Bananas are the most versatile fruit on the planet. They’re loaded with fiber and potassium, making them a great snack for a healthy diet.
We’ve all seen the banana peel sitting on the side of our kitchen counter, waiting to be tossed in the trash. However, it turns out that this seemingly useless waste product is actually a multi-use tool.
7 Ways to Use Banana Peels
Here are 7 unique ways to use banana peels that go beyond throwing them away.
Reduce Undereye Puffiness
Bananas are great for skin health. Not only are they loaded with vitamin E, but they’re a natural source of powerful antioxidants that help to fight free radicals and protect against skin damage.
Bananas also have great anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the appearance of acne and scarring.
They can protect against oxidative damage, a significant contributor to aging.
So, what about banana peels and dark circles?
Sometimes, people start to notice dark circles under their eyes when they look in the mirror. Dark circles can be caused by a number of factors, including lack of sleep, dehydration, and many more. To help fade discoloration from dark circles, try cutting the peel into smaller pieces that will fit well under your eyes to help blend in with your skin.
Then place them on your face for 30 minutes, then use your everyday cleanser.
It May Help With Acne
The banana peel is a great source of nutrients that can make your skin and hair look and feel better. Many studies have shown the banana peel to be full of substances that promote healing and prevent new skin problems from showing up.
The peel is loaded with lectin and zinc, which may be able to help damaged spots heal faster, prevent new ones from coming up, and even improve your overall health.
Whether you have dark spots left by a breakout, acne, or age spots, banana peels can be an effective home remedy for a variety of skin conditions. The fruit’s high potassium content helps with drying up pimples and blackheads while its enzymes can help to speed up healing. Plus, the peel is really inexpensive!
To use it effectively, massage the inside of the peel onto the affected area after you’ve used a gentle cleanser.
Just gently rub the inside of the peel from a slightly overripe banana onto the affected areas after a gentle cleansing. Continue until the peel turns brown and slimy and then leave it on the skin for 10 minutes. Use this technique daily to see the results.
Feet Moisturizer
Banana peels have long been touted as one of the best natural moisturizers. In fact, they’re loaded with nutrients that can help soothe dry, itchy skin. They are rich in Vitamin C which is an antioxidant and also helps strengthen the barrier of the skin to keep moisture in.
Using banana peels is an effective way to rejuvenate your feet when they are in need or cracked and dry. You simply need to rub the peel on your dry areas, then rinse it off before using it again for a few days.
Reduce Swelling and Inflammation
Banana peels are an excellent way to banish unwanted bloat and swelling. They are also loaded with polysaccharides, which make them effective at reducing inflammation and swelling.
If you have a mosquito bite that simply won’t go away, try rubbing the inside of the banana peel on it! The natural oils in the peel will soothe the irritation and make it itch less. You can also use this remedy on your kid’s poison ivy rash too.
It May Improve Hair Health
Proponents of natural products for health and cosmetics suggest using banana peel as an ingredient in a hair mask. They say it will make your hair softer and shinier.
There is a multitude of benefits to adding banana peel into your beauty routine. One of these benefits is the antioxidants that are found in the peel of a banana.
These antioxidants are known for their ability to neutralize free radicals, which can have positive effects on hair health, skin condition, and overall vitality.
Fertilize Plants
A majority of indoor plants don’t get enough light, so they need a boost. Dust can make it harder for photosynthesis to occur, but a quick rub of its leaves with the inside of a banana peel will help your plants shine.
In fact, banana peeling is an old-school, inexpensive hack that can put a little extra life back into your indoor plants.
Using the peels as a fertilizer is an easy way to add extra potassium and nitrogen to your garden
You can either cut up the peel and put it in the soil with your plant, bury the whole peel, or make a “tea” with the peels. Each method has advantages and disadvantages which you should consider before adding them to your customer.
Polish Your Shoes
Banana peels have been known as all-natural shoe polish for decades. The peel is made from the starch of bananas, which will help remove accumulated dirt or dulling residue on your shoes. This method is also environmentally friendly and can be used on leather or faux-leather shoes.
As it turns out, there is an effective way to remove stains from shoes. All you need to do is rub the inside of the banana peel on your shoes and watch when the scuffs go away.
Final Thoughts
Banana peels are a rich source of lipids, antioxidants, and potassium among other nutrients. They are often used for a variety of health and cosmetic purposes in various cultures.
However, before you use banana peels on your skin or ingest them to improve your health, talk to your healthcare provider about their pros and cons.
They might have additional natural solutions you can try.
This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NechGear does not claim responsibility for this information.