Why We Love Bananas – 6 Ways to Use Them (Besides Eating It)
We all know bananas are tasty. They are good for banana bread, smoothies, or can simply be eaten straight from the peel. But did you know they have a place outside the kitchen too? Perhaps you’re looking for shiny hair. Or a way to ward of bugs in the garden. Read on to see the interesting ways in which you can use bananas!
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Think bananas are only good for eating? Think again! Next time you have overripe bananas, don’t make banana bread. Use them in one of these useful ways.
1. They’re great for skincare
Bananas are rich in potassium, so when you put it on your face, you’ll be left with soft and supple skin. It also acts as a type of exfoliator, helping to slough off excess skin cells on the surface of the skin. If you don’t want to waste your fresh bananas on your facials, use the banana peel as a blemish remover.
2. They’re great for hair
If you’re struggling with dry or frizzy hair, then why not try a banana hair mask? Mix 1 mashed banana, 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp honey, and ½ Tbsp lemon juice. Brush your hair and divide in sections. Apply the banana mixture, making sure all the hair is covered (from roots to tips). Let it sit for 30 min and rinse off. It’s also a great mask for dandruff!
3. They make easy popsicles
If you want to make popsicles this summer that requires almost zero effort, then be sure to make banana-pops. Simply cut a banana in half and stick a wooden stick into the flat end. Cover them with wax paper (or use a Ziploc bag) and freeze for a few hours. For extra indulgence, drizzle with melted chocolate.
4. They make silver and shoes shiny
If you’ve been throwing away banana peels up until now, then you’re basically wasting money. Keep them to polish your silver. Simply rub the silver pieces with the banana peel (stringy bits removed), and follow up with a good buffing. You can use the same method to shine leather shoes!
5. They keep the plants happy
Don’t you hate it when aphids are all over your beloved potted or garden plants? Stop them in their tracks. Bury chopped banana peel an inch or two deep around the base of your plants. This will not only prevent future attacks, but will also repel the ones already there.
6. They speed up avocado ripening
Tired of waiting for your avocadoes to ripen? Store them in a brown paper bag with a banana. The banana releases ethylene gas as it ripens, which in turn, speeds up ripening of the avocado. It should be ready to eat within a day!
What’s your favorite way of using bananas (besides eating them, of course)?
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