Bananas are not only known for their high nutrition and mineral compositions but are also a very convenient and healthy snack option anytime. However, we mostly tend to discard the banana peels (or use them for home composting). You would be surprised to know that banana peels are also replete with polyphenols, carotenoids, and other antioxidants that can help remove the toxic free radicals from your skin and body (1). Want to know more about the benefits of banana peels? Read on!

Banana Peel Uses

1. Sparkling Teeth

Rub the banana peel every day for a week on your teeth for about a minute. This may result in teeth whitening, which can cost a lot of money otherwise.

2. May Remove Warts

Anecdotal evidence suggests that banana peel helps in removing warts and preventing the occurrence of new ones. For this, simply rub the peel on the affected area or tie the peel overnight on it. This is one of the simplest ways to use a banana peel for the skin.

3. Eat Them

Banana peels can also be eaten. You can find amazing Indian recipes that use banana peels in stir fries, chutneys, and curry preparations. Raw banana peels are also used to tenderize and preserve meat and chicken (2).

4. May Treat Pimples

Just massage banana peels on your face and body for 5 minutes every day to treat pimples. The results should be visible within a week. Keep applying the peels till the acne disappears.

5. May Reduce Wrinkles

Although there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, it is said that a banana peel helps to keep your skin hydrated. Add an egg yolk to a mashed banana peel. Apply this mixture on your face, leave it on for 5 minutes and then wash it off. The antioxidants in banana peel help prevent oxidative stress and reduce signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines (3).

6. Pain Reliever

Apply the banana peel directly on the painful area. Leave it for 30 minutes till the pain is gone. Banana peels have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help reduce the pain (3). A mixture of vegetable oil and banana peel might also help in pain relief (4).

7. May Treat Psoriasis

Apply the peel on the psoriasis affected area. The banana peel has moisturizing properties and also reduces itchiness. It may treat mild to moderate psoriasis (3).

8. May Treat Bites By Bugs

Massage the peel on the mosquito bites to get instant relief from the itching and pain. The antioxidants and vitamins help increase the blood circulation healing the pain and inflammation (3).

9. Shoes, Leather, Silver Polish

Rub a banana peel on shoes, leather, and silver articles to make them shine instantly.

10. UV Protection

Banana peel may help in protecting the eyes from the harmful UV rays. Make sure you leave the peel under the sun before rubbing the banana peel on your eyes. It is also said to reduce the risk of cataracts.

Some Important Tips

  1. Use a fresh banana peel for best results. 2. Never keep an unpeeled banana for long. The polyphenols turn it brown on exposure to air. Consume immediately after peeling. Also, the peel should be used immediately. 3. Store bananas in a cool, dry place and always keep them away from heat or sunlight. 4. Never store banana peels in a refrigerator. 5. Avoid throwing banana peels on the roads or public places. Use bins or save them for better purposes. What do banana peels in water do? Putting banana peels in water would leach their nutrients into the water. The resulting mixture is similar to compost tea. Can I leave banana peels on my face overnight? Yes. Banana peels may help rejuvenate your skin and deal with pimples. Does banana peel lighten skin? Possibly. Banana peels contain antioxidants and small amounts of vitamin C that may help brighten your complexion. How do you make banana peel powder? Cut the peels into small pieces and sun-dry them. Alternatively, you can dry the banana peels in the oven and grind them to obtain banana peel powder. What does banana peel do to your hair? Anecdotal evidence suggests that the antioxidants in the banana peels may help boost hair growth and leave silky soft and shiny hair behind.

Sources

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