Banana peels: eat it carefully with the banana

The banana peels  we normally throw away are edible and nutritious.

Banana eaters in countries such as India, have been aware of the health benefits for decades and have been taking  advantage of their nutritional benefits.

Banana peel contains high amounts of vitamin B6 and B12, as well as magnesium and potassium. It also contains some fiber and protein.”

According to a 2011 article in the journal of Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, banana peels also have “various bioactive compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids and others.”

A way of preparing the banana with the cover

But it is important we  carefully wash a banana peel before eating it due to the pesticides that may be sprayed in banana groves.

Banana peels are usually served cooked, boiled or fried in some capacity, though they can be eaten raw or put in a blender with other fruits. They are not as sweet as banana flesh. Riper peels will be sweeter than unripe ones.

One medium banana normally contains 12% of one’s  daily fibre need, which helps with digestion and may help lower  risk of diabetes

• 17% of vitamin C, which is important for one’s immune system as well as growth and development
• 20% of  vitamin B-6, which aids the body’s ability to convert food into energy
• 12% of  potassium, which helps in development of cells, tissues, and organs throughout the body
• 8% of  magnesium, which is important for the body’s energy productions and regulating glucose and blood pressure levels

If one then eats the skin along with the flesh, one  gets an even bigger boost in these same nutrients:

“[The skin] contains high amounts of vitamin B6 and B12, as well as magnesium and potassium. It also contains some fiber and protein,” San Diego-based nutritionist Laura Flores told LiveScience.

*Source: Livescience and Business Insider