Fruit and vegetable peels are rich in nutrients and antioxidants and are very beneficial for preventing chronic diseases. Especially the following types of fruit and vegetable peels have outstanding health benefits, comparable to the efficacy of medicine!
Apple Peel Antioxidants
Apple peel is rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion. Nearly half of the vitamin C in an apple is also in the part right next to the peel. Studies have shown that apple peels have stronger antioxidant properties than the flesh, even higher than other fruits and vegetables. Many manufacturers have already extracted active substances from apple peels to develop functional foods.
Pear Peel Clears the Mind and Moisturizes the Lungs
Pear peel is a traditional Chinese medicine with high medicinal value, capable of clearing the mind, moisturizing the lungs, reducing internal heat, and promoting fluid production. Washing and chopping pear peel, then stewing it with rock sugar in water can treat coughs. Adding a bit of pear peel when making homemade pickles can make the pickles crispier and more delicious.
Grape Peel Lowers Blood Lipids
Grape peel contains more resveratrol than the flesh and seeds of grapes, and has effects such as lowering blood lipids, preventing thrombosis, preventing arteriosclerosis, and enhancing immunity. The flavonoids in purple grape peels, in particular, also have the effect of lowering blood pressure. Grape peel is also rich in cellulose, pectin, and iron. Research has begun on using grape peels to process foods to treat high cholesterol and diabetes.
Orange Peel Stimulates Appetite and Reduces Phlegm
Orange peel is rich in various nutrients such as vitamin C, carotene, and protein, and can be used to make many delicious dishes. Orange peel porridge is aromatic and delicious, and can also treat symptoms like chest and abdominal bloating or excessive phlegm and cough. Adding a few pieces of orange peel to meat soup can make the soup taste fresher and reduce the greasiness. Soaking orange peel in water or tea makes for a light, refreshing drink that can also stimulate appetite, aid digestion, and refresh the mind. Soaking orange peel in wine has the effect of clearing the lungs and reducing phlegm. Lemon peel is similar.
Watermelon Peel Clears Heat and Relieves Summer Heat
Watermelon peel is rich in carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins, and has effects such as clearing heat and relieving summer heat, purging fire and alleviating irritability, and lowering blood pressure. It can be eaten cold with sauce, stir-fried with meat, or made into soup.
Winter Melon Peel Promotes Urination and Reduces Swelling
Winter melon peel not only contains various vitamins and minerals but also multiple volatile components. It promotes urination and reduces swelling and is especially beneficial for diabetics. Therefore, it is best to cook winter melon soup with the peel on.
Cucumber Peel Detoxifies
Cucumber peel contains more cucurbitacin, which is the essence of cucumber's nutrition. Eating cucumbers with the peel not only allows for full absorption of vitamin C but also helps the body detoxify effectively. In addition, cucumber peel has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. "Fresh Mixed Three Peels," a cold salad made by blanching watermelon peel, cucumber peel, and winter melon peel, is most suitable for people losing weight.
Tomato Peel Prevents Cancer
Lycopene is the strongest natural antioxidant discovered to date, capable of preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases, improving the body's immunity, and preventing cancer. It is most abundant in the tomato peel. Additionally, tomato peel helps maintain intestinal health. Therefore, eating tomatoes with the peel is the most nutritious.
Eggplant Peel Protects the Cardiovascular System
Eggplant is an excellent food for cardiovascular patients, but most of its nutrients are hidden in the peel. Peeling the eggplant not only reduces its health value but also causes the iron in it to oxidize upon contact with air, turning it black and affecting the body's absorption of iron.
When eating fruit and vegetable peels, it is best to choose organic fruits and vegetables. If that is not possible, those with a green food certification are also acceptable. If neither is an option, then freshness should be the standard. When cleaning, you can soak them in warm water for 1-2 minutes, scrub them with a soft brush, and if necessary, blanch them in hot water. It is not recommended to use detergent to wash fruits and vegetables, as detergent itself is a chemical that may cause secondary pollution.