As one of the most powerful energy boosters, bananas are known for their beneficial properties. They are undoubtedly favorite fruits for those who pay special attention to healthy nutrition.

 

Health benefits of bananas

Numerous health benefits make bananas superfood.

First, natural sugars in bananas are converted into instant energy required throughout the day. Potassium in bananas can keep blood pressure under control while improving the consumption of calcium and magnesium.

Pectin, a soluble fiber, in bananas helps to lower cholesterol levels without disturbing HDL cholesterol.

Due to the rich source of B vitamins, bananas improve nerve function and enhance brain power, boosting learning abilities.

Probiotic bacteria have amazing abilities to absorb calcium in the body. Thus bananas are important for healthy and strong bones.

Given that bananas are very rich in probiotics, they are also beneficial for the digestive system. They are producing necessary enzymes that enable the absorption of nutrients. This fruit enhances the digestive ability. Particular substances in it stimulate the cells which make up the stomach lining, allowing the production of thicker protective mucus barrier against stomach acids.

Very often bananas are used in the treatment of diarrhea because they are astringents, and very often for anemia, due to the high amount of iron. There are also important amino acids in bananas that help combat allergies.

Vitamin B6, serotonin, tryptophan, and dopamine in bananas help combat symptoms of PMS, mood swings, and depression, and together with magnesium and potassium help decrease smoking cravings. Moreover, amino acids trigger the production of melatonin (sleep hormone) which induces sleep.

Finally, bananas provide the body with necessary natural sugar and contain an abundant amount of fiber yet low amounts of fat (which make them easily digestible) therefore enhance weight loss.

Did you know all that? Moreover, did you know how bananas have important benefits for the skin?

 

How can you use bananas for healthy skin?

Significant amounts of vitamin C and B6 play a vital role in maintaining the elasticity of the skin.

A large number of antioxidants and manganese present in bananas protect the body from damages caused by free radicals, the compounds responsible for premature aging of the skin.

Given that bananas have 75 percent water, they also hydrate our skin and prevent it from drying and peeling.

 

#1 Face masks for soft and glowing skin

The vitamin A restores the lost moisture repairing the damaged and dry skin. For a quick facemask, mash a ripe banana, apply it on your face but avoid contact with eyes and leave it on for 20-25 minutes. Wash it away with lukewarm water. If you have, for instance, extremely dry skin, you can add honey to this facemask; it will also help with getting rid of skin pigmentation.

Another useful facemask is to create a mixture of half a ripe banana, a tablespoon yogurt and a teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Mash it together and apply it on a clean face. Wash it after 30 minutes; you will instantly see amazing results.

Vitamin C in bananas helps to maintain the natural and youthful glow of the skin. Mixing bananas with other nutrient-rich food or oils can also bring back the glow to your skin.

First, you can try mashing half a ripe banana and mixing it with 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder or paste and a ½ teaspoon of honey. Apply it on your face and let it stay on for 20-25 minutes, and then wash it with lukewarm water. Sandalwood helps in cleaning excess sebum and oils from the skin. Therefore this is an excellent mask for oily skin.

When you mash one ripe banana and mix it with lemon juice (from one lemon), you have a perfect mask that will enrich the skin with this vitamin. Just apply it on your face, and leave it on for 25 minutes. Vitamin C which will get rid of dullness and reduce of spots and blemishes on the face.

 

#2 Skin scrubs for healthy skin

These great skin scrubs will rejuvenate your skin due to the rich amount of antioxidants in bananas.

Mash banana and 1 tablespoon of sugar, mix them well and apply it on your skin rubbing it in circular motions. Banana moisturizes the dry skin while sugar granules, on the other hand, will get rid of the dead skin, leaving it soft and smooth.

One more thing you can do is mix half a ripe banana, a tablespoon coconut milk, and 2 tablespoons of uncooked rice. Blend them to create a thick paste. Apply it on your face, gently massaging your face and wash with cold water afterward.

 

#3 Anti-aging facemasks

Important nutrients in bananas help to fight wrinkles, keeping the skin youthful. To create an anti-aging mask, you need to mash together avocado and a banana. Apply it on your face and leave on skin for 25 minutes, then rinse. After applying it once you will see the benefits, your skin will be softer and more youthful.

Another powerful yet simple facemask used to fight the effects of aging is a combination of bananas and rose water. Mash 1/4 banana to get very creamy pasta, and add one teaspoon of rose water. Apply it on the face and wash it off after half an hour.

Banana peels are also loaded with rich nutrients important for our skin, especially wrinkles. Just by applying fresh peel for 15 minutes every day you will see a noticeable change.

You can also use bananas to treat puffy eyes. Mash half a banana, apply around the puffy eyes, let it sit for 15-20 minutes and rinse the mask with cold water. This mask is very effective due to the rich amount of potassium that draws out excess fluid from under the skin reducing the swelling immediately. One can also apply the banana peels to treat puffy eyes.

When it comes to beauty, as you can see, banana is a superfood, feeding our skin with essential minerals and vitamins whether we eat it or apply it on our skin. Therefore, one should make it a part of the daily diet and beauty routine.

Reference:
Gordon, M. (2012). Natural Home Made Skin Care Recipes: Rejuvenating Renewing Masks & Treatments For Beautiful Skin. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Stewart, K. L. (2012). Homemade Facial Masks: 101 All Natural Skin Care Recipes. PrettySmart Press.

 
Image credit: DepositPhotos.com

 
Last article update: 9/4/2019