Science study Banana peels protect against cancer

Healthy banana peels? Take advantage of the waste product
Antioxidants and phenols found in the skin of bananas have anti-cancer and anti-aging properties, as well as anti-inflammatory properties. This is indicated by a study carried out at the University of San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador. However, scientists approached the analysis of levels of beneficial ingredients in banana peels but not for this reason: it was rather the waste that has led to thinking about alternative uses of bananas.

Banana skin can protect against cancer because of the ingredients. (Image: M. Schuppich / fotolia.com)

Background: About 240,000 tonnes of bananas do not meet the quality requirements each year in order to be exported or sold on local markets. The reason is usually damage during harvest or transportation. These "waste bananas" are now a serious environmental problem in Ecuador. If there is no recovery option, the problem of high organic pollution will not be solved. So what else can you gain from bananas? The researchers investigated this question by examining different types of banana for their tannin or tannin content in the shell.

Anyone who has ever successfully treated mild diarrheal diseases with crushed banana mixed with grated apples may also be aware of the effects of these ingredients, which are also included in commercial diarrhea preparations.

But science had not tried to get the banana peel. Now it is known that the tannin and tannic acid content is highest, especially in the initial stage of ripening, and this decreases with increasing maturity.

A realization that would have to be taken into account in a possible future economic use, as well as the choice of variety. In the future, banana waste products may be on the market. Ask your doctor or pharmacist. Friederike Heidenhof, bzfe