Eating banana peels can be nutritious but may not be good for you, experts reveal

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Banana peels are gaining popularity for its health benefits, as reported by several media outlets in September. In fact, Metro reports that just like apples, the banana's skin contains a concentration of potassium, magnesium, and fiber. It also contains trytophan, which helps create serotonin, the happy hormone that helps promote quality sleep.

According to British Dietetic Association spokesperson and founder of Honest Nutrition Anna Daniels, "The skins of most fruits and vegetables contain the richest sources of vitamins and minerals as they are affected by the light during growth, acting to absorb the light and protect the fruit."

Daniels explained that "The skins of most fruits and vegetables contain the richest sources of vitamins and minerals as they are affected by the light during growth, acting to absorb the light and protect the fruit."

She added, "The banana skins also contain dietary fiber which can reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Banana skins are rich in color and contain carotenoids, in particular the xanthophyll lutein, which is an antioxidant known to protect against oxidative stress in the eyes."

However, just because banana skins are packed with nutrients vital to the body, does it mean it is safe to consume? TODAY reports that there are very few scientific studies that prove the benefits of consuming banana skins.

According to David Levitsky, a professor of nutrition and psychology at Cornell University, "People are always looking for a magical food. This carries with it the idea that the root of all happiness lies in food. Food is essential, but it's not the magic answer to any problem."

Nutrition experts admit that there are nutrients present in banana peel, but caution its consumption because there's not much science proving that the human body can consume these nutrients. Levtisky said, "Just because a nutrient is in there doesn't mean you can use it."

Moreover, contrary to the sweet, satisfying taste of a banana, the peels don't taste or feel good. They are bitter, tough, and may be hard to eat or digest. While people from other countries may consume banana peel for certain reasons (such as decreasing environmental waste), expert and author of Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World, Dan Koeppel explains, "Go ahead and google 'monkey eating a banana,' and you'll see that even most monkeys are peeling the banana before eating it. If monkeys are smart enough to figure this out, we should be, too."

But are there dangers to consuming banana peel? Levitsky said that the biggest harm is probably the pesticide used in growing them, if you're purchasing non-organic bananas. He said, "The only harm I see is pesticides that may have accumulated on the surface. So if you want to put them in your smoothie in the morning you might get a dose of that — if you don't wash them really well."