Here’s something quirky about me: I just can’t stand bananas. But even though I’m not a fan, I have to admit they come in handy for making banana bread, helping people sleep, and even keeping aphids away from rose bushes. You heard that right—banana peels have more uses than you’d expect.
The banana itself is a treasure trove of carbs, potassium, and vitamins like C and B. Interestingly, the peel is just as nutritious. It even contains tiny amounts of metals like strontium, which can help strengthen teeth and bones.
Carotenoids, which are crucial for good vision, are part of what makes bananas special. A 2012 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlighted that carotenoids such as lutein help protect our eyes by filtering light and shielding tissues from sun damage. These nutrients also benefit the skin by offering protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
For centuries, different cultures have leveraged banana peels to tackle health issues, and modern science backs up some of these traditional uses. Just like elderberry or oregano, bananas are packed with antioxidant phenols and have strong antibacterial properties. Studies have shown compounds in banana peels combat various microbes responsible for wound infections, including the yeast Candida albicans.
In 2011, researchers discovered unripe, green banana peels have a higher antioxidant capacity compared to ripened ones. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals. On the flip side, ripe peels excel in reducing the activity of nitric oxide, which in excess can cause inflammation and lead to chronic diseases. This ability could potentially lead to better health outcomes.
In addition to these, the antioxidants and carotenoids in bananas may support other organs like the liver. A 2016 study in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine showed that banana peels could boost glutathione levels, reduce inflammation, and protect liver cells.
For men, age often brings challenges with an enlarging prostate gland, which can cause bladder issues. Research suggests that banana peel extract might support prostate health. Additionally, scientists are investigating the potential of banana peels to purify water by absorbing heavy metals and pesticides—as effective as charcoal. This was highlighted in studies from 2013 and 2020, where banana peels successfully removed harmful substances from water.
While I’m not about to put banana peels in my water filter, there’s potential in eating them for detox benefits. Both bananas and their peels are rich in amino acids needed for melatonin production, the hormone that helps us sleep. With potassium and magnesium acting as natural muscle relaxants, bananas aid in relaxation by supplying us with these minerals.
So, how can we make the most of banana peels? You don’t have to eat them raw; they can be used in the garden or as animal feed. In gardening, banana peels can boost the nutrient content of your soil. Some researchers found that banana peels could completely replace rabbits’ typical grain-based diet.
Also, you can add banana peels to chicken feed, though it’s best to chop and dry them first. Since bananas are often sprayed with pesticides, it’s wise to choose organic varieties, which are readily available and affordable.
Here are some ways to include banana peels in your diet:
– Make a flour: Dry and grind banana peels to create an antioxidant-rich flour for baking, but don’t go overboard as it could taste bitter.
– Brew tea: Banana peel tea is easy to make using chopped, fresh, or dried peels. Green peels are more antioxidant-rich but can be more drying.
– Try banana bacon: Marinate and cook banana peels for a sweet, smoky treat.
– Make chutney: Common in tropical regions, banana peel chutney is a delicious way to use peels.
– Add to smoothies: Blend some peels with the fruit for a nutrient boost.
Banana peels aren’t just for throwing away—there are benefits beyond what meets the eye. Packed with nutrients, they’re useful in the garden, for animals, and even for us humans.
Still, this information doesn’t replace medical advice, so always consult a doctor for guidance. What banana peel use will you try first? Share your tips with us!
