Surprising Uses For Banana Peels

Most of us throw our banana peels away after enjoying the fruit inside. But you may be surprised that there are many uses for the peel of a banana. It can be eaten, used as fertilizer, and even used topically on the skin. If you have a hard time falling asleep at night, use a banana peel to brew a relaxing cup of tea. "Bananas are full of various sleep-promoting nutrients, specifically the natural muscle relaxants magnesium and potassium," registered dietitian Eliza Savage, RD, told Well + Good. The peels also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that influences the production of melatonin and serotonin. To make this tea, boil a banana peel in water for 10 minutes before straining and serving.

Banana peels can also be ingested in other ways. Throw one into your morning smoothie for an added fiber and vitamin boost. You can also use them to create plant-based meat alternatives. They can be cut into thin slices, marinated, and then oven-roasted to make vegan bacon. Banana peels can also be shredded, seasoned, and cooked to make a plant-based substitute for pulled pork.

Banana peels can be used topically as well. According to Healthline, rubbing the inside of a banana peel on your face can brighten your skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This food contains anti-inflammatory properties and can be placed on your eyelids to reduce puffiness or rubbed on acne scars to speed up the fading process. Banana peels also contain moisturizing benefits and can be used to hydrate your skin and provide relief from psoriasis symptoms. This food can be used to soften hair and whiten teeth. They contain antibacterial properties that may clean and strengthen your gums as well.

If you want even more ways to use banana peels, head to your garden. This food can be mixed with water to make an all-natural plant fertilizer. They can also be added to the soil to deter aphids or to be used as worm food. They also make excellent compost. However you use them, there are plenty of reasons to keep your banana peels instead of throwing them away.