Benefits of fruit peels and skins

Surely you will remember that health campaign that the Spanish Ministry of Health organized and published some years ago under the title 5 a day, in which he promoted the consumption of 5 pieces of fresh fruits and vegetables every day, as a healthy option when it comes to taking care of our health and following a diet as healthy as possible.

And there is no doubt that the benefits of fruits are really many: they are especially rich in vitamins (provitamin A, vitamin C and vitamins of group B mainly) and minerals (especially potassium and magnesium), provide a very large amount of fiber, are very rich in water and provide antioxidants.

For example, they are especially rich in fiber, highlighting in this case the pectin, which is soluble in water. They provide an interesting satiating effect, while helping to prevent constipation. On the other hand, its richness in magnesium helps maintain good intestinal function, while its water content helps to purify our body and eliminate the toxins that have accumulated in it.

But is it better to consume them with skin or skin, or without it? All the fruits present edible peels, except for some skins that tend to be harder, as for example is the case of oranges, watermelons or melons, although there are also others that simply is not common to eat them, such is the case of banana or avocado.

What are the husks of fruits?

We can say that the peels are the skin of the fruit. It is the place with which the fruit interacts with light, forming a variety of pigments that absorb different wavelengths of light, as is the case of flavonoids and carotenoids (which, by the way, are very beneficial for our health).

What are the properties of fruit peels?

Before discovering what are its main properties and benefits, did you know that in reality most of the nutrients and benefits that fruits provide us, we find in their shell ?.

Benefits for digestion

Certain peels, as for example is the case of orange, provide phytonutrients and flavonoids in greater quantities than the pulp of the orange itself. Its peel is especially recommended when it comes to enjoying a good digestion, thanks in particular to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Although it is true that eating oranges may be the case in some people cause heartburn, with its shell happens the opposite: it helps to relieve it, in addition to reducing the discomfort caused by flatulence, diarrhea and in general by poor digestion.

As it could not be less, both the orange peel and the lemon peel are especially rich in natural antioxidants and vitamin C, ideal for enjoying a good functioning of the immune system.

Help reduce blood sugar

It is an interesting quality that especially brings the green tomato peel. In fact, different research found that consuming green tomato peel in the form of an infusion was very beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels.

We owe this effect to the presence of a compound known as acylsaccharose, which has hypoglycemic action.

This same quality is presented not only by the green tomato peel, but also by the peels of fruits such as blueberries, plums, apples and pears.

Help reduce fat and gain muscle

A study found that consuming the skin of certain fruits (plums, apples, pears and cranberries), helped to reduce the amount of body fat while allowing muscle gain.

Reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels

On the other hand, the peel of fruits such as pears, apples, cranberries and plums help to reduce high levels not only of cholesterol, but also of triglycerides.

They reduce overweight and obesity

Particularly in the case of the apple peel, which not only helps to reduce the levels of fats in the blood (as we already knew in the previous paragraph). It is also rich in ursolic acid, which decreases fat mass and increases lean fat.

In addition, it helps to prevent its most common complications: both prediabetes and fatty liver, by increasing energy expenditure.

Images | fdecomite / Andrew Gustar This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist. ThemesFruits