower your cholesterol, thus helping to prevent cardiovascular disease [and] strokes."
Health Benefit #8: Battles Warts When treating warts, people often turn to harsh chemicals. However, for an all-natural approach, try banana peels. Native American News writes, "Apply a piece of banana peel on the affected skin and secure with a band-aid. Leave overnight. Repeat until the wart falls off."
Health Benefit #9: Boosts Your Mood
The amino acids in banana peels also trigger an important mood-improving hormone known as serotonin. This is a great, all-natural way to turn that frown upside-down!
Which of these incredible banana peel health benefits will you be trying out? Let us know!