Her Majesty the Banana.

You probably didn't know, banana peel is edible and is a great source of health. As a rule, when we peel it and eat the meat part, we lightly throw away the crust. However, people in some countries, e.g. in India they eat it, and use its nutritional benefits for centuries.

The fruit is fresh and sweet, and the rind is hard and bitter, and must be thermally processed before consumption. You can cook it for at least 10 minutes, bake it or fry it. The heat softens the fibers in the otherwise stiff shell and turns it into an edible delicacy.

The more mature the fruit, the thinner and softer its bark becomes. This process stimulates the ethylene that the fruit releases as it ripens, which makes it softer and slimier. Their protective coating changes color from green to yellow to dark brown.

Banana medicinal properties and composition

The soft yellow fruits are incredibly healthy and tasty, but the banana peel does not lag behind in importance. If you eat the skin together with the meat, you will even increase its benefits. It contains several essential nutrients with a beneficial effect on digestion, heart health and weight reduction. It contains a significant amount of fiber and several antioxidants.

One medium-sized banana contains vitamins A, B6, C and E, minerals potassium, magnesium and copper. In addition, it contains 24 grams of carbohydrates. It also contains 3.1 g of fiber and the same amount of protein, as well as 0.4 grams of fat. Yellow fruit has about 105 calories, and water and carbohydrates predominate in its composition. Immature (green) contain large amounts of starch, which in the process of maturation is converted into sugar - glucose, fructose and sucrose.

It contains nutrients that keep diabetes under control

Bananas contain pectin, and while they are still green, starch, which acts as an easily degradable fiber and helps the digestive tract. Both of these substances are also contained in banana peel, and their main role is to equalize the blood sugar level after a meal. They reduce appetite because they create a feeling of satiety. They have a low glycemic index, ie they do not encourage the growth of sugar levels in healthy people. However, this does not apply to diabetics, banana peel is strictly forbidden in their diet.

Heart guard and an excellent source of antioxidants

Ripe bananas are essential for heart health because they have incredible amounts and reserves of potassium and magnesium. They are especially praised for controlling blood pressure. Ripe, and even better overripe dark brown banana peel should take a significant place in the diet. It contains the mentioned minerals in abundance.

A potassium-rich diet can help lower blood pressure. According to research, people who consume a lot of this element are as much as 27 percent less likely to get cardiovascular disease.

Golden fruits and their protective shell are a powerful source of dopamine and catechins, antioxidants that protect the heart. They prevent the development of degenerative disorders of the respiratory system and free radicals.

Banana peel for the health of the digestive system

By introducing such a healthy fruit, and thus a ripe full-fiber banana peel, into the regular diet, it contributes to cancer prevention. The probability of developing colon cancer is significantly reduced, which is confirmed by recent studies.

Bananas have this protective function thanks to the high concentration of dietary fiber (3g). Here we primarily mean pectin and starch, as the main energy booster for healthy intestinal bacteria.

In Eastern traditional medicine, banana peel has been used for centuries to treat hemorrhoids. It is considered to give the best results in the mentioned problems.

Helps to lose weight

The ripe, speckled with brown dots of banana peel is full of plant-based dietary fiber, which stimulates the work and motility of the intestines. Thus, it contributes to more frequent urination and better digestion. In addition, it is quite nutritious and contains just over 100 calories, and quickly creates a feeling of satiety.

Significant amounts of starch in unripe greenish bananas will contribute to the feeling of a full stomach and longer satiety. This will certainly significantly reduce appetites and contribute to faster weight loss.