Fruits provide such healthy alternatives to us, protecting us from quite a number of diseases and bolstering our immune systems and most of them become quick favorites because as well as being sopped with nutrients, they are also quite sweet.
A lot of us however just take in the pulpy sweet parts of the fruit and toss out the outer parts that we call peels.
The peels are mostly considered as unappealing, tasteless and of a displeasing nature that people don’t hesitate to rip or tear them off to enjoy the main fruit.
It will interest you to know that by throwing these peels away, you are also discarding additional nutrients that come with the fruit.
Although not as sweet as the pulp of the fruits themselves, there are some fruit peels that provide as much and even in some cases more health benefits to us, we’ll show you four of them below:
1. Banana peel
Banana peel contains antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress and protects the skin from harmful ultraviolet sun rays. These antioxidants also help in reducing acne and pimple redness.
Banana skin is rich in potassium that keeps your skin hydrated, supple and moisturized. The peel helps whiten teeth and relieves soothing pain from the burned skin. Also, rubbing banana peels onto cracked heels provides an effective result within a week.
2. Cucumber peel
Cucumber peels are high in fiber and low in calories, which in turn aid in weight loss and prevent constipation. Apart from this, cucumber peel is loaded with beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A and Vitamin K, which improves bone health, prevents blood clots and improves vision.
3. Apple peel
Apple peels are rich in vitamins and minerals. The skin of the apple contains polyphenols, an antioxidant that fights free radicals and protects against ultraviolet radiation to help you in achieving younger looking skin.
The peel contains flavonoids, a chemical present in apples that can help destroy cancer cells and also boost your immune system. One of the interesting facts about apple peel is that it is rich in ursolic acid, which reduces obesity and its associated health complications due to its calorie-burning property.
4. Lemon peel
Lemon peels are packed with beauty benefits. It contains bioflavonoids, an antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress and helps in removing toxic elements in our body. They act as a natural moisturizer and cleanser for the skin.
These peels also aid in weight loss, prevent oral problems such as scurvy and gingivitis and improve bone health. They also contain salvestrol Q40 and limonene, cancer-fighting compounds and antioxidants that eliminate toxins and relieve stress.
