Simple Beauty Hacks Using A Banana Peel
You probably already know that bananas are nutritious, thanks to their potassium, fiber, and vitamin C content, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic. The next time you enjoy the sweet fruit, think twice before tossing that peel in the trash, though. That's because the banana peel has all kinds of untapped potential for everyday ailments.
The nutritional benefits of bananas don't stop at the fruit. In fact, the peel is rife with possibility. In many cultures, the peel is also eaten and enjoyed as a tasty snack, WebMD says. The nutritional content of banana peels is still being sussed out, but they are known to be full of cancer-fighting ingreients like antioxidants, polyphenols, and carotenoids. When it comes to cancer prevention, the greener the peel, the better!
Although one could just bite into a washed banana peel to reap those benefits, WebMD suggests more palatable serving options. You can try baking the peel with sugar and cinnamon, blending it into smoothies, or even cooking it topped with meat. All that said, if noshing on peels just isn't your thing there are plenty of other ways to maximize the all-important wrapping's potential.
Whiten teeth
Hopefully, you already have a toothbrush, paste, and dental floss already figured into your daily oral hygiene routine. Now, consider adding a banana peel into the mix.
To possibly whiten teeth using a banana peel, just take a chunk of one and rub the teeth with the inside of the peel for about 2 minutes, says Green Dental. Wait 15 minutes or so, then brush your teeth like you normally would. Green Dental suggests doing this two or three times a week, but cautions that it could take several weeks for any noticeable progress to show up.
The dental industry is quick to point out that this hasn't actually been studied extensively, so any tooth-whitening claims by people who've scrubbed with banana peels are purely unscientific. In fact, a 2023 study in the Brazilian Dental Journal suggests that banana peels don't whiten teeth at all. However, Colgate points says that it's probably not going to hurt you, either. Just be sure to never whiten teeth using citrus fruits like lemons or oranges — they are very acidic and could wreck tooth enamel, per Delta Dental.
Moisturize feet
There are a bunch of common reasons why everyday people develop dry, peeling, or cracked feet. These include eczema, athlete's foot, dehydration, and a weather shift to cold temperatures outside. Sometimes, the feet need a little extra care to keep them from drying out or to treat existing problems.
To use a banana peel to calm this ailment, simply rub the inside portion of the peel on affected areas of the feet for a couple of minutes, suggests PureWow. It's a good idea to do this near a bathtub. That way, the banana peel goo can be easily rinsed off so that you don't risk slipping on the bathroom or kitchen tile. Continue this practice daily until the feet are back to their smooth selves. PureWow says that banana peels are packed with vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as a lot of amino acids — all of these are great for skin health.
De-puff the eyes
Everyone gets bags under the eyes from time to time, especially (sigh) as we age, per the Mayo Clinic. Sleep deprivation, allergies, smoking, and fluid retention are some of the other likely culprits. This annoying phenomenon can present in a number of ways, including dark circles, a bit of swelling, and even loose skin.
This banana peel hack can be done in a couple of different ways. The first, and likely easiest, is to cut a section of banana peel and place the inside on the skin under each eye, PureWow says. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then remove and rinse your face with cleanser and water.
Another hack is to take the inside of the peel and scrape out those small white fibers. Combine the fibers with either a moisturizer or aloe vera, Skin Care News says, then apply it to the under-eye area. Allow it to sit for 10 or so minutes, then wash it off. Much like a lot of banana-related hacks, there's no hard and fast scientific evidence to prove that this does anything — but it's not going to hurt and is far cheaper than many store-bought solutions.
Treat acne
Banana peels are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to their impressive antioxidant content. Because of this, many people swear that rubbing a banana peel on acne can clear it up faster. PureWow says to first wash your face, then rub the interior of a very ripe (brown or spotted) banana peel on the skin oh-so-gently. Repeat this several times every day, and hopefully, it will clear up the breakout more quickly than it would have otherwise. When it comes to acne, we can use all the help we can get, right?
Once again, science is lacking to definitively back this claim up. However, a 2022 study published in the Annals of Medicine & Surgery indicated that the bioactive compounds in banana peel did appear to exhibit anti-inflammatory skills. The researchers noted that there needs to be additional research to back up the claim that it helps with acne.
Get rid of warts
Warts are an unfortunate reality of life that occur when a person is exposed to a virus that causes them, the Mayo Clinic says. These rough, raised bumps can stay pretty small or get uncomfortably large and unsightly. Although there are medical treatments available, a lot of people prefer to try naturopathic methods first.
MedicalNewsToday says that more research is necessary to determine whether or not banana peels can actually remove warts. However, they say that curious people can cut a small section out of the peel of a banana that is not too ripe (green or bright yellow bananas are best). Then, place it on top of the wart with the flesh portion against the skin and tape it down. Leave the peel in place while you sleep, and then continue for a few weeks or until the wart peels off on its own. The toughest part of this regimen is just going to be keeping the right type of bananas in stock at home.