Is Eating Banana Peel Good For You?

It's highly likely that you usually toss the banana peels into the trash every time you eat a banana. However, banana peels are not only edible but they are extremely beneficial for your health. This article will answer all your questions regarding banana peels including is eating banana peel good for you, are banana peels edible, or what are the nutritional benefits of eating banana peels among others.

Are Banana Peels Edible?

The peels may not be as tasty as the banana fruit itself but they are definitely edible. The only side effects of eating banana peels are possibly eating too much of them or eating banana peels that haven't been washed off pesticides and dirt thoroughly. So if you've been doubtful whether eating banana peel is poisonous then worry no more. In fact, banana peels are quite healthy and are a common food in the West.

Can I Eat Raw Banana Peel?

Yes! Banana peels can be eaten raw, cooked, fried, or boiled. The only difference is that unripe peels tend to be bitter than the ripened ones. You can blend it with fruits or slice it and add it to salads. However, bananas are subject to a lot of spraying and dirt; it's therefore highly essential that you clean them thoroughly before eating them.

Is Eating A Banana Peel Good For You?

Banana peels have been consumed throughout the world for decades mainly due to their numerous nutritional benefits. According to studies, a banana peel contains about 78 milligrams of potassium and plenty of other essential nutrients such as fiber, magnesium, antioxidants, and Vitamin B6 and B12. Also, an article published in 2011 in the Journal of Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology stated that banana peels have several bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and polyphenol.

What Are The Benefits Of Eating Banana Peels?

The benefits of eating banana peels cannot be fully exhausted. However, if you have a doubt of are banana peels edible? here are 9 reasons why you should eat your banana peels instead of tossing them off to the dustbin.

1. Eye Health

Like carrots, banana peels are very good when it comes to the health of your eyesight. For instance, banana peels are packed with essential nutrients such as Vitamin A and lutein which are important in improving night vision and protecting the eyes against cataracts and macular degeneration.

2. Improved Mood

According to studies, banana peels are rich in tryptophan and serotonin components which are known for improved mood levels. These components increases as the bananas ripen and eating them will help make you feel better and happier.

3. Healthy Heart

You will have a more healthy heart if you eat bananas and banana peels regularly. The whole banana fruit is rich in potassium compounds and can help in balancing your fluid and electrolyte levels. Additionally, having banana peels are edible ard will help to regulate your heartbeat while protecting you from heart problems.

4. Healthy And Whiter Teeth

Banana peels are edible and are even rich in potassium, manganese, and magnesium compounds which are great for whitening the teeth and removing stains. You can either chew them raw or rub the peel against the teeth for a few minutes and you will have white and pearly teeth within no time.

5. High In Antioxidants

If you are looking to the number of antioxidants in your diet, then one simple and cost-effective way is not throwing away banana peels after eating the fruit. Most of the people have a question that are banana peels edible? yes, and are rich in antioxidants which are important for overall body health and can as well help to fight off cancer-causing free radicals.

6. Lower Cholesterol

If you want to keep your cholesterol at bay, then it might be a wise decision to include banana peels into your diet. Studies suggest that the peel contains more soluble and insoluble fiber that is essential in lowering the cholesterol level in the body thereby protecting you against health complications such as strokes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer among others.

7. Healthy Skin

Banana peels are a common and effective remedy for a lot of skin ailments. For instance, they are rich in anti-inflammatory agents that are great in soothing away many kinds of inflammatory processes. For instance, rubbing a banana peel against your skin or face can help manage several skin conditions such as warts, itching, wrinkles, rashes, and psoriasis. Regularly apply and leave the residue for about 30 minutes before washing and you will experience a glorious skin within no time.

8. Improved Sleep

Banana peels are rich in a specific tryptophan compound that can aid in boosting your mood and make you sleepy and allow you to enjoy a great night rest.

9. Weight Management

Banana peels have plenty of nutritional compounds that can help you to easily and efficiently manage your weight. For instance, they are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber which can help lower the levels of your cholesterol, slow your digestion, and suppress your appetite by keeping you feeling full for longer. Also, vitamin B6 in the peels helps your body to convert food into energy much faster so it's not stored as fat.

How To Cook Banana Peels?

If you are wondering about how to cook banana peels, then you don't have to worry because it's quite easy.

• Wash the banana peel thoroughly
• Remove the stem
• Blend the peel into a smoothie/fry or bake it for about 10-15 minutes.

Again, you can cut the banana peels into small pieces, and dry them in the sun, then steam or fry them for a few minutes.

Conclusion

Now all your doubts of are banana peels edible got cleared that you know that banana peels are edible and good for your health, you can go ahead and add it to your diet. It will not only help keep your body more healthy, but it will also keep it out of the bin which is better for the environment.