The Nutritional Value of Fruit and Veggie Peels:
Fruit and veggie peels are often overlooked and discarded, but they are surprisingly rich in essential nutrients that can significantly contribute to our overall health. Let's delve into their nutritional value and discover the various benefits they offer:
Health Benefits Of Orange Peels: The orange peels are rich in fiber, vitamin C, folate, vitamin B6, calcium and other essential nutrients. The skin of the oranges contains a good amount of polyphenols that protect against several diseases. Peels have anti -cancerous properties. due to the presence of limonene, a naturally occurring chemical.
Health Benefits Of Banana Peels: Fiber-rich banana peels can help regulate the digestive system, easing both constipation and diarrhea. This can be a particularly important benefit of banana peels for people with Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Vitamin A can help keep your eyes strong and healthy.
Health Benefits Of Watermelon Peels: A thirst quencher during summers, not many know that watermelon rind has more benefits that the fruit itself. It contains zinc, potassium, magnesium, antioxidants and vitamin A and C. It helps in overall digestion and helps your body get rid of toxic waste
Health Benefits Of Pomegranate Peels : These are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants. It helps in detoxifying the body and prevent heart diseases. It is also used to get relief from cough and sore throats. You need to add grinded pomegranate peel to a cup of water and gargle it - repeat this twice daily for faster results. The best part is, you can also use it as an effective skin moisturiser and a sun-block agent.
Health Benefits Of Apple Peels : Apple peel is a storehouse of nutrition. It contains a whole lot of proteins, vitamins and essential minerals. While vitamin A and C are excellent for the skin, eyesight and strengthening the immunity system, the presence of iron and calcium makes it good for bones and teeth. It is also a great source of antioxidants, which helps in preventing a lot of diseases.
Health Benefits Of Kiwi Peels : The skin of kiwi contains more nutrient than the fruit itself. It consists of a lot of fibre, flavonoids, antioxidants and vitamin C, which are helpful in boosting immunity, heart health and lung health.
Health Benefits Of Mango Peels: While mangoes are extremely delicious, its peels are highly rich in antioxidants, which helps in reducing damage caused by free radicals. Besides, it promotes weight loss, helps in digestion and are also high in fibre, which is good for heart health.
Health Benefits Of Cucumber Peels: The outer skin contains a number of antioxidants and are rich in insoluble fibre, vitamin K and potassium. While vitamin K helps in bone maintenance and cell growth, the presence of beta-carotene is beneficial for eye health. Some benefits of potato peels • Protects against cancer. • Boosts immunity. • Lowers blood cholesterol. • Lowers risk of heart disease. • Maintains blood sugar levels. • Good for skin burns. • Lightens dark spots.
Health Benefits Of Onion Peels: Onion skins are a good source of antioxidants and rich in quercetin, a plant flavonol that can help reduce asthma, chronic infections and diabetes. It also has fibre that help reduce heart disease, digestive problems and lowers blood pressure level.
Health Benefits Of Carrot Peels: The peel of carrots has the highest concentration of several nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B3 (niacin), and phytonutrients. There is no need to peel your carrots, however, you can do so if the skin is really filthy or has been damaged.
Healthy Benefits Of Radish Peels: Rich in vitamins, folic acid and anthocyanins, Radish are considered effective cancer-fighting agents. The vitamins present in radishes can treat multiple skin disorders. It can also improve functions of liver and gall bladder. And if all that wasn't enough, Radish also helps a variety of critical bodily functions..
Tips for Selecting and Preparing Peels Safely:
Incorporating fruit and vegetable peels into your diet is a fantastic way to boost your nutrient intake and reduce food waste. However, it's essential to follow certain guidelines to ensure that the peels are safe to eat. Here are some tips for selecting and preparing peels safely:
1. Choose Organic Options: When possible, opt for organic fruits and vegetables to minimize exposure to pesticides and chemical residues. Organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides, making the peels safer to consume.
2. Thoroughly Wash Peels: Before using the peels, wash them thoroughly under running water. Use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the surface, removing any dirt, debris, or residues. This step is crucial, especially if you're not peeling the entire fruit or vegetable.
3. Trim Off Damaged Parts: Inspect the peels for any signs of damage or bruising. Trim off those areas before incorporating the peels into your dishes. Removing damaged parts ensures that you're consuming the freshest and healthiest parts of the fruit or vegetable.
4. Be Mindful of Wax Coatings: Some fruits and vegetables, such as apples and cucumbers, may have wax coatings on their peels to preserve freshness and appearance. While these coatings are generally considered safe for consumption, you may choose to peel them off if you prefer to avoid ingesting them.
5. Cook or Blanch Peels When Necessary: For certain fruits and vegetables, such as potatoes and tomatoes, cooking or blanching the peels can make them easier to digest and enhance their flavors. Blanching involves briefly boiling the peels and then transferring them to ice-cold water to stop the cooking process.
6. Store Properly: If you're not using the peels immediately, store them properly in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Use airtight containers or reusable food wraps to prevent them from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.
7. Be Aware of Allergies or Sensitivities: If you have any known allergies or sensitivities to certain fruits or vegetables, be cautious when consuming their peels. Some people may experience allergic reactions or digestive discomfort when consuming specific peels.