The 5 surprising ways you can use banana peels - from skin care to whitening teeth

Banana peels often go straight in the bin, but they may be more useful than you think. There are a number of surprising ways to reuse the yellow skins instead of throwing them away. Some natural remedy fans even claim banana peels can help with garden pests, itchy bites and acne scars. While not all these tips are backed by strong scientific evidence, the peels do contain compounds that are thought to offer certain health and cosmetic benefits.

Bananas are packed with fibre, potassium, and antioxidants like vitamin C, but it's not just the fruit that holds value. Experts at Healthline say banana peels contain phenolics, carotenoids, and polyphenols, which may have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Here are five ways people are using banana peels

Many people swear by banana peels as part of their beauty routine. Some claim rubbing the inside of the peel on your face can help hydrate the skin and reduce wrinkles.

Others say it can ease psoriasis and reduce puffiness under the eyes.

A few even use banana peel as a natural remedy to fade acne scars or remove warts, by taping a piece of peel over the area overnight.

Although these methods are popular online, Healthline says most of them are based on personal experience rather than clinical trials.

However, the compounds found in banana peels could offer some benefit when applied to the skin.

One of the most talked-about uses for banana peels is for whitening teeth.

Fans of natural health remedies suggest rubbing a banana peel on your teeth and gums once a day for a week.

They say it helps clean the surface and brighten the appearance of your smile.

Healthline says studies have shown banana peels contain antibacterial properties that may fight the types of bacteria linked to gum disease.

However, no research has confirmed whether rubbing peels directly on teeth is truly effective.

Some people also use banana peels for minor skin irritation or pain.

They believe the anti-inflammatory and soothing qualities can help with sunburn, bug bites or poison ivy rashes.

A frozen banana peel is sometimes placed on the forehead or back of the neck to relieve headache pain.

Others place a peel over a splinter for 15 minutes, hoping it will draw it to the surface.

Again, these methods are based on folk medicine rather than scientific testing.

Banana peels can also be used around the house.

Some people rub them on houseplant leaves, leather shoes or silverware to make them shine.

The natural oils in the peel are said to help polish surfaces without harsh chemicals.

Gardeners are also finding creative ways to reuse banana peels.

They can be chopped and mixed into compost, blended into water for homemade fertiliser, or placed under rose bushes to deter aphids.

Some also claim banana peels attract butterflies, making them a natural way to add life to your garden.

While it might sound strange, banana peels can also be eaten.

Some people boil them to make tea, blend them into smoothies, candy them with sugar, or cook them into chutney.

Experts say banana peels may have future uses in the food and health industries.

But for now, anyone considering using them for cosmetic or health reasons should check with a medical professional first.