When people eat fruits, they are accustomed to discarding the peels, yet they are unaware that fruit peels are actually a "panacea" for preventing and treating diseases and have excellent effects on human health. "Eat grapes, don't spit out grape skins" is not just a tongue twister; it also expresses the medicinal and health-preserving value of fruit skins. However, in common knowledge, it is believed that fruits should be peeled. Apple peels, banana peels, snow pear peels, and more are all thrown aside. But life often "plays a joke" on us. In fact, these seemingly inedible fruit peels in daily life have higher nutritional value, and it is a real pity to eat them without the skin!
Stop wasting them, these 6 fruit peels hide amazing nutrition
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 skin. The antioxidant effect of apple peel is stronger than that of the flesh. Researchers at Cornell University analyzed red apple peels and discovered that apples contain 12 types of mixed triterpenoid compounds, which can effectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent cancer. Therefore, as long as they are washed clean, it is more beneficial to eat apples with their skins on.
2. Grape Peel – Anti-cancer
Grape peel contains an anti-cancer substance – resveratrol, which can inhibit the initiation, promotion, and progression of carcinogenesis. The substance content in the peel is much higher than in the pulp. Moreover, grape peel is very thin and does not affect the texture when eaten with the flesh, so you can try eating purple grapes raw with the skin to effectively prevent cancer.
3. Orange Peel – Appetizer and Phlegm Reducer
Orange peel is rich in a large amount of nutrients such as vitamin C, carotene, and protein. Slice or dry the peeled orange peel, and brew it with boiling water to make a fragrant and pleasant tea that also has the functions of whetting the appetite, promoting qi circulation, 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 remedy 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 vexation, and lowering blood pressure. It can be a great choice for cold salads, stir-fried with meat, or used in soups.
5. Tomato Peel – Cancer Prevention
Lycopene has strong antioxidant properties, can prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, and prevent cancer. A large amount of lycopene is found in tomato skin. Therefore, it is better to eat tomatoes with their skins on.
6. Cucumber Peel – Detoxification
Cucumber peel contains more cucurbitacins, which are the essence of cucumber's nutrition. Eating cucumbers with their skins on 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.
When people eat fruits, they are accustomed to discarding the peels, yet they are unaware that fruit peels are actually a "panacea" for preventing and treating diseases and have excellent effects on human health. Therefore, don't casually discard fruit peels in the future and cause waste.