Before You Throw Away That Banana Peel, You Should Read This!

I used to throw my banana peels away. But, I had a friend stop me one day and told me to put them in the fridge.

When I asked why in the world, would I put them in the fridge, she told me they could be used for beauty purposes later.

Now, I save all my peels, and if you’re skeptical like me, keep reading.

I am going to share some ways that you can use your own banana peels in your daily routine.

Banana peels are great exfoliators

Banana peels are rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. They also contain enzymes that can help remove dead skin cells. 

The lactic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) contained in the peel can be more gentle than some chemical exfoliants.

So, what this means is that you can use a banana peel on your face(or anywhere else) and it will exfoliate the area, leaving it soft and smooth.

You can make a paste out of mashed banana peel by adding water or milk until it’s spreadable enough to apply to your face without it getting stuck in your hairline or eyebrows like other facial masks.

Peels are rich in antioxidants

According to health.clevelandclinic.org, a 2011 study found that the peels of unripe bananas contained more antioxidants than those of ripe or overripe bananas.

Either way, the antioxidants in banana peels will enhance your skin’s natural ability to protect itself from sun damage. Antioxidants, whether consumed or applied directly to your skin, help protect your skin from free radical damage and also help to improve the texture and appearance.

Peels have anti-inflammatory properties

Inflammation can lead to acne and other skin problems, so if you have sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts (or even if you don’t) it may be worth incorporating banana peels into your skincare routine.

Since peels are a natural anti-inflammatory, they can also help reduce the appearance of scarring from acne. The same is true for other causes of inflammation, such as eczema and psoriasis.

Banana peels can also reduce the appearance of stretch marks by reducing inflammation in the skin.

Banana peels have anti-bacterial properties

The peels have anti-bacterial properties that can help fight skin infections along with clearing acne. Because of the high amount of polyphenols, the peels are naturally anti-microbial, which makes them a great way to cleanse the skin.

Rich in vitamin C

We all know the importance of incorporating vitamin C into skincare and diet. Since they have such a high amount of vitamin C, this gives them the capability of a few benefits.

In skincare, vitamin C boosts collagen production, therefore, increasing skin elasticity and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C in the banana peel also helps fade dark spots and brighten your skin.

Vitamin C helps protect the skin from sun damage and also helps decrease photodamage, the dark spots.

Consuming this important nutrient will also provide the benefits above and boost immunity, improve iron absorption, and protect your cells from free radical damage.

Vitamin C also plays a part in the formation of collagen.

Natural moisturizer

What makes a banana peel a natural moisturizer? The vitamin E it contains, of course! Vitamin E is found in sebum, which is what naturally lubricates the skin.

The potassium found in bananas helps regulate the amount of water in your body, which protects both hair and skin from becoming dehydrated.

Bananas and their peels also have a high content of vitamin B6 and water to help nourish and keep the skin hydrated.

Do peels make teeth white?

There are many articles that claim to rub a banana peel on your teeth will whiten them. This is not true. It may get some surface stains off of your teeth, just like a toothbrush, but they have no whitening properties.

Source: coronadodentalassociates.com

What about eating banana peels?

You can eat the banana peel and people all over the world have been doing this for years! There are many health benefits that come with consuming the peel.

 The banana should be ripe, though, because unripe peels are bitter, thick, and fibrous.

The peels are great sources of potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, fiber, and vitamins B6 & B12. But how are these nutrients beneficial to your skin and health?

Vitamin B12- Provides essential nutrients for collagen production and helps to maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance. It also has a hand in making DNA and keeping blood and nerve cells healthy.

Vitamin B6- Helps in collagen synthesis, can improve mood, and promote brain health. Deficiencies of this vitamin have been associated with dermatitis.

Fiber- You know this one benefits the gut, but did you know there’s a link between gut health and skin health? It’s referred to as the “gut-skin axis”. For instance, think of when you eat fatty foods and then have a breakout afterward. The gut-skin axis plays a role in the way diet affects the way skin looks. 

Magnesium- Lowers cortisol levels, stabilizes hormone imbalances, and improves cellular processes. Low levels can cause a deficiency in fatty acids, which will lead to skin drying out faster, wrinkles, and sagging.

It also helps regulate muscle and nerve function along with blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Magnesium plays a role in making protein, bone, and DNA.

Potassium- Maintains fluid inside cells. It helps muscle contraction and helps keep normal blood pressure. For your skin, it enhances moisture to help prevent dehydration.

Phosphorus- Promotes the growth, maintenance, and repair of all tissues and cells. It also filters out toxins to make room for new and healthy cells. 

Banana peel recipes for face

#1 The simplest way to use the peel is just to rub it on your clean for about 10 minutes. Wait another 10 minutes before washing it off. For a cool treat, put it in the fridge before use.

This method can help reduce wrinkles, dryness, and puffiness, and help prevent breakouts.

#2 Moisturizer 

Throw the peels in a blender or mash them and add 2 tbsps of honey and 1 tsp of coconut oil. Blend or mash into a smooth paste. Apply to clean skin and wait 15 minutes. Rinse with warm, not hot, water.

Repeat 2 times a week.

#3 Scrub to exfoliate

Take a banana peel,2 tbsp of powdered oatmeal, 2 tbsp of sugar, and 1 tbsp of milk, and blend into a paste. Massage the paste onto your clean face and leave it on for 30 minutes. Massage your face as you rinse.

#4 Anti-Aging mask 

Mix a banana peel, 2 tbsp papaya zest, and egg yolk in a blender into a paste. Use a brush to apply to clean face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

#5 Under eye patch 

Take 2 tsp of rose water, 1 tbsp of aloe vera gel, and 2 drops of vitamin E oil and mix in a bowl. Take your banana peel, cut it into small pieces, and place it in the mixture. Put it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, place the pieces under your eyes for 15 minutes, then rinse.

All of them would be a great addition to a natural or organic skincare routine. Or, you can learn the difference between natural, clean, and organic skincare.

Banana peel recipes for eating

Now you know how healthy peels can be on the inside of your body as well as the outside, so you don’t have to just eat a raw banana peel. I found some recipes to make it easier to include peels in your diet.

First of all, banana peels can make a great substitute for meat, so naturally, I will make the first recipe Banana Peel Bacon. 

#1 Banana Peel bacon 

You will need: 1 tbsp soy sauce                                 1/2 tsp liquid smoke

                        1 tsp Worcestershire sauce                 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

                        1/4 tsp onion powder                           1/4 black pepper

                        1/4 tsp garlic powder                           2 banana peels cut into 4 strips

                        1/4 tsp kosher salt                               3/4 tbsp avocado oil

                        1 tsp dark brown sugar                                                  

Directions: Scrape the pulp from the skin of the peel and throw it away. Combine all ingredients of the marinade and blend well. 

Add the peels in a flat layer, coating them thoroughly with the marinade, and leave them for 2 to 4 hours. 

Take your skillet, add a little neutral oil, and place the peels about half an inch away from each other. Do not add more marinade to the skillet and don’t rub the marinade off of the peels.

Over medium-low heat, let the peels sizzle and sputter for a couple of minutes, then flip them. Do this 2 to 3 times until the sugars have caramelized, and the peels are becoming dark, and pruny.

Good up to 48 hours.

Source: thesaltedtable.com

#2 Dark Chocolate Nutty Banana Peel Muffins

You will need: 3 banana peels thoroughly washed                 1/4 cup melted coconut oil plus 1 tbsp for greasing

                         4 cups boiling water (keep 1/2 cup of soaking water after soaking)

                         2 flax eggs                                                         1/3 cup maple syrup

                         1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour                               1/3cup nut butter 

                         1 tsp baking powder                                           1/3 dark chocolate chips

                         3/4 tsp baking soda                                            1/2cup chopped nuts for topping (optional)

                         1/2 tsp salt                                                    

Directions: Wash 3 bananas and cut off the stem and bottom. Peel the bananas and do whatever you want with the fruit. Put the peels in a heat-proof bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let soak for 15 minutes.

While the peels are soaking, make your flax eggs by mixing 2 tbsp flaxseed meal and 4 tbsp water in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt). Add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and nut butter. Mix well.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. When the peels have finished soaking and cooled enough to handle, roughly chop them into 1-inch pieces. Put the pieces in a food processor and puree until smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Be sure to scrape the side and check for large chunks. (When the leftover water from soaking has cooled, you can use it to water your plants.)

You will then add the peel puree, flax eggs, and chocolate chips to your batter and mix well. Go ahead and clean your food processor because the peels will leave a gummy residue on the plastic.

Grease your muffin tin with coconut oil. Spoon equal amounts of batter into the cups. If using chopped nuts for the topping, you can sprinkle them on.

Bake for 22-24 minutes until the tops are golden brown. Remove and allow to cool. These will be good for 3 to 4 days if left on the counter and about a week if stored in the fridge.

Source: closedloopcooking.com

Conclusion

I hope you found this list of ways to use banana peels helpful. So, the next time you get bananas, you now know how to put the whole fruit to use instead of waste.

If you decide to try any of these tips, let me know how they worked out for you.