This is why you should never throw away banana peels!

Banana is undeniably one of the most convenient and healthy fruits that can be relished anywhere and anytime! While the peels of this oh-so-humble fruit always find their way to the dustbins, you will be surprised to know that, much like bananas, their peels are also super healthy and can be reused in so many interesting ways in day-to-day life.

So, next time, when you eat a banana, rather than discarding the peel, keep them intact and reuse them in the form of tea, smoothies, skin care packs and for boosting hair health, cleaning, etc. So, here are some compelling reasons why you should consider saving banana peels and reusing them in daily life.



Nutrient-Rich
This may seem strange, but much like the fruit, banana peels are also an excellent source of nutrients that may help in improving overall health and well-being. This is because the peels are also rich in potassium, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants that are essential for a healthy heart, better muscle function, boosting magnesium levels and improving overall immunity. Apart from that, adding banana peel powder or making tea or smoothies can also help in improving overall metabolic health and overall immunity and strength. Lastly, the fiber in banana peels helps relieve constipation and improves digestion and can also help regulate blood sugar levels.




Peel powder for soups
A smart way of reaping the benefits of banana peels is by saving them and dehydrating in an oven, air fryer or by simply sun drying them. Just by adding a tablespoon of this powder to your regular stews, soups or smoothies. Adding this powder can give your delicacies a boost of nutrients and antioxidants. This is because banana peels are also high in antioxidants like polyphenols and carotenoids, which help fight free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.


Reduces stress and anxiety
This may sound surprising, but it is true that adding the extracts of banana peels to your diet may help in improving mental health and reduce the impact of stress and anxiety.This is because the peels of banana
contain tryptophan, an amino acid that plays a key role in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and helps promote relaxation.In fact, studies show that increased serotonin levels can also improve feelings of happiness, healing and well-being. Consuming banana peels in the form of tea or soups may naturally help in improving physical as well as mental health.




Skin Care
The natural oils and antioxidants in banana peels can also work wonders for your skin. This is due to the presence of compounds like lutein and vitamin E, which are known to fight wrinkles, reduce dark spots, and protect the skin from the damaging effects of UV rays. To apply this, you can simply rubbing the inside of a banana peel on your face can help soothe acne, lighten blemishes, and moisturize dry skin. Simply rub the peel on your face for a few minutes, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, and rinse it off with water.


Relieve Itchy Skin
Banana peels may help in reducing skin infections and irritations like rashes, bug bites, or sunburn; banana peels can be an effective natural remedy. The soothing properties of the peel help reduce itching and inflammation. Simply rub the inside of the peel on the affected area and leave it for 10-15 minutes. The anti-inflammatory properties of the peel can help calm irritated skin and provide instant relief.

Fertilizer
Banana peels can work wonders in the garden. Instead of discarding them, consider using them to nourish your plants. The high potassium content in banana peels is beneficial for plant growth, particularly for flowering plants and fruit-bearing plants. Simply chop up banana peels and bury them in the soil around your plants. As they decompose, they release nutrients that promote healthy growth and blooming. To make this, you can also make a natural fertilizer by soaking banana peels in water for a few days, then pour this into the roots of the plants. This provides a slow-release source of nutrients like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, which are essential for plant health.



Cleaning
Banana peels are surprisingly effective when it comes to cleaning, especially for shining shoes and polishing metal. The natural oils in the peel can help buff out scratches and restore shine to leather shoes, stainless steel, and even silver. To use them, simply rub the inside of the peel onto the surface you wish to clean, then buff with a soft cloth.