Why You Should Start Eating the Skin of Fruits and Vegetables
When it comes to cooking, it is very common to peel the skin off the fruits and vegetables we consume. However, some skins and peels offer nutritious benefits. Many wellness experts and nutritionists agree that fruits and vegetables with edible skin offer many benefits to our overall health. They can offer extra flavors in our meals, so don’t throw them in the trash.
Here is a list of ten fruits and vegetables you should eat with the skin/peel for nutrition:
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Benefits of Eating Vegetable & Fruit Skin/Peel
Here are the benefits to eating the skin of some fruits and vegetables:
1. Fiber & other nutrition
Unpeeled fruits and vegetables offer 33 percent more fiber than without. The skin or peel contain high levels of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. The vitamin A, C, and K in the skin of fruits and vegetables help nourish your body.
2. Weight loss benefits
Viscous fiber is a specific type of fiber found in fruits and vegetables that is most effective at reducing appetite. This helps you to feel fuller for longer by stretching your stomach and slowing down digestion. This lead to lower calorie consumption and weight loss.
Eating the peels and skins of your fruits and vegetables is a great way to lose weight in a healthy and safe way. By being consistent, you can reach your goal weight while also increasing your intake of vitamins and minerals.
3. Prevent disease
Fruits and vegetables contain high levels of antioxidants to protect your cells against harmful molecules, called free radicals. At high levels, they are associated with heart disease and cancer among other conditions. Researchers found antioxidants help combat and lower these health risks. The skin and peel of fruits and vegetables contain especially high concentrations of antioxidants.
The antioxidants in skin and peels have also been linked to lowering cognitive diseases. High levels of antioxidants in your diet may help prevent Alzheimer’s and other dementias by keeping your brain sharp.
4. Reduce food waste
Fruit and vegetable skins are common items in the compost bin. By eating the peels and skins instead of tossing them away, you can help reduce the amount of food that goes to waste.
Tip: Consider turning them into their own tasty snack by drying them and turning them into chips.
Sustainable Food Habits & GSGF
At Green Schools Green Future (GSGF), a huge part of our curriculum is the art of growing, cooking, and consuming food sustainably. Our goal is to educate children on healthy eating practices and how to grow food themselves.
Through our sustainable farming techniques, the children will have many opportunities to learn about growing food and the nutritional value of what we consume. Our diet helps keep our body and mind healthy, while giving us the energy we need to conquer each day.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/peeling-fruits-veggies#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/14-fruits-and-vegetables-you-shouldnt-peel-and-9-you-should/
https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/fruit-peels-benefits-fibre-nutrition-7402631/
https://www.allrecipes.com/article/edible-fruit-vegetable-skins/
https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/for-the-freshman-advice-for-a-year-of-new-eats
