YOU WILL STOP THROWING BANANA PEELS AFTER READING THIS

We’ve frequently heard about the health benefits of bananas, but how about their peel? Actually, people in a lot of cultures around the world still consume the peel for its valuable nutrients such as fiber, potassium… Therefore, it seems to be wasteful to throw the banana peel into the bin.

Banana peels are much more beneficial than you thought.

Bananas

The flesh of bananas is a great source of many nutrients and high in carbohydrates. It is soft and sweet whereas the skin is thick and slightly bitter. However, the riper a banana gets, the thinner and sweeter the peel becomes. That is because when the banana ripens, it releases a natural plant hormone call ethylene which combines with the sugars and fiber in the banana skin, converts complex sugars into simple ones and breaks down pectin- a type of fiber in bananas that keeps them stiff.

Nutrients in banana peels           

Banana peels are also high in potassium and contain much more soluble and insoluble fiber than the flesh. Insoluble fiber helps stimulate digestion and bowel movements and lower blood cholesterol levels. Additionally, banana peels contain tryptophan- an essential amino acid that increases serotonin levels in the body and balances mood and emotions. Researchers found that eating two banana skins a day for 3 days increased blood serotonin levels by 16 per cent. Banana peels also contain lutein- a carotenoid with antioxidant properties that not only reduces oxidative stress and neutralizes free radical to a variety of organs including the skin but also protects eyes from harmful effects of UV rays from the sun and lowers the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

How to eat banana peels

Despite an unpleasant taste, banana peels can be eaten raw. You can either blend them into smoothies or bake, fry or boil them at least 10 minutes. Heat can break down fiber in banana skin and loose up that tough texture, making the peel much easier to chew and digest.

Other beauty benefits

--Teeth whitener: Rub the inner part of banana peel gently over your teeth for a few minutes, then rinse off. Repeat every day for a week for whiter looking teeth.

--Skin brightener: Do the same way as above.

--Wrinkle reducer: Add an egg yolk to a mashed banana peel. Apply the mixture on your face for 5 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.

--Acne treatment: Rub the inner part of the peel on the affected area gently for a few minutes then rinse off. Repeat three times a day.