Benefits of Banana Peels

Don’t throw them away

Chris O.
Wisdom team
2 min readNov 30, 2023

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Photo by Milo Bunnik on Unsplash

You and I do not give it a second thought before discarding banana peels.

Banana peels actually offer many surprising benefits which have been discussed below.

Natural Teeth Whitener

Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on your teeth for a couple of minutes has been suggested to help whiten your teeth naturally. The potassium, magnesium, and manganese present in the peel may contribute to a brighter smile.

Rich in Nutrients

Banana peels are also a great source of essential nutrients for example potassium, dietary fiber and vitamins like B6 and B12. Incorporating banana peels into your diet can contribute to overall wellbeing.

Skin Health

Banana peels are rich in antioxidants which can benefit your skin. Rubbing the peel on your face may help reduce inflamation and promote healthy skin, thanks to the presence of vitamins A, B, and C.

Compostable Material

Banana peels are excelent additions to compost piles. They decompose quickly and add valuable nutrients to the compost enriching the soil when used in gardening.

Pain Relief

The antiinflammatory properties of banana peels may provide relief from minor skin irritations, bug bites and bruises. Simply apply the inside of the peel to the affected area for a soothing effect.

Shoe Polish Alternative

The inside of a banana peel can also be used as a natural shoe polish. Rubbing the peel on your shoes and then buffing with a soft cloth can impart a shine and remove scuff marks.

Plant Fertilizer

Chop banana peels into small pieces and bury them around the base of plants. The peels will break down over time releasing nutrients like potasium and phosphorus into the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer.

Mosquito Bite Relief

The anti-inflammatory and cooling properties of banana peels may help alleviate itching and sweling caused by mosquito bites. Simply rub the inside of the peel on the affected area for relief.

Meat Tenderizer

The enzymes present in our banana peels can act as natural meat tenderizers. Just place a banana peel in a bag with tougher cuts of meat before cooking to help tenderize the meat during the cooking process.

Reducing Acne

Some people have reported positive effects on acne by gently rubbing the inside of a banana peel on the affected areas. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties may contribute to clearer skin.

It is advisable to wash banana peels thoroughly to remove any pesticide residue before using them for any purpose. These versatile peels are not only environmentally friendly but also offer various practical and health-related benefits.

Seek independent professional medical advice before trying any of the above suggestions.

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Chris O.
Wisdom team

Uni of Cambridge CELTA. Blogger. Content Creator. Prolific writer ✍️Self Development, Faith, Side Hustles & Psychology.