Health Never forget washing your hands after eating bananas!

Consumer advocates warn: Wash hands after banana peeling

A majority of Germans loves bananas. The sweet fruits are not only delicious but also extremely healthy. However, you should not forget washing your hands after peeling bananas. This is what the consumer advocates point out.

One of the most popular types of fruit

Bananas are among the most popular types of fruit of the German citizens. Although the tasty fruits are very healthy thanks to the vitamins and minerals they contain, they can possibly harm your health if you do not thoroughly wash your hands after peeling.

Consumer advocates point out to wash their hands after peeling bananas. Because on and in the shell pesticides may be included. (Image: nata_vkusidey / fotolia.com)

Full of healthy nutrients

Often bananas serve for the fast energy boost in between.

The healthy fruits are rich in potassium and magnesium as well as vitamin B6. It also contains other minerals, vitamins and trace elements.

As scientific research has shown, bananas can even protect against cardiovascular disease because of their healthy ingredients.

Since the fruit is generally well digestible (this is especially true for ripe fruits), it is recommended not only as a baby food, but also in intestinal complaints.

Curiously, bananas are used both in diarrhea, and as a home remedy for constipation.

In the latter case, however, more mature fruits must be used, as unripe bananas contain starch that is difficult to digest.

Children should only get peeled bananas in their hands

Bananas are usually produced in huge monocultures using pesticides. This not only harms the environment and the plantation workers.

"In investigations, residues of these pesticides are repeatedly detected on and in the shell," explains Sabine Hülsmann, nutrition expert of the Consumer Center Bavaria in a statement.

According to the expert, there are few or no pesticides under the shell. Bananas are also treated after the harvest.

For example, the use of anti-mold agents, so-called fungicides, prevents the fruits from decaying prematurely during transport. Particularly affected are fruits from conventional cultivation.

"For traditional goods, it is advisable to wash your hands after peeling. Children should only be given the peeled fruit, "says Hülsmann.

Organically grown bananas are less or less polluted. Those who access organic and fair-trade fruits also make an important contribution to better working conditions for local workers and to a sustainable approach to the environment. (Ad)