We can all agree that bananas are one of the most readily consumed fruits anywhere in the world. Not only is it delicious and healthy, but you only need to easily peel off the skin to get to the yummy fruit inside! No need to use a knife to slice and prepare before eating! But did you know that banana peels have amazing qualities and uses that you are wasting by just throwing it away? Here are 10 ways to use banana peels that can enhance your day-to-day living:
10. Gets Rid of Acne
Banana peels are popular in the beauty industry for being a 100% natural solution for acne! Containing vitamin C, E, potassium, iron, manganese and zinc and other exfoliating agents, the inner skin of banana peels help with the healing of inflamed skin and acne breakouts. It also contains carotenoids and lutein, fat soluble ingredients that are also effective in helping clear away skin inflammation. To use, just rub the inside of a banana peel onto your inflamed skin and leave it there for up to 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Do this twice a day and your skin should clear up in a few days. No need for chemicals with this natural solution!
9. Cures Warts
Warts are common skin growths that are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. While the warts will naturally disappear on its own without treatment, the sight of these unattractive skin bumps cause many people to seek treatment for faster removal. One common cure for wart removal is by the use of ripe banana peels. Simply cut the banana peel into a square, and make sure it’s enough to cover the area of the wart. Cover the area of the wart with the inner side of the banana peel, and hold the peel in place using medical tape. Leave on overnight. Repeat every night until the wart disappears.
8. Whitens Teeth
We all want our pearly whites to be as white as possible, right? So we spend thousands of dollars going to the dentist for whitening treatments. But did you know there are tons of cheaper alternatives out there that works just as well and are actually safer than the chemicals a dentist use during the whitening process. One safe and natural way is to use ripe banana peels. Banana peels are very rich in potassium, which can help reduce stains and whiten your teeth. After brushing your teeth, take a banana peel and rub the inside part all over your teeth. Rinse thoroughly.
7. Treats Itchiness
One of the most effective home remedies I’ve found for relieving itchy mosquito bites is with the use of banana peels. Bananas are rich in potassium, zinc, manganese, iron, vitamin C and vitamin E that altogether help relieve itchiness and inflammation brought about by scratching the skin. Get a banana peel – a cold banana peel if you prefer – and place the inside part on the itchy spot for up to 10 minutes. You can also rub the peel on the skin to help soothe the inflamed spot. The banana peel remedy is also effective for poison ivy and other bug bites.
6. Helps Treat Depression
On a more serious issue, banana peels have also been known to help treat depression. Banana peels are rich in serotonin, a mono amino transmitter that helps tremendously in boosting your mood, which in turn makes you feel good. It also contains tryptophan, which helps promote a more relaxed sleep. Both nutrients help greatly when dealing with depression. While it’s not easy eating a banana peel, as it is a bit bitter, thick and fibrous, there are ways to still eat this healthy peel. You can blend it into a smoothie, scrape the inner peel and add to your tea, or fry it to make banana peel chips. On top of this, seek professional and family support if you are suffering from depression.
5. Shoos Away Insects
Banana peels are natural pesticides that can help with your insect problem. If your prized rose bushes are being attacked by aphids and other insects, you will find that the solution lies in banana peels! No need to buy pesticides that can also be harmful while helpful. Cut up ripe banana peels, and bury them two inches below the soil where your plant is located. Aphids and other plant pests hate the taste and smell of the banana peels, and will stop pestering your plants ASAP! Bonus tip: the extra nutrients found in banana peels are also good for plants.
4. Feeds Plants
If you’re into a zero waste lifestyle as well as an avid gardener, banana peels can be a major help to you! Turning natural waste into compost and treating your plants to this is absolutely beneficial for them! Whether you’re planting a vegetable garden or growing a garden for decorating and landscaping purposes, composting will keep them healthy, blooming, and producing more. Simply add chopped up banana peels to your natural compost. Banana peels help introduce calcium, sulfur, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphates to your compost – all of which are important to the health of your plants.
3. Polishes Shoes
While banana peels are popular for many home, health and beauty remedies, what some of you might not probably know is that bananas have cleaning and shining capabilities too! If you’ve run out of shoe polish, try banana peels and see them make a better job than those expensive ones! Banana peels are so rich in potassium, which is a key ingredient found in a shoe polish. To polish your shoe, first wipe off the dirt and grime on your shoe. Rub the inside of a banana peel all over your shoes, and let it sit for a few minutes. Grab a clean cloth and wipe down your shoe, then rub and buff all over to give them shine.
2. Improves Growth of Indoor Plants
Indoor plants can be very hard to maintain, and while they can flourish inside a home’s environment, it’s not impossible for them to suffer due to poor air circulation. Even the hardiest plants out there can still have health issues if they don’t receive enough air and sunlight. Here’s the part where banana peels come and save your plant’s day! Soak fresh banana peels into a bucket of water for a day or two. On your next watering day, pour the banana peel infusion directly into the soil of your indoor plant. This introduces much-needed nutrients your plants require to keep them green and healthy.
1. Feeds Farm Animals
If you’re running a small farm with livestock such as goats, chickens, pigs, cows, and actually any farm animal, then you know how expensive farm feeds can get! A way cheaper alternative that’s absolutely healthy for your animals are banana peels. Banana peels contain protein, calcium and phosphorous that are ideal for the growth of farm animals. Studies show that using banana peels as feeds bring many health benefits to the animals, some of which are controlled weight gain, reduced levels of cholesterol, and an increased level on liveliness. While fresh banana peels are ideal and delicious to your animals, dried ones can also be given.
