The banana is a delicious, versatile, and super good-for-you fruit, with about a hundred different ways to eat and enjoy. Can you slice one up and put it over a bowl of cereal? Sure can. How about putting one in your next protein shake to make a yummy and powerful post-workout smoothie? Oh yeah. It’s really true: from baking to DIY-skin care, the banana really does go a long way. You might have also read our awesome list of banana facts and now, know more about bananas. But have you ever thought about what to do with the leftover peel? Read on to learn some surprising benefits and uses of the oft-neglected banana peel that go way beyond the trash or compost bin.
1. Whiten Your Teeth
Professional teeth cleaning is expensive, and over-the-counter at-home teeth whitening products can make your teeth uncomfortably sensitive. For a DIY solution, brush your teeth normally and then rub your teeth with the inside of a banana peel. A consistent schedule of 2 minutes per day should do the trick. How does it work? The peel contains salicylic acid (a natural astringent), citric acid (a natural and gentle bleaching agent), and manganese, magnesium, and potassium which can remove stains without wearing down your enamel.
2. Polish Your Fine Silver
Polish Your Fine Silver – https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com
The oils within a banana peel can help brighten up your dull silver without the need for harsh or toxic substances. What to do: make a paste by tossing a few banana peels and some fresh water in a blender. Then, using a soft rag, gently buff your silver jewelry, dish ware, or whatever else you’ve got around the house. When you’re done, rinse off your silver with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.
3. Polish Your Shoes
Polish Your Shoes – https://cdn.instructables.com
Don’t have time to visit a shoe shiner? Remove those scuff marks yourself by gently rubbing the inside of the peel against your favorite pair of leather boots, dress shoes, or heels. When you’re done, simply wipe down the shoes with a clean cloth. The potassium and mild-waxiness from the peel absorbs into the leather and helps diminish the appearance of scuffs and water damage. Who ever thought you could buff with a banana!
4. Banish Garden Bugs
http://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/ – http://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/
Aphids are common (and annoying!) bugs that can move in uninvited into your garden. To get rid of them without the need for inhumane methods or toxic chemicals, simply place some cut up banana peels into a few 1-inch holes around the base of some your aphid-infested plants. The little buggers are turned off by all the potassium, so it shouldn’t be long before they take the message and split!
5. Soothe A Bug Bite
Soothe A Bug Bite – http://kfoods.com/
Mosquito bites are itchy because your body launches a tiny immune system reaction in response to the insect biting you. Those clever little mozzies actually inject an anticoagulant fluid that prevents your blood from clotting so it can take its fill! Because banana peels contain polysaccharides–which have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body–rubbing a newly formed bug bite with the inside of the peel can quickly soothe the itch and reduce any swelling.
6. Nourish Your Flower Bed
Nourish Your Flower Bed – http://media.npr.org/
While garden bugs may not love banana peels, the flowers in your garden sure do! Banana peels are rich in nourishing vitamins and minerals–including calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and trace elements–that naturally fertilize and revitalize your flowers. Simply “plant” some banana peels around the base of your rose bushes and watch your gorgeous flowers thrive.
7. Rid Your Kitchen Of Those Darn Fruit Flies
Rid Your Kitchen Of Those Darn Fruit Flies – http://img.wonderhowto.com/
Bananas should be a staple in every kitchen, but nobody wants them to be a reason for pesky fruit flies to hang around. Try this DIY fly-catcher: Using a hammer and nail, poke a bunch of holes in the lid of a large, clean, empty yogurt container. Place your empty banana peel inside the container and simply put the lid on over it, then leave the “trap” in the fruit flies’ favorite hangout spot. Attracted to the smell of the peel, the flies will go in–but they won’t be able to figure out how to get out! Toss the trap after a day or two.
8. Fertilize Your Tomatoes
Fertilize Your Tomatoes – https://i.ytimg.com
Thinking of growing some tomatoes? Save those banana peels! Like the flowers in your garden, tomatoes love the healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements naturally found in banana peels. To get your new tomato plants off to a good start in life, wrap some banana peels around the base of the stems after you’ve planted them. Alternatively, you can try slow-roasting some peels and sticking the “chips” in the soil.
9. Give Your Indoor Plants a Face-Lift
Give Your Indoor Plants a Face-Lift – http://i2.wp.com/
Indoor potted plants improve the energy, look, and air quality of your home. But it’s not unusual for your indoor plants (especially those with large, flat, and shiny leaves) to start looking a little worse for wear after while, simply because of all the dust that settles on top of them. For a quick little plant pick-me-up, gently wipe down your plants with the inside of a banana peel. Not only does this “leave the leaves” looking clean and shiny, but it can also improve your plants’ health by increasing its photosynthetic action (by removing light-blocking dust and dirt) and prevent mold growth (since the method doesn’t require putting water directly on the leaves).
10. Tenderize Meat
Tenderize Meat – http://mamabee.com
Making a slow-cooker roast? How about grilling some chicken? Lean animal protein is healthy for you and delicious–when cooked the right way, that is! After all, nobody likes a dried out and over-cooked piece of meat. To keep your roast or chicken breasts moist while cooking, simply place a few banana peels on top. The oils and moisture in the peel absorbs into the meat and helps keep your food maintain its natural juicy goodness.
11. Try A Banana Peel Recipe
Try A Banana Peel Recipe – http://assets.inhabitat.com/
Banana peels aren’t edible, per se, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them to add a bit of healthy and yummy goodness to some cooking recipes! Try stuffing a banana peel with some seasoned rice, tying it up with twine, and cooking it in a steamer for a delicious, delicately flavored side.
12. Make A Delicious Handheld Dessert
Make A Delicious Handheld Dessert – https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com
Your kids will absolutely love this simple and tasty campfire decadence–and so will you! With the peel on, partially slice a banana length-wise–it should resemble a taco shell or a hot dog bun. Then, stick some chocolate candies, marshmallows, and nuts inside the banana meat. Wrap the entire banana in tin foil and hold it over an open flame for about 5-8 minutes. Open up your portable dessert and eat the warm, melted, gooey goodness with a fork. Watch out–it’s a little hot!
13. Get Rid Of Warts
Get Rid Of Warts – https://ambrossimo.com
Warts are small fleshy growths on the skin caused by a common virus, and usually show up on the hands, feet, face, and neck. Though common and treatable, warts can be annoying, embarrassing, and sometimes even uncomfortable. The high concentration of potassium found naturally in banana peels is no match for warts–even plantar warts. If you or your child has a wart, gently rub it with the inside of a banana peel for 1-2 minutes a day. The wart should be greatly diminished or gone altogether within about 2 weeks.
14. Heal A Bruise
Heal A Bruise – http://www.prevention.com/
Many people find that securing a fresh banana peel against a bruise–white inside side in–can accelerate the healing and fading of the bruise itself. It’s thought to work due to the anti-inflammatory powers of the polysaccharide compound within the peel. For best results, tape a banana peel over a bruise and leave it there for at least 20-30 minutes, or even overnight.
15. Treat Your Acne
Treat Your Acne – http://www.look4ward.co.uk/
Going along with its powerful anti-inflammatory and tissue healing powers, the banana peel can also be used to naturally and quickly heal acne. To zap a zit, gently rub the inside of a banana peel over the affected area for about 5 minutes. Let the oils and banana residue dry on the skin to maximize the absorption of the healing nutrients. Then, wash and dry the affected area with warm water and a clean cloth. If done three times a day, you can expect to see a rapid reduction in the size and appearance of your pimple within one to three days. Banana peels also naturally contain salicylic acid, which is commonly found in store-bought acne treatments.
16. Moisturize Dry Skin
Moisturize Dry Skin – http://pad3.whstatic.com/
People prone to acne often struggle with dry skin, too. And while staying hydrated by drinking enough water is critical, you can also treat your dry skin from the outside in by gently massaging a banana peel over an affected area to add in some much-needed moisture. This method is even considered safe and effective for people struggling with eczema and psoriasis. The added benefit? You avoid the risk of exposing yourself to parabens, preservatives, and other harsh chemicals that are commonly found in conventional skin lotions and moisturizers.
17. Smooth Out Wrinkles
Smooth Out Wrinkles – https://cdn.davidwolfe.com
Moisturized, healthy skin is less likely to have fine lines and wrinkles. Of course, loving and accepting the skin you’re in–crow’s feet and all!–is an important step in self-care. But there’s nothing wrong with trying to improve your look and confidence, either. For a mini at-home face lift, gently rub your face with the inside of a banana peel, again letting the oil dry on your skin before washing it off with warm water (or even leave it on overnight). With repeated use, your skin will start looking firmer, smoother, and healthier. You can even use banana peels the way you would use cold tea bags or cucumber slices to soothe puffy eyes!
18. Heal Those Hemorrhoids
Heal Those Hemorrhoids – http://omigy.com/
Hemorrhoids are another one of those somewhat embarrassing yet totally common health conditions that affects a lot of people. They’re actually caused by inflamed, swollen, and irritated veins near the anus and in the rectum that can be painful and may even bleed on occasion. For a safe remedy to try on your own in the privacy of your own home, whir up a paste in your blender using a banana peel and about 1 tablespoon of witch hazel. Then, soak a clean gauze strip in the mixture and apply to the affected area for about 30 minutes. Repeat twice a day during an outbreak. The natural astringent components of the peel and witch hazel help clean the area, reduce swelling, and relieve pain.
19. Clean Up An Ink Stain On Your Skin
Clean Up An Ink Stain On Your Skin – http://www.healthyfoodadvice.net/
Lefties know the pain of ink stains! If a pen bursts or you simply get ink all over your fingers, rub the inside of a banana peel against the area. The oils from the banana peel will bind with the pigments within the ink, making it easier to remove and wash off.
20. Remove Splinters
Remove Splinters – http://mamabee.com/
Sometimes, it’s hard to tell what’s worse: getting a splinter, or trying to get the splinter out! For an easy, pain-free trick, tape a small piece of banana peel (white side in) directly over the area where the splinter is lodged. By leaving it there for about 30 minutes or so, the enzymes and other oils from the banana will absorb into the skin and help “push” the splinter to the surface, making it easier to pluck out.
21. Improve Your Mood And Your Eyesight
Improve Your Mood And Your Eyesight – http://18165-presscdn-0-1-81385.laedukreationpvt.netdna-cdn.com/
A group of researchers in Taiwan have discovered that drinking a concoction made with boiled banana peels may actually help stabilize and improve your mood. This is thought to be due to the dopamine and serotonin found in banana peels which are known to have a mood-boosting effect on the brain. Drinking banana-peel extract (from boiling a peel in water) may also protect your vision, too, since banana peels contain an antioxidant known as luetin which improves the health of retinal tissue.
22. Restore A Scratched CD or DVD
Restore A Scratched CD or DVD – http://3.bp.blogspot.com/
For those of us still using CD players and DVD drives, there’s nothing more annoying than a scratched and skipping album, videogame, or movie. Try this odd but effective technique: using a gentle circular motion, rub the underside of a disc with the white part of the banana peel for about a minute. Remove the residue with a clean and soft cloth, then clean and buff the CD with a glass cleaner. The natural waxiness of the peel helps fill in any scratches that were causing the unpleasant skips and pauses.
23. Create A Work Of Art
Create A Work Of Art – https://flavorwire.files.wordpress.com
Being creative early in the morning is good for your brain and a great way to start your day. So before or after peeling your banana at breakfast tomorrow, go ahead and stimulate your imagination by drawing on the peel with a ball-point pen or even carving out a design with a knife or needle (the oxidation process will transform your design into a dark brown color, so it’s clearly visible against the yellow peel). It’s a fun, easy, and engaging way to flex your creative muscles! Looking for inspiration? Simply Google “banana peel art.”
Hopefully, this list will make you think twice before tossing that banana peel. Got any more interesting uses of your own? Share in the comments below!
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