As America's number one fruit, the banana tends to get taken for granted. It's such a common fruit that it's hard to realize how uncommon it really is. You can enjoy such delights as a banana split, banana cake or just a plain banana, but did you know the banana is a natural beauty treatment too? Read on to find out more.
First let's look at the nutritional value of the banana and how this can work for your skin. For one thing, a banana contain no fat, cholesterol or sodium. It does however contain tryptophan. This is a substance that your body can transform into serotonin. Serotonin is one of the brain's chemical messengers that can you relax and boost your mood. This is positive for your immune system which protects your skin against the internal threat of free radical and the external attack of pollutants. Plus the banana contains high doses of the B vitamins which are essential for a healthy nervous system. So adding bananas to your diet can elevate your mood and help you manage stress which is great for your whole body.
In addition to just eating bananas, you can apply them externally to your skin with amazing effects. For example, the banana's hydrating and softening properties make it perfect as a face mask. The enzymes and vitamins A, B and C nourish dry or aging skin and and exfoliate dead and dried skin cells. Just mash up a ripe banana and add the oil of your choice - almond and coconut are good. Apply to your face and leave for 10 minutes. Then wash it off.
What's more, the banana's high fibre content promotes a regular digestive system which is a perfect recipe for inner cleanliness.
So the next time you're at the supermarket, pick up a bunch (actually a cluster of bananas is known as a hand and the individual bananas as fingers), and put this natural beauty treatment to work for your face and skin. And enjoy the taste too.