Before you throw that banana peel in the bin, have you thought about incorporating it into your health and wellness routine? While it might sound a bit strange, banana peels are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. In fact, there is a range of reported banana peel benefits that could give your healthcare routine daily support.1
So, after you’ve enjoyed the delicious banana flesh as a healthy snack, consider trying out one of the below banana peel uses.
Banana peel uses and benefits
Skincare
Banana peels are rich in vitamin-C and other antioxidants, which could make them a useful addition to your skincare routine. Using banana peels as a face mask or cream has been reported to reduce wrinkles, improve acne, and moisturise dry skin. Try rubbing the banana peel over your face or skin and leaving overnight.2
Haircare
Some research shows that bananas contain antioxidants, silica, and other nutrients that can be great for your hair. Try incorporating banana peels into your next DIY hair mask to see what effects this unusual ingredient has. Some say that it can help to keep hair feeling moisturised, strong and looking healthy.3
Teeth whitening
While research is undecided, there are some anecdotal reports that banana peels can whiten teeth. Supporters suggest rubbing a banana peel over your teeth for one to two minutes every day.4 Remember to keep brushing regularly as well, though!
Can you eat banana peels?
With all these external uses for banana peels, you might be asking yourself, ‘can you eat banana peels’? You absolutely can. In fact, banana peels are a common ingredient in cuisines around the world. The peel contains potassium and plenty of fibre, which could be a useful addition to your diet (as well as reducing waste).5
Banana peels can be tricky to digest without the proper prep, so here are some ideas on how you can eat banana peels in a tasty way:
- Blended up in a smoothie
- Shallow fried
- Baked (try baking and eating the whole banana for a sweet treat)6
- Added to curries and stews
Remember to wash your banana peels carefully before you eat them, as they could have harmful pesticides on the surface.7
Things to remember
While there is plenty of banana peel uses out there, it’s crucial to use yours carefully to be sure it’s safe. Remember to always use fresh banana peels, whether you’re eating or using them on your skin. If you notice any irritation, stop using the banana peel right away.
If you’re using the peel as a topical treatment, be sure to dispose of it properly afterwards in a bin or compost heap.8
Not sure about using banana peels in your wellness routine? There are plenty of natural skincare options out there that can give the same benefits. From face masks to overnight creams, you should be able to find something that suits you and your skin.
Last updated: 2 October 2020
Sources
1 https://www.healthline.com/health/banana-peel-uses
2 https://brightside.me/inspiration-tips-and-tricks/10-unusual-ways-to-use-banana-peels-520360/
3 https://www.healthline.com/health/banana-hair-mask
4 https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-banana-peels/
5 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/can-you-eat-banana-peel
6 https://www.businessinsider.com/benefits-of-eating-banana-peels-2015-9
7 https://news.sky.com/story/eating-banana-skin-can-help-with-better-sleep-and-weight-loss-11872340
8 https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-banana-peels
