Living a balanced healthy lifestyle is something most people aim to achieve to ensure that as we get older, we can maintain enriched lives.
To maintain our health goals there are some inexpensive ways to ensure a good quality of life through food properties most people would consider to be waste. The peels of fruits and vegetables behave as the protective layer of the inner fruits that are normally consumed by us and other animals. It is not surprising that the skin contains so many enriching properties.
The incorporation of peels into your diet is guaranteed to increase your overall health through the additional intake of fibers, vitamins, and mineral properties found in the outer layers of fruits and vegetables. Not only are there healthy benefits to the consumption of certain fruit and vegetable peels but there are also environmentally sustainable benefits.
Always remember before consuming these goods to ensure that they are properly washed.
Here is a list of 8 fruit and vegetable peels that are stacked in nutritional goodness:
1.Cucumbers:
Cucumber skins contain vitamins A and K plus fiber properties. Vitamin A has attributes that provide aid in the development and maintenance of vision and vital organs such as our lungs and hearts. Vitamin K has a function in blood clotting.
2.Apples:
Apples are a regular fan favourite in school lunchboxes and teachers’ desks, but their skin contains vitamin C and levels of pectin which help with digestion. Apples are great contributors to healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
3.Potatoes:
Sweet and regular potatoes are a staple in many homes participating in the majority of meals. While cooking up your next stew or making those delicious sweet potato fries. Remember to hang onto those skins as they pertain both fiber and potassium which hold functions of maintenance in the production and removal of cells!
4.Bananas:
Banana peels are healthy for you due to their excellent properties of not only potassium but vitamins B12 and B6 which are contributors to brain development and nervous system functionality. Keep this in mind when making your next health tea.
5.Oranges:
Citrus peels overall have great anti-inflammatory properties and many essential oils. Although the taste of orange peels can be bitter, if you blend or grate them finely and add them to your breakfast yoghurt or your favourite cocktail drink you are sorted to reap the benefits of this delight.
6.Kiwi’s:
Kiwi skin is extremely enriched containing a higher level of nutrients than its inner layer. The nutrients found in Kiwi peels are an excellent source of fiber that can contribute to regular bowel movements. Its components can also play a role in reducing cholesterol levels.
7.Mango:
Mango peels and their variation in colors contain both vitamin C and E. Vitamin C performs as the nutrient that is involved in the forming of blood vessels and collagen, while vitamin E has excellent antioxidant properties. Overall, the inclusion of mango peels in your diet will not only bring colour into your various meals but can also reduce the risk of certain heart diseases.
8.Tomatoes:
The skin of tomatoes is said to contain more nutrients than that of the inner fruits. Tomato skins are enriched with antioxidants and amino acids alongside many minerals such as zinc, iron, and copper properties. All these minerals and their particular functions can help with the maintenance of brains, wound healing, and the repairing of body tissues. Amino acids are known for their role in the breaking down of foods.
More fruits and veggie skins that are edible:
- Carrots
- Butternut
- Eggplant
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Lemon
- Pumpkin
- Pears
- Pineapples
- Zucchini
ALSO SEE: How to freeze fruit
Feature image: Pexels
