Banana Peel Tea Can Help Boost Heart Health, Soothe Bloating, and Ease Stress
Sounds strange, but it has a host of anti-aging benefits.
Banana peel tea might not sound all that a-peel-ing, but if you’re looking for a fountain of youth, it’s got the fruity fortune you seek. It turns out that here are a ton of anti-aging nutrients tucked inside the outer part of the fruit — a part that typically ends up tossed in the trash.
Dermatologist Mamina Turegano, MD, shared the unusual brew on her TikTok page, and we’ve been obsessed ever since. Like the equally odd-sounding onion peel tea she discussed in a previous video, Dr. Turegano explained that banana peel tea is one of several natural remedies her mom uses to combat signs of aging and to look and feel amazing at 72.
Despite what the name suggests, you actually use the whole banana to make this tea. And although some people brew banana tea without the peels, keeping that outer casing on will provide a lot more benefits.
Turegano says that the fruit itself contains potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, amino acids, and antioxidants. All of that will combine with the vitamin B6, vitamin B12, magnesium, more potassium, more vitamin A, and more aminos and antioxidants from the peel to give it an extra-anti-aging boost.
To make it, simply cut the ends off the fruit and let the whole banana boil for about 15 to 20 minutes. Once it’s done heating up, strain the liquid and start sipping.
Take a look to see Turegano and her delightful mom demonstrate:
Apparently, we should be rubbing the peel on our faces, too. Turegano explained in another video that it works as a gentle, hydrating exfoliant. And, it’s clearly doing a great job for her mom — look at her glowing skin!
Healthline backs up Turegano’s claims about this tea helping with things like heart health and bloating. The water-soluble antioxidants fight off free radicals which can cause heart disease while the potassium and magnesium aid in lowering blood pressure and warding off strokes.
That potassium is also great for easing the bloating and water-retention brought on by eating a bit (or a lot) of salty food. Banana peel tea basically reminds our kidneys to get rid of that excess sodium (which is why you might find yourself having to use the bathroom soon after drinking it).
When it comes to lifting our mood, an animal study found that both the peel and pulp of bananas have an anti-anxiety and antidepressant effect thanks to antioxidants that promote stress relief.
Banana peel tea is also great for those battling insomnia. Dr. Oz recommends sipping it about an hour before bed. This time, it’s the fruit’s magnesium that will help you get some shut eye. Studies have also found a link between low potassium levels and sleep problems, so getting a boost of that will help, too.
The flavor is similar to chamomile, but with an extra earthy kick. You can add things like cinnamon and honey to make it a little tastier if you’d like.
