Exploring Nutrient-Rich Foods Often Discarded Without Thought: The Benefits of Eating Peels.

Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for overall well-being. Surprisingly, many people fail to fully utilize certain parts of foods that can contribute to their nutritional value. In this post, let's delve into the enhanced health benefits of consuming the peels of various foods, similar to the well-known practice of eating apple peels.

 

Peanuts

Both the outer and inner peels of peanuts are rich in nutrients. The outer peel contains rutin, which reduces inflammation in the brain and enhances memory. After thoroughly washing the outer peel, you can steep it in boiling water to make a tea. The red inner peel of peanuts is abundant in antioxidants such as catechins, effective in preventing cancer. Rich in fiber, it provides satiety and promotes intestinal movement. If the inner peel is too much, you can chew it directly or incorporate it into your meals. It is said that rice with peanuts has twice the amount of antioxidants, protein, and minerals compared to regular rice.

 

In summary, food peels contain numerous nutrients and beneficial compounds for health.

 

Onions

Onion peels contain 20-30 times more polyphenols and 4 times more quercetin than the onion itself. Polyphenols convert reactive oxygen species into harmless substances, preventing aging and aiding in the prevention of various diseases. Quercetin lowers cholesterol levels, promoting better blood circulation. If eating the peel is challenging, you can include onion peels in broth to extract their nutrients.

 

Sweet Potatoes

The peel of sweet potatoes is rich in the antioxidant compound phenolic acid, which helps prevent aging and cardiovascular diseases. Phenolic acid is exclusively present in the peel and not in the flesh. To benefit from this, try chewing on the peel or boiling it to make a tea.

 

Mandarin Oranges

Mandarin orange peels are rich in hesperidin, which acts as an antibacterial agent, preventing bladder inflammation and promoting vascular health. The salvestrol in mandarin orange peels attacks and destroys cancer cells. Drying mandarin orange peels to make jam or tea is a delightful way to consume them.

 

In summary, food peels contain numerous nutrients and beneficial compounds for health. It is essential to include a variety of peel utilization in your diet to increase nutritional intake and maintain a healthy eating habit. However, depending on the type of food, it is necessary to adjust the method and quantity of peel consumption. Caution is also advised for those with food allergies. Enjoy a tastier and healthier meal by embracing the full potential of peels!