Banana peel: benefits and recipes full of flavor to make at home

Rich in vitamins A and C, banana is a popular fruit in Brazil and one of the most suitable for consumption by nutritionists and nutritionists when it comes to healthy eating. What many people do not know is that, in addition to the part considered “edible”, it is possible to prepare delicious recipes with banana peel.

That’s right! Instead of throwing the shell away, how about taking advantage of it for your beauty and health? Below, we present the main benefits that this ingredient has to offer. Check out:

Banana peel benefits

If you’re interested, it’s time to understand in more detail the benefits of consuming banana peel. This is what Cesar Brandão (CRM-SP:201392) explains:

1. It is rich in nutrients: according to Brandão, the banana peel is rich in antioxidants and potassium. “It also has a substance called lutein, which contributes to the increase in melanin, and the amino acid tryptophan, responsible for increasing serotonin levels”, he adds.
2. It’s good for the skin: Brandão explains that the tannin present in the banana peel acts as an astringent and antiseptic. As it has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, healing and analgesic action, it can be used to reduce acne marks and wrinkles, to improve irritated skin and even relieve the discomfort of insect bites. “But always look for a specialist before applying any product, even natural, to the face. Because even though it’s something natural, it can cause allergies.
3. Source of fiber: “Banana peel is a good source of fiber, which gives satiety and helps intestinal transit, helping to improve cases of diarrhea and constipation.
4. Controls cholesterol level: banana peel is rich in phytosterols, which are important allies in reducing high cholesterol and also in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
5. Helps in weight loss: Brandão explains that banana peel is low in calories and a source of fiber. Therefore, it increases the feeling of satiety and is good for weight loss. He points out that the bark should not be consumed raw, but in the form of flour in various recipes, such as cakes, desserts and sprinkled in juices and teas.
6. Regulates sleep: banana peel contains tryptophan, “an amino acid responsible for increasing serotonin levels, which is a sleep regulator”, says Brandão. Therefore, drinking bark tea before bed helps to induce a good night’s sleep.
7. Improves mood: as an amino acid that increases serotonin levels, tryptophan present in banana peel affects mood in a positive way.
8. Source of flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamin C: all these compounds contained in banana peel help prevent premature aging, as they have antioxidant properties that fight free radicals that are harmful to healthy cells.
9. Prevents diseases: the antioxidant properties also help fight cancer, heart problems and arthritis, diseases that can develop over time due to the damage that free radicals can cause to DNA;
10. Vision protection: the presence of lutein in banana peel also acts to protect night vision and prevent cataracts and macular degeneration, a disease that can cause serious damage to the retina.

It is important to remember that banana peel should only be consumed when the fruit is organic. Regarding quantity, Brandão recommends “the consumption of one to two bananas a day (including the skins). Or one to two tablespoons of husk flour in preparations”.

Recipes with banana peel to take advantage of this ingredient

This is a very versatile ingredient that can be used to prepare sweet or savory recipes. In addition to being healthy, the dishes are also very tasty. Learn to do!

1. Banana Peel Meatballs

This is an easy to make recipe that will win over everyone in your house! Just cut the banana peel into cubes and mix it with some seasonings that will give an even more special flavor to the dish. Then just shape the meatballs and add them to the tomato sauce in the pan.

2. Banana peel meat

To get to the “consistency” of the meat, you will need to shred the banana peels with a fork and then soak them in lemon water for about 30 minutes. The recipe is even tastier because it takes ingredients with special flavors such as peppers, turmeric, soy sauce, parsley and cilantro.

3. Banana peel burger

A delicious option for those who want to innovate in burger recipes! Preparation is no secret. Just crush all the ingredients (banana peel, peppers, onion and garlic) in a mixer and add the wheat flour. Then place the assembled hamburgers in the skillet to grill.

4. Banana Peel Bread

With few ingredients in hand, you can make a delicious bread with banana peel at home! The dough is easy to work with and doesn’t require a lot of effort with your hands. Once ready, it should be taken to the oven preheated to 200° for 30 minutes.

5. Banana Peel Brigadeiro

The traditional Brazilian sweetie in a revamped version and with an amazing flavor! You will need banana peels, chocolate powder and condensed milk. Take the ingredients beaten in the blender to the skillet with butter to prepare the brigadeiro. Finally, just roll it up and finish with the chocolate sprinkles.

Did you like the tips? Now you have several recipe options to make for your Sunday lunch special. And the most important thing is zero waste at the table!

banana peel tea

Teas are known to have numerous health benefits, and banana peel tea is not left out of this list. It is rich in natural amino acids and releases substances such as serotonin and melatonin, acting beneficially on mood and sleep quality. Learn how to prepare:

How to make banana peel tea

1. First, freeze the banana peels;
2. Then, remove them from the freezer, place them on a platter and wait until they turn black;
3. Bake the shells in the oven at a temperature of 65° for about 1 hour;
4. When the peels are dry, beat them in the blender until they turn into powder;
5. Add hot water to the banana peel powder;
6. Pass the tea through the coffee percolator and it’s ready to serve.

One spoon of banana peel powder is enough to prepare 200 ml of tea. Remember to opt for organic fruits, as they are free of synthetic or natural pesticides.

5 other uses of banana peel

We have seen so far the benefits of banana peel for our body. But did you know that this ingredient can also be used for other purposes? Check it out below!

1. Banana peel on the skin

Banana peel is a great ingredient for the skin as it helps fight acne, irritation, inflammation, blemishes, open pores, wrinkles and expression lines. The application is very easy, and guarantees satisfactory results in a short time.

Preparation and application: cut a piece of fresh, organic bark and place it on the skin, more specifically in the place where you want to treat. For acnes, the recommendation is to apply the peel twice a day for about 5 minutes. In the case of warts, the bark must be in contact with the skin throughout the night.

2. Banana peel to relieve headache

Because it is rich in potassium, it is an efficient alternative for headache relief. When you have that annoying pain, the ingredient is an option to avoid taking medication.

Preparation and application: just place the peel over the entire forehead. If the pain is more intense, place it on the back of your neck as well.

3. Banana peel to help treat psoriasis

Banana peel is not a substitute for medical treatment for psoriasis, but it does help to greatly relieve itchy skin sores, as well as promote faster healing.

Preparation and application: apply the peel to the skin once or twice a day. The positive effects on the affected area will be visible within a few days.

4. Banana peel to whiten teeth

With banana peel you can still whiten your teeth in a simple, affordable and healthy way. Its ideal composition of potassium, magnesium and manganese helps to remove stains and whiten teeth without the use of abrasive substances.

Preparation and application: rub the banana peel gently on the teeth until it forms a “paste”, let it act for 5 minutes and then finish with brushing and rinsing.

5. Banana peel as fertilizer

Banana peel is great for enriching the soil as it is a rich source of phosphorus and potassium. Its inner part can also be used to clean and shine the leaves of plants such as philodendrons, achalasias and cacti.

Preparation and application: cut 5 banana peels into cubes, pour them into the pan with 1 liter of water and boil for 15 minutes. Wait for it to cool, remove the water and bury the banana pieces in the earth. Remembering that water can also be used as liquid fertilizer.

An ingredient that previously didn’t get much attention can now be a new source of vitamins and nutrients for your health! Remember, however, to always seek medical advice to adapt the best way to use and consume banana peel in your daily life.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.