Some fruit and vegetable peels are rich in nutrients, such as those of tomatoes, pears, and apples, so many people eat them without peeling. However, there are four types of fruit and vegetable peels that are best not to eat.
1. Potato Peel
Potatoes contain glycoalkaloids, a toxic substance that is almost entirely concentrated in the potato peel, especially in the green-sprouted parts. Some people like to cook beef with potatoes on the peel, but the cooked peel still contains glycoalkaloids. Consuming large amounts can cause symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea.
2. Persimmon Peel
The peel of a ripe persimmon contains a large amount of tannic acid, which makes it taste astringent. Under the action of stomach acid, tannic acid will react with the protein in food to form a precipitate, known as a persimmon stone. This substance can easily cause symptoms such as upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, and loss of appetite. Therefore, do not eat unpeeled persimmons, and do not eat them on an empty stomach.
3. Sweet Potato Peel
Sweet potatoes grow underground for a long time, and their peels are in direct contact with the soil, where many harmful substances are absorbed. Moreover, sweet potato peels contain more alkali, and eating too much can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. In addition, many vendors of roasted sweet potatoes on the street save costs by using coke as fuel, and harmful substances such as sulfur dioxide can easily accumulate in the sweet potato peel. Therefore, eating roasted sweet potatoes with the peel on carries a risk of cancer.
4. Water Chestnut Peel
Water chestnuts grow in paddy fields, and their peels absorb many harmful and toxic biological excretions, and also contain parasites. Eating raw water chestnut peels can cause discomfort symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. Additionally, it should be reminded that water chestnut peels contain more starch, and diabetic patients should be cautious when consuming them.