5 little-Known Uses And Benefits Of Banana Peels

Banana peels offer multiple health benefits. Due to their high fiber content and antioxidant properties, they can be a great ally for home care.

Many people, when eating bananas , choose to throw away the peels. In reality, this residue hides a wealth of properties that can be useful for multiple purposes.

It can be useful for home remedies and even as an ally in gardening, according to Jennifer Samayoa, a naturopath and specialist in the field.

Its properties include calcium , potassium , and magnesium, which are minerals that are part of the most important electrolytes for the proper functioning of the human body. The amino acid tryptophan is also present, which is essential for growth and the production of neurotransmitters.

Additionally, it’s rich in fiber and high in antioxidants . Another benefit is that it contains vitamins A, B6, and C. It also contains flavonoids, carotenoids, and tannins, which are nutrients found in some fruits and vegetables.

Benefits of banana peel

According to Samayoa, these are its little-known uses:

It helps digestion and improves intestinal transit. Because it contains a significant amount of fiber, it promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine.
Antioxidant properties: Includes active compounds that fight free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, cancer or heart problems, as well as premature aging.
Regulation of cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure: Its potassium and soluble fiber content slows the absorption of fats and sugars from food. This helps lower cholesterol and prevents high blood sugar.
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial properties: It contains essential minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium that help relieve muscle pain.
Weight loss: It prolongs the feeling of satiety and reduces hunger due to its high fiber content, which also contributes to better digestion and optimal intestinal transit, reducing inflammation and fluid retention.

It’s also a great ally in helping people improve their sleep quality, Samayoa adds. The peels contain an essential amino acid for the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that acts directly on the central nervous system to control sleep.

Regular consumption of banana peel helps you fall asleep faster. (Photo: Prensa Libre: Freepik)

In addition to its health benefits, the bark is an excellent natural polisher. Rubbing the bark on surfaces to give it a shine is another of its functions. When applied to the skin, it can also repel insects such as mosquitoes and ants.

They can also be used as fertilizer to promote plant growth. When cut into small pieces and placed in the soil around plants, they can be converted into an organic fertilizer that provides potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and other important minerals.

How to preserve banana peel

Samayoa explains that preserving the shells depends on their intended use. The options are as follows:

In the refrigerator for cosmetic or medicinal uses: it can be stored in an airtight container or bags for up to 5 days.
Dehydrated or oven-dried: Once dried, the peels are stored in a glass jar with a lid and can be used to make infusions or ground into a condiment. This way, they can last for several months.
Frozen for smoothies or use in recipes: Cut the peels into pieces and store them in a freezer bag. This way, they retain their properties for up to 3 months.
Fermented for liquid fertilizer: Place the shells in a jar with water and a lid, leave for three days, and use the water to fertilize your plants.