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Purifies Water, Restores Hair and Skin: Can You Throw Away a Banana Peel

Most of us don’t think twice about peeling a banana and throwing away the thick yellow peel. Meanwhile, it’s worth thinking about the use of banana peels and what happens if you eat the peel of a banana. In recent years, scientists have become more interested in the benefits of agricultural waste and how some of it, which is usually considered garbage, can be used.

Therefore, before you classify them as by-products, learn more about the daily uses of banana peels for skin, hair, and more.

Where can banana peels be used?

Banana peel is the outer shell of the banana fruit. Its nutritional value varies depending on the maturity of the fruit, but it usually contains fiber, protein, and carbohydrates, as well as amino acids, antioxidants, trace elements, phosphorus, iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Studies show that banana peel has antioxidant activity and helps reduce free radical damage to organ tissue. Peelings also contain phytochemicals with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. These components make it possible to use banana peels for skin, hair, teeth, infections, and much more.

Moisturizing skin cream

Rubbing a banana peel into your skin or applying it to your face as a mask can work as a natural moisturizer, as well as reduce puffiness, redness, and irritation. Although there is not much concrete research to support this, dermatologists believe that the tannins and phytonutrients in the peel can benefit the skin.

Reduce fine lines and wrinkles

Banana peels contain a long list of phytochemicals such as polyphenols and carotenoids that promote healthy skin by fighting free radicals. These compounds have a protective effect and can help give your skin a more youthful appearance.

A skin soother

Banana peel is said to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Studies show that it also has a soothing effect on the skin and can help relieve conditions such as psoriasis and eczema by soothing insect bites, wounds, sunburns, and skin irritations.

Studies show that tannins in banana peels have antimicrobial activity and can inhibit the growth of infectious bacteria.

Hair health booster

Peeling can be used to moisturize and shine your hair. You can simply rub your hair with the inside of the peel or mix it to make a hair mask.

Dental health booster

Banana peel has antibacterial properties and can be used as a toothpaste to fight dental infections and improve gum health.

Used as livestock feed

Currently, banana peels are used as supplemental feed for cattle, goats, monkeys, poultry, rabbits, fish, zebras, and other species. They provide beneficial phytonutrients and antioxidants.

Used for water purification

Researchers have found that banana peels can be used to purify water. The study, published in Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, found that crushed banana peels can remove lead and copper from river water.

According to the researchers, the peel can serve as an inexpensive means of cleansing the body.

Compost improver

If you’re about to throw away a banana peel, consider adding it to your compost or garden. It can be used as a fertilizer and if it is crushed first, it will decompose and add nutrients to the soil.

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Written by Emma Miller

I am a registered dietitian nutritionist and own a private nutrition practice, where I provide one-on-one nutritional counseling to patients. I specialize in chronic disease prevention/ management, vegan/ vegetarian nutrition, pre-natal/ postpartum nutrition, wellness coaching, medical nutrition therapy, and weight management.

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