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: 

Benefits of Eating Vegetable & Fruit Skin/Peel

Here are the benefits to eating the skin of some fruits and vegetables:

1. Vitamins

The skin or peel contain high amounts of vitamins and. Vitamin A, C, and K particularly help nourish your body.

2. Weight loss benefits

Unpeeled fruits and vegetables offer 33% more fiber than peeled ones. This important because of viscous fiber, which is a specific type of fiber found in fruits and vegetables. It’s 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 safe way. By being consistent, you can reach your goal weight.

3. Prevent diseases

Fruits and vegetables contain high levels of antioxidants to protect your cells against harmful molecules, called free radicals. They are associated with heart disease and cancer among other conditions. Researchers found that antioxidants help to reduce 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.

Related article: Composting: Benefits and How to Do It

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, 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.