"Eat grapes, don't spit grape skins" is not just a tongue twister; it also expresses the medicinal and health value of fruit peels. However, in common knowledge, everyone thinks that fruit should be peeled. Apple peels, banana peels, pear peels, and so on, are all discarded. But life often "plays jokes" on us. In fact, these seemingly inedible fruit peels in daily life have higher nutritional value, and it's a real pity to peel them before eating!
1. Apple Peel — Antioxidant
Apple peel is rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion. Research has found that nearly 50% of the vitamin C in apples is present in the area just under the peel. The antioxidant effect of apple peel is stronger than that of the flesh. Researchers at Cornell University analyzed red apple peels and found that apples contain 12 types of mixed triterpenoids, which can effectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent cancer. Therefore, as long as it is cleaned, it is better to eat apples with their peels on.
2. Grape Peel — Anti-cancer
Grape peel contains an anti-cancer substance — resveratrol, which can inhibit the initiation, promotion, and progression of cancer. The substance content in the peel is far greater than in the pulp. Moreover, grape peel is very thin and eating it with the flesh does not affect the taste. Therefore, you can try eating purple grapes raw with the peel to effectively prevent cancer.
3. Orange Peel — Appetite Stimulant and Phlegm Reducer
Orange peel is rich in a variety of nutrients such as vitamin C, carotene, and protein. Slice or dry the removed orange peel, and steep it in boiling water to make tea. The taste is fresh and pleasant, and it also has the functions of stimulating appetite, promoting ventilation, and refreshing the mind. Orange peel can also be used to make congee, which can relieve symptoms such as chest and abdominal bloating or coughing with excessive phlegm.
4. Watermelon Peel — Heat Clearing and Detoxifying
Watermelon is a great product for relieving summer heat. Watermelon peel is also rich in carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins, and it also has the effects of clearing heat and relieving summer heat, purging fire and eliminating annoyance, and lowering blood pressure. It can be eaten as a cold salad, stir-fried with meat, or made into soup, which are also very good choices.
5. Tomato Peel — Cancer Prevention
Lycopene has powerful antioxidant properties, can prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, and prevent cancer. Tomato peel contains a large amount of lycopene. Therefore, it is better to eat tomatoes with their peels on.
6. Cucumber Peel — Detoxifying
Cucumber peel contains more cucurbitacins, which are 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 also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
People are accustomed to discarding the peels of melons and fruits when eating them, but they don't realize that the peels are actually a "good medicine" for preventing and treating diseases and have excellent effects on human health. So, don't casually discard fruit peels in the future and cause waste!