Bananas are more than just a healthy fruit
Bananas are one of the healthiest and easy to consume fruits available. Simply peel off the skin and eat. But before you throw that banana peel away... think about how banana skins are useful in and around the home.
Rich in potassium, great for a school snack and hunger buster, bananas are more than just a fruit - in so many ways!
Bananas are an excellent source of vitamin B6 and contain moderate amounts of vitamin C, manganese and potassium. Along with other fruits and vegetables, consumption of bananas may be associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer and in women, breast cancer and renal cell carcinoma.
Unripe bananas should not be stored in a refrigerator as the cold will cause them to rot. It is better to put them in a brown paper bag with an apple or tomato overnight to speed up the ripening process. Bananas can be stored indefinitely frozen, then eaten like an ice pop or cooked as a banana mush.
Uses for banana peel
Rub the soft inside of a banana peel over the leaves of your houseplants to clean and add shine.
Never throw out banana peels - add them to your compost heap. High in potassium and phosphorus, these nutrients will be released into the soil.. You can also bury the skins directly under the surface of the soil around your rose bushes to protect roses from aphids.
For centuries the health and beauty benefits of banana peel has been known for reducing inflammation, due to the enzimes contained in the skin. It is also reported to be good at reducing warts and is useful in reducing pain and inflammation when rubbed over cuts and grazes.
Banana peel contains antioxidants and minerals that assist with natural healing of the skin and have been used as a home remedy for psoriasis, warts, bruises and skin irritation. Rub the inside of a banana peel on an insect bite for relief from itching.
For problem skin mash a banana with 1/4 cup natural yoghurt and 2 tablespoons honey. Apply this as a face mask, leaving on face and neck for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing and patting dry. Treat acne by rubbing a the inside of a banana skin over the area to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Banana peels rubbed over the forehead and cheeks can help tighten the skin and give the skin a fresher and healthier. Rub the inside of banana peels on your face before bed and leave it overnight. Wash it off with warm water in the morning.
Eating bananas regularly can keep the digestive system running at an optimal level, restore energy and also provide the body with essential nutrients that help with cell regeneration.
Reduce the symptoms of depression: Bananas contain tryptophan which induces relaxation and also contains other compounds that can improve the mood
Raw bananas are a natural energy booster; each banana contains approximately 100 calories and is easily assimilated into the body
Managing ulcers: Bananas are easy to digest and absorb and will not put stress on the ulcers. They also help to neutralize acids in the stomach which can help prevent indigestion and other digestive problems that trigger ulcer problems.