Who knew bananas could be good for more than eating? More than that – who knew there were 8 (or more) reasons to not chuck the peel as soon as you’re done?

Read on, my friend, because now the answer is YOU.

#8. Whiten your teeth

The potassium in ripe banana peels can help reduce yellow stains from things like coffee and tea. After brushing, rub the inside of the banana peel on your teeth for two minutes and then rinse. For the best results, you’ll want to repeat the process every day.

#7. Fight acne

Bananas peels contain vitamin C, E, potassium, zinc, iron, and manganese, all of which calm inflamed skin and can help reduce breakouts. They also contain lutein and carotenoids, fat-soluble compounds that fight inflammation.

Just rub the peel over your skin, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

#6. Reduce the appearance of scars

We’ve talked about the vitamins and fatty acids contained in the peels, and those things are the same reason they can reduce the swelling and redness associated with scarring. Apply the banana peel to the affected area, leaving it for an hour or overnight, and repeat daily.

#5. Fight wrinkles

Like the fight against acne, the vitamins and minerals in banana peels can help battle signs of aging. Leave the peels on affected areas for as long as you can stand (even overnight) and repeat 3x/week.

#4. Treat your headaches – even migraines!

Place a banana peel across your forehead and/or the back of your neck and let the potassium do its job. Even better if you can freeze the peel first and then leave it on until it warms up.

#3. Remove splinters

The enzymes in banana peels contain a pulling acting that helps draw foreign objects to the surface of the skin. Simply apply a ripe banana to the affected area and let it sit for 15 minutes and your splinter should be easier to grab/extract.

#2. Tenderize your meats

Place a banana peel (or a few) in your roasting pan for both flavor and moisture. The peel acts as a blanket, keeping fluids underneath!

#1. Composting

Banana peels will add calcium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphates, potassium, and sodium to your compost pile. Cut them into pieces and bury them, then water soon afterward.

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