You all throw away the banana peel without a second thought, but probably none of you knows how useful it can be. Namely, banana peel can provide many beneficial effects on your health and beauty.

The peel contains three to four times more fiber than the fruit itself, and the fiber is important when it comes to cleansing the body from the toxins, says the world famous nutritionist Kimberly Snyder.

The peel is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that can help you prevent premature aging. In addition to this, it is also low in calories and contains small amounts of fat and sugar.

Banana peel increases the level of serotonin, known for its effect on the good mood. Bananas are a good source of potassium, but Snyder says that the peel contains much more soluble fiber that will keep you full for longer and will also help you reduce bad cholesterol. It is rich in insoluble fiber, which is great for the digestive tract.

In some parts of the world, like India and Asia, it is quite common to fry or boil the banana peel, as an important ingredient for different desserts. Add some to your smoothie or your favorite cookies. The peel gets thinner and more delicious as the banana ripens.

Also it is good to know about the peel of some citrus fruits, such as orange, contains more vitamin C than the juice, and it is also rich in vitamins A and B, and some important minerals such as zinc, calcium, selenium and manganese. Zest some to your salad dressings or desserts.

And let’s not forget that the watermelon rind is rich in vitamin C, B6 and citrulline, an amino acid that protects the blood vessels and improves the blood circulation. Remove the green parts of the rind and process the remaining white part in a juicer or a blender, together with the juicy pink fruit.

You should always have on mind that the peel can be used only if the fruits have not been treated with chemicals and pesticides.