Research reveals the nutritional advantage of matooke peeling goats enjoy over humans

Martha Kemigisha 12:13 - 17 September 2023

Research reveals the nutritional advantage of matooke peeling goats enjoy over humans/Courtesy

Unlike the inside of a banana, which is soft and edible, a banana peel is harder and more bitter. It's important to wash the peel thoroughly to remove any fertilizer or chemicals they may have been sprayed with.

Cancer-fighting properties

Banana peels are packed with polyphenols, carotenoids, and other antioxidants that fight cancer-causing free radicals in your body. Eating banana peels, especially green, unripe peels, can increase your antioxidant levels and help reduce your risk of cancer.

Studies on the anti-cancer properties of banana peels were done in test tubes, not on humans. Further research is needed to understand whether banana peels can lower cancer risk in people.

Furthermore, depending on their level of ripeness, banana peels may offer different health benefits.

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Underripe, green bananas may be more effective in treating digestive issues, while riper, blackened bananas have been shown to help white blood cells fight off disease and infection.

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It is important to note that the following studies were done on rats, not humans, and further research is needed to determine if bananas have the same effects on humans.

Depression relief

The Vitamin B6 in banana peels can help relieve some symptoms of depression and other mood disorders. Vitamin B6 can help improve sleep, which has a positive impact on mood over time.

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Research reveals the nutritional advantage of matooke peeling goats enjoy over humans/Courtesy

Digestive health

Fibre-rich banana peels can help regulate the digestive system, easing both constipation and diarrhoea. This can be a particularly important benefit of banana peels for people with Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome.

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Better eyesight

Vitamin A is abundant in banana peels and helps keep your eyes strong and healthy.

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How to prepare banana peel

Banana peel can make for a healthy afternoon snack or a delectably healthy dessert. If you get creative, you'll soon see why chefs around the world commonly leave the banana peels on.

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Here are some ways banana peel can be prepared to make it delicious:

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Blended into green smoothies with kale, cucumber, spinach, and other vegetables.
Caramelise the peels with water and sugar to use as an ice cream topping.
Bake the peels with cinnamon and sugar.
Boil them until they soften and can be eaten with a spoon.
Make into banana vinegar and add to salads.
Cooked with meat on top of it.