Banana Rx

Natural Health, Feb, 2008 by Daniel Mazori

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BANANAS--rich in vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, potassium, and antioxidants--are ideal for your skin and scalp. Maybe that's why babies tend to spread mashed banana all over their face. hands, and hair when it's fed to them? It looks like the little ones are onto something: "Bananas gently exfoliate, remove blemishes, and aid in natural hydration," says Manjula Jegasothy, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and director of the _Miami Skin Institute. For some creative ways to "play with your food," try: Pure & Basic Wild Banana Vanilla Bar Soap ($5; pureandbasic.com); Leonor Greyl Lait Lavant A La Banane ($28; 866-Greyl-US); Abba Pure Shine Conditioner ($17; pureabba.com); Juara Avocado Banana Moisture Mask ($36;juaraskincare.com); and Green By Nature Banana Shea Foot Cream ($9; greenbynaturebeauty.com).