Bananas are commonly available throughout the world and widely eaten. They are a source of ready energy and help sustain blood sugar levels. Thus, they are the ideal food to be eaten before rigorous exercise. They can lower blood pressure and protect against heart attacks and strokes due their high potassium and low salt composition. They help treat depression since they contain tryptophan, which is converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin in the body. Serotonin plays a role in elevating mood. For this reason, bananas can also help relieve symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome. They also treat insomnia by promoting the production of melatonin, which is the hormone that induces sleep.
Bananas also prevent muscle cramps. They can replenish the body’s supply of calcium that is lost in urine and can help build strong bones. Due to their iron content, they can treat anemia and boost the production of red blood cells.
Bananas are a good source of vitamin B6. Due to this, they promote the production of white blood cells, fortify the nervous system, and help you lose weight, prevent the development of type II diabetes, and reduce swelling of limbs.
Even the banana peel, which is usually considered a waste product, has many uses. Banana peels contain proteins, essential amino acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, potassium, and fiber. They also contain polyphenols and carotenoids. This miracle fruit has several benefits for skin and hair as well.
Rubbing a banana peel on acne-affected skin before bed time will help reduce the condition. Wash your face in the morning. You should be able to see results after a week of regular application.
Treats hair loss and dandruff
Applying a mixture of mashed banana and yoghurt to hair for a month will reduce hair loss and treat dandruff. You should leave the mixture on for an hour before washing off. This remedy also makes hair very shiny.
Banana pulp is ideal for softening skin due to its vitamin A and potassium content. A scrub made of mashed bananas and granulated sugar will soften the face and hands. The sugar granules will remove dead skin cells while the banana will pamper the skin.
Alternatively, another scrub made of banana, oatmeal, and coconut milk can also be used once a week to maintain soft and healthy skin. Oatmeal is less abrasive than sugar and coconut milk nourishes skin, bringing a glow.
Crushed strawberries, mashed bananas, and sugar make an excellent body scrub.
A paste of bananas, uncooked rice, and coconut milk is another good mixture for the face.
Say goodbye to frizzy hair with a banana mask. A mixture of mashed bananas and honey will condition hair and reduce frizz. Ensure that hair is damp before application of the mask. The mixture can be applied to the hair as well as the scalp. Wrap your head in a towel and allow the absorption of the mixture into the scalp.
Another pack that can be used is a mixture of banana, olive oil, and egg white. This mask makes hair shiny and healthy.
For damaged hair, a mixture of ripe banana, coconut milk, and cocoa powder can be applied. This pack repairs damaged hair and makes it soft.
Yet another mixture for dry and damaged hair is mashed bananas and almond oil. Vitamins A, C, and E present in the ingredients nourish hair and make it soft, shiny, and healthy. Leave this pack on for 10-15 minutes before washing off with a good quality shampoo.
This tip is useful for people with dry and dull skin. Mashed banana applied to the face for 15-20 minutes can put the moisture back into your skin. You should wash off the banana with tepid water and then finish with a splash of cold water to close pores.
A mixture of banana and honey can also reduce pigmentation of skin, in addition to moisturizing it.
Treats oily skin
Bananas can even reduce the oiliness of skin. A mixture of ripe bananas and lemon juice can remove excess oil from your face. The vitamin C content of banana discourages further oil production.
Another mask that can be used is made of mashed ripe bananas, sandalwood powder, and honey. This mask should be left on for around 25 minutes. Sandalwood powder removes excess oil from the face.
Treats itchy scalp
A mixture of bananas, avocado, and yoghurt can treat itchy scalp. You should leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water. The potassium present in banana is the ingredient that reduces itchiness.
Prevents aging of skin
Move over anti-aging creams, you have the humble banana on the kitchen counter at your service! Avocados contain vitamin E, which is known to prevent wrinkles and fine lines from appearing on your face. Bananas have an antioxidant effect, wherein they capture free radicals formed in the skin due to the effect of environmental pollutants or the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and prevent them from damaging the cell membranes. A mixture of banana and avocado is a potent anti-aging combination.
Rose water mixed with mashed bananas is another anti-aging formula. The pack should be applied to the face and neck. Leave on for half an hour and the wash off with tepid water.
Reduces puffiness of eyes
The potassium in banana helps reduce puffy eyes. Rub banana pulp beneath eyes and see the difference! Alternatively, eating bananas regularly will also keep puffy eyes at bay as the potassium regulates the electrolyte balance in the body and prevents water retention.
Treats cracked heels
Cracked heels can be naturally treated by applying the pulp of bananas and leaving it on for 10 minutes. You will not stop admiring your soft and pink heels.
Regular application of the inside of banana peels can reduce the appearance of warts and can treat psoriasis.
Soothes mosquito bites
Mosquito bites and bug bites can be soothed by rubbing the inside of banana peels on the lesions. They also promote quick healing of skin.