Nowadays, people's lives are getting better and better, with a greater variety of food available. People are paying more attention to what they eat, focusing on nutrition and health. When we eat vegetables and fruits, we often discard the peels, leaves, and seeds, unaware that these parts we so easily throw away are actually treasure troves of nutrition and beneficial to our health. So, what are the amazing effects of these overlooked, discarded parts? Let's find out together.
I. Vegetable Leaves: A Nutrient "Treasure Trove"
Radish Leaves
They are rich in vitamin A, an essential nutrient for the skin and eyes. Furthermore, radish leaves are abundant in vitamin C, which not only prevents skin aging and inhibits melanin formation but also helps prevent vascular aging and arteriosclerosis. The dietary fiber in the leaves promotes intestinal peristalsis and prevents constipation. Additionally, their rich calcium content makes them a good source of calcium supplementation. Radish leaves can be made into soup; the method is simple. First, chop the leaves and blanch them in boiling water. Then, pour in the egg mixture and season with salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste.
Celery Leaves
Celery leaves can provide abundant calcium and iron, making them a good food for people with osteoporosis and iron-deficiency anemia. Celery leaves can also supplement vitamins such as C and E. When cooking celery, it is recommended not to pick off the leaves; instead, wash the entire stalk and cook it.
II. Vegetable Roots Aid in Detoxification
Scallion Roots
Scallion roots contain allicin, which has antioxidant and antibacterial properties. They can also treat bloody stools, help prevent intestinal and respiratory infections, and can even help with colds and relieve muscle pain. Scallion roots can be simmered with sea bass. The method is: first, wash and cut the sea bass into pieces, and soak and wash the scallion roots. Bring water in a pot to a boil, add the scallion roots, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Then, add the sea bass pieces and ginger slices, turn to low heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Spinach Roots
They contain iron, vitamins A, C, and K, with vitamin K helping to prevent bleeding in the skin and internal organs. Regularly eating spinach roots can also boost energy, detoxify, and improve skin complexion. Due to their rich dietary fiber content, spinach roots take longer to cook. The way to handle them is: bring a pot of water to a boil, hold a whole spinach plant, blanch the roots first for about 40 seconds, then release the whole plant into the boiling water. This way, you can eat spinach that is consistently textured and nutritionally complete.
III. Vegetable Seeds Moisturize the Skin
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain zinc and a special sterol, which can reduce the risk of prostate problems. Additionally, pumpkin seeds contain linoleic acid and vegetable protein, which have certain effects on regulating blood sugar and blood lipids. Pumpkin seeds can be roasted or stir-fried.
Winter Melon Seeds
Winter melon seeds contain unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid, which can effectively reduce the content of fat and cholesterol in the blood, and have a certain effect on preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases. When cooking winter melon, it is recommended not to scoop out the seeds. Furthermore, winter melon can be juiced with its skin and seeds.
IV. Fruit and Vegetable Peels are Antioxidant
Radish Skin
Radish skin is rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, and has anti-cancer and immune-boosting effects. It can be eaten with the skin on, or the radish skin can be made into a cold salad. The method is: repeatedly scrub the radish to clean it, remove the head and root; shred the radish skin; place it in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and marinate for about 15 minutes; then mix in vinegar and sugar. In a pan, add a suitable amount of oil, stir-fry Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant, then pour the peppercorn oil over the radish skin and mix well.
Apple Skin
Almost half of the vitamin C in an apple is found in the flesh just beneath the skin. If the peel is removed, this part of the flesh is also wasted. Additionally, apple skin contains a large amount of insoluble fiber, which can prevent constipation and help lower blood lipids.