Banana peel is not just an eternal comedy prop; it’s an unnoticed
nutritional goldmine.
It’s good to eat your whole banana, from the flesh inside to the very last
piece of skin.
The thought of chomping down on the tough, yellow skin may be repellent,
but it’s worth it: banana flesh contains potassium, magnesium and fibre. Most
of the fruits and vegetables skins contain rich minerals and vitamins as they
are affected by the light during growth, acting to absorb the light and protect
the fruit. A Banana skin protects the flesh inside and rich in colour; which
contains carotenoids, in particular the xanthophyll lutein, which is an
antioxidant known to protect against oxidative stress in the eyes.’
Most of us would find eating raw banana skin to be a awful experience, as it
can be tough and sour.
Here’s some ideas to help you down your banana skins to your health.
Banana Tea
This is reportedly a great sleeping aid; banana peel contains tryptophan
(the amino acid that assists sleep) and also the magnesium. Magnesium is
helpful for good sleep in the night; it’s an essential mineral for helping the
body stay hydrated, the muscles relaxed and your adrenaline levels under
control and the potassium can help your blood vessels and muscles relax.
Recipe
- Boil a small pot of water.
- Add an entire banana with the ends chopped.
- Boil it for 10 minutes
- Strain through a strainer into a mug.
Baked Banana
Many Asian cultures cook the banana in its skin for tender
fruit. Others fry the peel and add to curries.
Recipe
- Cut off the banana ends and slice it in half.
- Turn on the oven up to 200 degrees.
- Spread on cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar and bake for 10-15 min.
- Serve it with yogurt or ice cream.
Banana Smoothie
A quick and simple way to include the whole banana in your
diet.
- Cut off the ends of the banana and place in a mixie jar.
- Add half a pint of milk, handful of ice, 2 tablespoons of honey and a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg.
- Mix together until smooth.
