Beauty and the Banana

One of the most popular fruits in America, bananas are well known for their delicious appeal. Bananas have been known to help people afflicted with insomnia, but did you know bananas may also reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer? Bananas also are a great mood food. Research has shown that they can increase levels of serotonin and norepinphrine. It can actually help sufferers of depression!

Along with all of these enormous healthy benefits, bananas can also beautify your hair and skin. They're great for wrinkles and can "plump" up your skin. I am loving bananas!

Here are a few different beauty recipes you can try straight from the kitchen.

Simply Mashed (Hair Conditioner)

1 banana
2-3 Tablespoons mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 Teaspoon vitamin E oil

Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
Add the mayo, olive oil and vitamin e oil.
Massage gently onto dry hair.
Let sit for at least 10-15 minutes.
Gently shampoo out.

Your hair will be left deeply conditioned and strengthened.

Banana Supreme (Anti-oxidant and Antiseptic) facial mask

½ really ripe mashed banana
2 Tablespoons ground oats (to have a finer consistency, try using a blender first)
1 Tbsp. milk
A dash of nutmeg
2 Tbsp. whole wheat flour

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl, until it becomes a smooth paste.
Spread onto clean face and leave on for about 5-10 minutes.
Rinse completely and pat dry.

The nutmeg in this recipe has an antiseptic quality and the whole wheat flour rich in antioxidants.

Banana and Turmeric Mask (facial)

1 Tablespoon of turmeric
1 ripe banana mashed

Mix the mashed banana and tablespoon of turmeric together.
Massage gently onto clean dry face.

The turmeric has healing properties and is commonly used in India. It is also anti-inflammatory and an incredible antiseptic.

Banana and the Anti aging face lift mask

1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream
1 medium banana
1 vitamin E capsule

Mash together the banana and the cream.
Add the vitamin E capsule.
Smooth onto clean dry face and neck.
Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.
Wipe off with a warm damp cloth.

Your face will feel incredibly soft.

Banana and Papaya Anyone?

½ mashed banana
¼ cup papaya
¼ cup plain yogurt

Add all ingredients into a small bowl and mash together.
Pat onto clean dry face and leave on for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse off completely and pat dry.

Papaya contains enzymes which can gently slough skin!

Banana and Avocado Mask

½ ripe banana
½ ripe avocado
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 teaspoon olive oil

Mash together the banana and avocado.
Add the other ingredients and mix well.
Massage lightly onto clean dry face.
Leave on for about 20-30 minutes.
Wash off completely with warm water.
Pat gently dry.

Skin will glow

Ancient Aztec Hair Beauty
½ rip avocado
1 tbsp olive oil
½ ripe banana
1 egg yolk

Mix all ingredients together.
Gently massage onto dry hair and scalp.
Cover with plastic cap.
Leave on up to an hour.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Shampoo as usual.