11 Ways to Use Banana Peels: Stop Wasting Them!
Reviewed and approved by the doctor Karla Henríquez
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits around. This is not only because they are available during any season, but because they’re delicious and high in nutritional value. They have a significant amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidant substances, which make them one of the best foods for complementing your diet. However, what a lot of people don’t even realize is that the part that we generally waste, the banana peels, contain important properties that also provide amazing benefits.
In fact, banana peels contain more fiber than the fruit of the banana, and provide amino acids that are important for the body. They’re as pleasant tasting as the fruit, and it’s worth learning the benefits you’ll get from them, along with alternative ways to use them.
1. Headaches
The high potassium content concentrated in the banana peel is a good remedy against common headaches. You can ingest it by means of an infusion, or, alternatively, you can even place it on your forehead and the back of the neck to get a relaxing effect.
2. Banana peels for warts
The white part of the peel is a wonderful solution for those unpleasant looking warts that can pop up on our bodies. The effect isn’t immediate, but by placing them on the wart every day with an adhesive bandage, you will solve your problem in just a matter of days.
3. Constipation
One of the keys to solving constipation and other digestive problems is to increase your consumption of fiber. Because banana peels contain more fiber than the banana itself, you can drink it in the form of a tea or add it to a smoothie to help improve your condition.
4. Acne
The compounds contained in the white part of banana peels are a good remedy for acne, pimples, and blackheads. Rub it on twice a day. The pimple will dry out more quickly, the inflammation on the skin will go down, and your pores will be less obstructed.
5. Whiter teeth
Even though it doesn’t work like a professional dental whitening, rub the banana peel on your teeth to help reduce the yellow discoloration. Daily usage removes blemishes that stick to tooth enamel, and after several weeks, it will leave you with shinier teeth.
6. Insect bites
Rubbing a small piece of banana peel on your insect bites can reduce inflammation and itching. This is one of the oldest remedies out there for mosquito bites.
7. Bruises
The regenerative properties in banana peels are useful for speeding up wound and bruise healing. Consuming it as a tea helps improve blood circulation and also has a calming effect when applied topically.
8. Furniture polish
The back side of banana peels can be used to shine leather and wood furniture, cooking utensils and other accessories that lose their shine because of dust. Simply rub it on for three minutes, then immediately shine with a clean cloth.
9. Improving your mood
Banana peels have a concentrated, high amount of the essential amino acid known as tryptophan. This is because of an increase in the production of serotonin. Appropriate levels of this neurotransmitter allow us to be in a good mood, to be enthusiastic, and to experience well-being.
One cup of banana peel tea is a good solution to stress and depressive states.
Read more: 10 Foods That Help Improve Your Mood and Fight Depression
10. Shiny shoes
Banana peels can be used to shine dull or mistreated shoes. In this case, it has an effect similar to shining furniture. Just apply the peel and rub it off with a cloth.
11. Cardiovascular health
The phosphorus and potassium contained in banana peels are a great solution to high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These essential minerals protect blood vessel health, improve circulation and prevent bad cholesterol from oxidizing in the veins.
Of course, they don’t replace any prescribed medications to control these disorders, but regular consumption can be a great supplement for keeping levels where they should be.
Read more: Everything You Should Know About Cholesterol
In order to get best results, we recommend using fresh banana peels. Once they are refrigerated they lose an important part of their properties. If you want to save them for a day or two, it’s best to place them in a cool area, away from heat sources or sunlight.
Before consuming it, make sure you wash it really well to remove any dirt from the environment and distribution sites.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- ShinichiSomeya et al. “Antioxidant compounds from bananas (Musa Cavendish)”, Food Chemistry, Volume 79, Issue 3, November 2002, Pages 351-354
- Kanazawa K, Sakakibara H., “High content of dopamine, a strong antioxidant, in Cavendish banana”, J Agric Food Chem. 2000 Mar;48(3):844-8.
- Fox C, Ramsoomair D, Carter C., “Magnesium: its proven and potential clinical significance”, South Med J. 2001 Dec;94(12):1195-201.
- Pereira A, Maraschin M., “Banana (Musa spp) from peel to pulp: ethnopharmacology, source of bioactive compounds and its relevance for human health”, J Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Feb 3;160:149-63.
- PingyiZhang, Roy L., Whistler James, N.BeMiller, Bruce R.Hamaker, “Banana starch: production, physicochemical properties, and digestibility—a review”, Carbohydrate Polymers, Volume 59, Issue 4, 15 March 2005, Pages 443-458
This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.
