Bananas are a sweet, soft fruit that are popular all over the world. However, these fibrous “banana peels” are an underappreciated source of nutrition, at least in the West. But contrary to what many people believe, banana peels are not only safe to eat, they also have a number of health benefits. In addition to the nutritional benefits of eating banana peels, there are also environmental benefits. Bananas are the most widely eaten fresh fruit in America. Eating the peels can help reduce the amount of food that ends up in landfills.
Health benefits of banana peels
Both bananas and banana peels may provide different health benefits depending on their ripeness. Unripe, green bananas may be more effective at treating digestive problems, while riper, darker bananas have been shown to help white blood cells fight disease and infection. Keep in mind that many of these studies were done on mice, not humans, and more research is needed to determine if bananas have the same effects on humans. Here are some of the health benefits of banana peels:
Bananas can help relieve depression.
Bananas are rich in the amino acid tryptophan, and banana peels contain vitamin B6. These two nutrients, when combined, can help relieve depression and other mood disorders. Tryptophan is converted to serotonin when digested, which improves your ทางเข้า ufabet https://ufabet999.app mood. Vitamin B6 also helps you sleep better, which has long-term positive effects on your mood.
1. Mechanism of action
- Tryptophan This amino acid is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, feelings, and sleep. Eating foods rich in tryptophan, such as bananas, increases serotonin levels in the brain, which has a positive effect on mood and can help relieve depression.
- Vitamin B6 Vitamin B6 plays a key role in the metabolism of tryptophan into serotonin. It also helps control levels of the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep. Good sleep affects your overall mood and reduces stress and anxiety.
Banana consumption
Eating 1-2 bananas a day may help relieve depression. Choose ripe bananas because they are high in tryptophan. However, bananas are only part of treating depression. You should consult a doctor or psychologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Cautions
- Bananas should not be consumed in excess as they can have adverse effects on the digestive system.
- Diabetics should be careful about the sugar content of bananas.
- Bananas cannot replace medical treatment for depression.
2. Digestive system health
Banana peels are rich in dietary fiber, which helps balance the digestive system, relieve constipation and diarrhea.
The dietary fiber in banana peels helps increase the volume of stool, stimulates intestinal contractions, and helps with easier bowel movements.
For those with Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome, banana peels can be particularly beneficial, as the fiber in banana peels helps increase stool bulk, slows the absorption of sugars, and reduces inflammation in the gut.
Mechanism of action
- Increases stool bulk: The insoluble fiber in banana peels absorbs water, increases stool bulk, and helps with easy bowel movement.
- Stimulates intestinal contractions: Soluble fiber binds to sugars in the colon, increases intestinal contractions, and helps with regular bowel movements.
- Reduces inflammation: Certain dietary fibers, such as pectin, can reduce inflammation in the intestines, which can be helpful for people with Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
Consumption of banana peels
- Can be dried and ground into powder, mixed with food or drinks.
- Boil it for drinking water.
- Mix into smoothies
3. Better eyesight
Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining healthy and strong eyesight. Both bananas and their peels contain a lot of vitamin A.
Mechanism of action
Vitamin A is a precursor of retinol, which helps with night vision and protects cells in the eye from damage.
Banana consumption
Eating 1-2 bananas daily may help maintain eyesight and prevent eye diseases such as cataracts, pterygium, and retinal degeneration.
4. Banana peels may help reduce the risk of cancer.
Banana peels are rich in polyphenols, carotenoids, and other antioxidants that help fight free radicals, which cause cancer. Eating more banana peels, especially green, raw banana peels, can increase the antioxidant levels in the body and help reduce the risk of cancer.
However, studies on the anti-cancer properties of banana peels have been conducted in test tubes and not in humans. More research is needed to determine whether banana peels can reduce cancer risk in humans.
Mechanism of action
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants in banana peels, such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamin C, help fight free radicals that can damage cells and lead to cancer.
- Fiber: Banana peels are high in dietary fiber, which helps improve digestion and helps remove toxins from the body.