Most people don’t give it a second thought when they peel a banana and toss the thick, yellow skin, but have you ever wondered if there are any applications for banana peels or if they are healthy to consume? Scientists are now more intrigued by the potential uses for agricultural waste and some items that are traditionally discarded as trash.
Banana peels have numerous uses for skin, hair, and other things before you define them as food byproducts.
Top 8 Banana Peel Uses
The skin of the banana fruit is known as a banana peel. Depending on the fruit’s age, the byproduct’s nutritional value varies, but it often includes fibre, protein, and carbs in addition to amino acids, antioxidants, and the minerals phosphorus, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
The antioxidant activity of banana peel has been demonstrated, and it helps lessen organ tissue oxidative damage. Additionally, peels contain phytochemicals that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These elements enable the use of banana peel for a variety of ailments, including infections, hair, skin, and teeth.
- Skin Moisturiser:
Banana peels can be used as a natural moisturiser, reducing puffiness, redness, and irritation while also acting as a mask for your face. According to doctors, the peels’ phytonutrients and tannins can be beneficial to the skin.
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles Reducer:
Several phytochemicals, including polyphenols and carotenoids, are found in banana peel and work to protect the skin from free radical damage. These substances have anti-inflammatory properties and could make your skin seem younger.
- Skin Soother:
According to some sources, banana peel has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects. It has a calming impact on the skin and can aid with psoriasis and eczema relief, as well as healing insect bites, wounds, sunburns, and skin irritations.
The antibacterial properties of banana peel can stop the spread of bacteria that cause infections.
- Air Health Booster:
Peels can be used to give your hair more hydration and gloss. You may just rub the interior of the peels against your hair or combine them to create a hair mask.
5. Dental Health Booster:
Because of its antibacterial qualities, banana peels can be used as toothpaste to prevent oral infections and improve gum health.
6. Used as Livestock Feed:
Currently, sheep, goats, monkeys, chicken, rabbits, fish, zebras, and other creatures are fed on banana peels as a supplement. They offer beneficial phytonutrients and antioxidants.
7. Used for Water Purification:
Banana peels can be used to clean water, according to research. Finely chopped banana peel can filter copper and lead out of river water.
8. Compost Enhancer:
If you’re going to throw away banana peels, think about composting them or using them in your garden. When chopped, they can be used as fertiliser and will break down and add nutrients to the soil.
How to Eat (Recipes)
Banana peels can be consumed either raw or cooked. If the fruit is not organic, pesticides are frequently used in banana farming, therefore wash the peels completely before eating.
Banana peels are high in fibre, so start with a little amount if you plan to eat them to prevent digestive issues.
- Puree them, and add to baked good recipes, like banana bread or muffins.
- Boil them to make tea.
- Add peel slices into fruit smoothies.
- Chop ripe peels, and add them to savory dishes for a sweet addition.
Conclusion
- The banana fruit’s outer shell is known as the peel. Fibre, protein, carbs, amino acids, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and micronutrients are typically present.
- Even though most people discard the peel after eating a banana, it has a number of uses.
- Peels can improve the condition of your gums, skin, and hair. Additionally, you may use them to add to your garden, cleanse water, and consume for an added fibre boost.
