Note: Four Foods That Are Toxic When Eaten with Their Skins
You've probably heard that fruit and vegetable peels are rich in nutrients and active compounds, so you should eat them with the skin on to get the full benefits. While this method seems to provide the "complete nutrition" of the food, some "unwelcome elements" might also be present and consumed along with it.
Dishes like beef stew with potatoes and "Di San Xian" (a classic stir-fry with potatoes, eggplant, and green peppers) are common on household dinner tables. Many people boil potatoes with the skin on, thinking that high heat solves all problems. This is not the case. Potatoes contain a substance called "solanine" to resist pests and diseases. The content of solanine is higher in the potato peel, and it can cause poisoning if it accumulates in the body to a certain level. Potatoes with green skin or sprouts contain even more solanine, and excessive consumption can cause a series of gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea and vomiting. Therefore, potatoes must be peeled before cooking.
Sweet potatoes are nutritious but are alkaline foods, and eating too many can cause "heartburn." The skin of sweet potatoes contains even more alkaline, and frequently eating them with the skin on can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Furthermore, skins that are brown or have blackish-brown spots may be infected with "black spot disease," which can cause poisoning after consumption.
Water chestnuts are sweet, crispy, and refreshing, making them a favorite for many. However, the skin of water chestnuts may contain parasites such as liver flukes. Eating the unwashed skin of water chestnuts can lead to illness.
Although ginkgo has many health benefits, it is slightly toxic and should not be eaten in large quantities. The skin, in particular, contains toxic substances like "ginkgolic acid," and excessive consumption can damage the central nervous system and cause poisoning. When eating them, not only should the inner skin be removed, but the cooked ginkgo nuts themselves should also be consumed in moderation.
In addition, due to the heavy use of fertilizers today, nitrate contamination in fruits and vegetables is a serious issue. Therefore, it is recommended to peel fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Especially for fruits like apples, pears, and grapes, which are cultivated for longer periods and have better taste, their skins often harbor many microorganisms, pesticides, and other residues. Therefore, it's not worth risking your health for a small amount of additional nutrition.