fb

MENU

Can You Eat Banana Peels? Here’s What You Should Know

Yes, you can eat banana peels – and in many parts of the world, people already do. While it might sound strange if you’re used to tossing the peel in the trash, banana skins are actually rich in nutrients and offer surprising health benefits.

Banana peels are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. They also contain lutein, which supports eye health, and tryptophan, which may boost mood and sleep quality. The peel holds a lot of the fruit’s nutritional punch—often more than the inside.

But here’s the catch: the texture is tough, and the taste can be bitter. That’s why most people don’t bite right in. Instead, the key is preparation.

How to Eat Banana Peels:

  • Boil or sauté them: Cooking softens the skin and mellows the bitterness. You can slice and sauté them into stir-fries or curry dishes.
  • Blend them: Toss pieces of ripe banana peel into a smoothie with sweet fruits to mask the flavor while keeping the fiber.
  • Bake into recipes: You can use banana peel as an ingredient in banana bread or muffins—just blend it into the batter.

A few cautions:

  • Always wash banana peels thoroughly to remove pesticides and waxes, especially if they’re not organic.
  • Choose ripe bananas—the peels are softer, sweeter, and easier to digest than green ones.

If you’re into reducing waste, upping your fiber, and exploring new superfoods, banana peels are worth a second look. They’re edible, versatile, and—bonus—they cost nothing extra. Just think twice before tossing that peel. Your blender, stir-fry, or compost pile might welcome it.

Pistachios and Eye Health: A Tasty Way to Protect Your Vision

Carrots aren’t the only food that supports healthy eyes. A recent study from Tufts University has found that eating just two handfuls of pistachios a day may help preserve vision, particularly by protecting against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss in older adults.

Dr. Tammy Scott, the study’s lead author, explains that pistachios are rich in lutein—a plant pigment and antioxidant that helps shield the retina from damage caused by blue and ultraviolet light. “Lutein is like natural sunglasses for your eyes,” she said. The study, supported by the American Pistachio Growers, found that participants who consumed about two ounces of unsalted pistachios daily experienced a measurable increase in macular pigment optical density (MPOD), an indicator of eye health, in just six weeks.

AMD affects nearly 20 million Americans and gradually deteriorates central vision. While dry AMD progresses slowly due to the thinning of the macula and protein buildup, wet AMD is more aggressive, involving abnormal blood vessel growth. Though there’s no cure, early dietary interventions may slow the disease’s progression.

Pistachios are particularly effective because their natural fat content enhances lutein absorption, making them an efficient dietary source. Two daily handfuls can double the average American’s lutein intake to around 1.6 mg.

The benefits extend beyond vision. Lutein is also found in the brain, where it may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation—factors linked to heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. Pistachios also offer fiber, protein, heart-healthy fats, and nutrients like vitamin B6, potassium, and iron.

Incorporating pistachios into your routine could be a simple, natural way to support your eyes, overall health, and aging.