\u201cThe peel contains more fiber than the fruit inside,\u201d she added.\n<\/p>\n
That\u2019s roughly 3 to 7 grams of fiber<\/a> per 100 grams of peel, according to Anne VanBeber, PhD, RD, LD<\/a>, professor of nutritional sciences at Texas Christian University.\n<\/p>\n Fiber supports digestion, helps keep you full<\/a>, and promotes regular bowel movements<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n 2. They\u2019re Rich in Potassium and Other Electrolytes <\/p>\n A single banana peel contains about 1,025 milligrams of potassium<\/a>. That\u2019s nearly 40 percent of the daily recommended value, and more potassium than you\u2019ll find in the fruit inside, said Zenker.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n \u201cPotassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte<\/a> that plays important roles in fluid balance and blood pressure,\u201d said Zenker. \u201cHigher potassium intakes can help combat high blood pressure<\/a>.\u201d\n<\/p>\n The peel also contains other beneficial minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, and trace amounts of iron and zinc.\n<\/p>\n 3. They\u2019re Loaded With Antioxidants <\/p>\n Banana peels are rich in antioxidants<\/a> like polyphenols<\/a>, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids\u2014many of which increase as the peel ripens.\n<\/p>\n \u201cPolyphenols found in banana peels have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties<\/a> that may lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes<\/a>, and even some cancers,\u201d Zenker said.\n<\/p>\n VanBeber added that specific carotenoids, like lutein, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene, also support eye and skin health<\/a>.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n 4. They May Support Healthy Cholesterol Levels <\/p>\n The fiber in banana peels can bind to cholesterol in the digestive tract, helping excrete it from the body, said Zenker. \u201cThe polyphenols in banana peels may also play a role in supporting healthy cholesterol levels<\/a>, like catechin, campesterol, and stigmasterol,\u201d she added.\n<\/p>\n Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels in the long term can support overall heart health, especially when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.\n<\/p>\n 5. They Might Help Regulate Blood Sugar <\/p>\n Banana peels\u2019 rich fiber and polyphenol content may also help slow down how fast your body absorbs carbohydrates, which supports better blood sugar regulation<\/a>, said Zenker.\n<\/p>\n This is especially promising for people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance<\/a>, she added.\n<\/p>\n 6. They Could Boost Mood and Sleep <\/p>\n Banana peels contain tryptophan<\/a>, an amino acid involved in serotonin production<\/a> and a key neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. In fact, research suggests that unripe banana peels are a rich source of serotonin.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n “The magnesium and tryptophan in banana peels may help improve sleep,\u201d said VanBeber.\n<\/p>\n 7. They May Be Good for Skin Health <\/p>\n You don\u2019t have to eat banana peels to benefit from them\u2014using them topically can offer perks, too.\n<\/p>\n Banana peel\u2019s antimicrobial effect has been shown to be advantageous for skin health, and the healing of acne,\u201d said VanBeber. \u201cA raw banana peel applied to an insect bite may also relieve itching.\u201d\n<\/p>\n How to Incorporate Banana Peels Into Your Meals <\/p>\n Not into the idea of eating a raw banana peel? That\u2019s understandable. But with the right prep and thoroughly washing the peels, they can be surprisingly versatile and tasty.\n<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what experts recommend:\u00a0<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n What This Means For You<\/p>\n Banana peels might not be a staple in your diet yet, but they\u2019re a surprisingly rich source of nutrients that can support everything from digestion to heart health to mood.<\/p>\n Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process<\/a> to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.<\/p>\n Mayo Clinic. Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet<\/a>. Updated December 11, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Hikal WM, Said-Al Ahl HAH, Bratovcic A, et al. Banana Peels: A Waste Treasure for Human Being<\/a>.\u00a0Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022;2022:7616452. Published 2022 May 13. doi:10.1155\/2022\/7616452<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Zaini HM, Roslan J, Saallah S, Munsu E, Sulaiman NS, Pindi W. Banana peels as a bioactive ingredient and its potential application in the food industry<\/a>. J Funct Foods. 2022;92:105054. doi:10.1016\/j.jff.2022.105054<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Harvard Health Publishing. Lowering cholesterol protects your heart and brain, regardless of your age<\/a>. Updated February 24, 2021.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Briguglio M, Dell’Osso B, Panzica G, et al. Dietary Neurotransmitters: A Narrative Review on Current Knowledge<\/a>. Nutrients. 2018;10(5):591. Published 2018 May 10. doi:10.3390\/nu10050591<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
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