Bananas are a popular fruit. They are tasty, versatile, and full of nutrients such as potassium. There seems to be no end to banana recipes from cake to muffins to smoothies to curry to fritters to pie. However they are eaten, the first step is to remove the peel, but don’t trash it just yet. Banana peels can be extremely useful for gardening, home cleaning, and even maintaining good health. So set peels aside and make the most of their potential benefits.
Teeth cleaner
A study from 2015 showed that the antibacterial properties in banana peels can fight against bacteria that lead to periodontal diseases like gingivitis. However, this study didn’t delve into the practice of rubbing teeth with banana peels, but some holistic healers suggest it is beneficial for teeth and gum health. They also say that doing this daily for a week can lead to whiter teeth. If you try it, be sure to brush your teeth soon after to remove the natural sugars from the fruit.
Polish and shiner
Some people use banana peels to clean around their home. They particularly use them to polish and shine silverware, leather shoes, as well as the leaves of houseplants.
Banana peel smoothies
If you are planning on eating banana peels, rinse them as you would apples or any fruit with edible skin. Make sure you enjoy your new dish with plenty of water since the peels are high in fiber and can cause digestive discomfort in people not used to that, according to Eating Well. An easy way to enjoy them is by freezing them and adding them to smoothies.
Banana peels in baked goods
Keep in mind, the riper the banana means the sweeter the peel. So for baked goods you chould freeze the whole banana if you’re not using it right away. When you’re ready to bake muffins, bread, cake, or so on, thaw the banana, puree it, and add it to the batter.
Digestive relief
If you plan on eating banana peels, there are some health benefits you may appreciate over time. One of these include improved digestive health. The high levels of fiber can help ease constipation and diarrhea. This can be particularly helpful to those with Crohn’s disease or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Remember to accompany these foods with plenty of water.
Read More: 8 Reasons You Should Be Eating Bananas
Boosts mood
These peels contain a type of protein called tryptophan as well as vitamin B6. Tryptophan turns into serotonin as it’s digested, which can improve one’s mood, according to WebMD. Additionally, vitamin B6 can help with sleep, which can positively improve one’s mood if its affected by sleep deprivation and stress.
Gardening compost
Banana peels are biodegradable and rich in potassium, so they can benefit gardens in a number of ways. One is through composting. Add them to the compost pile as a source of nitrogen. Then add the degraded peels to the soil as a side dressing or top dressing. Alternatively, it can be mixed into potting mixes or garden beds for better structure and nutrient composition.
Banana peel fertilizer
This is a popular way of using up old peels. Brew them into a mild “tea” and pour it or spray it onto plants as a fertilizer. Boiling banana peels allows the nutrients to infuse the water and make it easier for the plants to access. Start by steeping the peels in room-temperature water for a few days before boiling the entire concoction for half an hour. Allow the liquid to completely cool before straining the peels. Use as a foliar spray, or as a fertilizer diluted with 1 part banana water to 5 parts water.
Read More: Banana Tea: Should You Try It? (Nutrition, Benefits, Recipe)
Mulch
Chop up banana peels and spread them over soil as a garden mulch. However, rotting food can attract insects and create bad smells, so cover the pieces with wood chips or stray. You can also use composted bananas as mulch, but don’t forget to keep an eye out for bugs.
Added to planting holes
Here’s a good way to use peels in gardening without worrying about attracting flies. When you dig new planting holes, add a couple pieces of chopped peels to the base before putting in the new plant. As the fruit degrades, it can release nutrients into the soil that can help with growth and health, according to the Spruce.
Itch relief
Some folk medicine practitioners recommend using banana peels to alleviate itchy skin because of their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, according to Healthline. For instance, you can press the peel against bug bites, sunburns, and rashes from poison ivy to help reduce the itching.
Skincare
These same properties lead people to use banana peels for other forms of skincare. Their uses are not supported by research but anecdotal accounts claim that rubbing the peel on skin can reduce wrinkles, moisturise, and fade acne scars. This is why some DIY facial cleansers and moisturisers include pureed peels or banana peel “tea”.
Hair masks
Similarly, some recipes for hair masks include banana peels. Again, there is no research to link this ingredient to better hair health, but those who use it stay the antioxidants will neutralize free radicals to make the hair stronger, healthier, softer, and shinier.
Read More: Should You Wash Your Bananas?