By: Goran Mizdrak |
The secret of health is in the peel |
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Because of today's treatment of food with pesticides, conventional wisdom is that when consuming fruits or vegetables you should always remove the peel of the fruit, while the rest of the fruit is used and processed for a meal.
However, few of us know that it is the peel of fruits and vegetables that contains much higher amounts of vitamins than the inside of the fruit itself.
By removing it we lose a rich source of nutrients.
Not only that - fruits and vegetables have a certain synergy with the peel on, which means that if you split the peel, and the core and the stem, you lose the complete intensity of a fruit.
To peel or not to peel
The idea of a mandatory peeling of fruits and vegetables is linked to the advent of pesticides and global knowledge about their harmful effects.
Since then, some things have changed - the most harmful pesticide DDT was banned, and people are increasingly trying to grow their fruits and vegetables naturally, without pesticides.
It would certainly be good to implement stricter control over fruits that have a thinner peel, because in this case the use of pesticides is more likely (parasite will break through the peel of the peach more easily than through orange).
If you are not sure whether the food has been treated with any chemical substances, do the following.
Put purchased food items into a bowl with salted water, let them sit for about 30 minutes and then wash them again with fresh water.
Now you can be pretty sure that any toxins that may have been present have disappeared.
How to consume the peel
The peel of some kinds of vegetables and fruits is difficult to chew.
However, did you know that on the New Zealand kiwi is eaten together with its peel?
And many people around the world eat the banana peel.
If eating peels and crusts of fruits and vegetables is a problem for you, you can simply mix them in with a fruit in a blender.
Bananas
Banana peel is rich in serotonin, a substance that is essential to balance mood and therefore can alleviate depression.
The inner white part of peel contributes to dental health, as it contains calcium, potassium and vitamin D.
Pineapple
Pineapple peel is too hard for consumption, however, it contains more nutrients.
The core of the pineapple is rich in the enzyme bromelain, which helps with undigested food that remains in the intestines and stomach.
If you find it too hard to chew, you can mix it into a juice.
Apple
It is known that the apple is like the treasure chest, as described by Saint Hildegard of Bingen.
Apple fruit is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and acids that help in the digestion process.
However, apple peel contains six times more vitamins than the meat.
Apple peel contains pectin - a fiber that binds toxins and helps the intestines to expel the remnants of digested food.
In addition, the peel contains ursolic acid, which controls the level of cholesterol and blood sugar, strengthens muscles and protects the body from decay.
Therefore, always eat an apple with the peel to achieve maximum well-being!
Citrus fruits
Lemon, orange or mandarin peel is best eaten grated with a dish, and can be put in cakes and pies.
You've probably heard about arancini specialty - cooked orange peel and rolled in sugar. Instead of white sugar, in this recipe you can use the healthier alternative - coconut sugar).
Squash
Pumpkin has a harder crust, and we remove it for practical reasons.
However, statistics have shown that the Romanians as a nation have the least problems with prostate disease.
The reason for this was explained by the folk custom of frequent consumption of pumpkin seeds which contain zinc, a very important compound for the proper functioning of the prostate.
Seeds also contain beta carotene which protects the heart and has an anticancer effect.
Potatoes, carrots and cucumber
Vegetables - potatoes, carrots, cucumbers and zucchinis – can also be eaten with their skin on.
Peel of one potato contains the required daily amount of fiber, potassium, iron and vitamin C.
The old Taoists (ancient Chinese wise men) looked at life through a balance of Yin and Yang, and they did the same with their food.
Not only they had not peeled their carrots, but they thought it was a shame to remove the peel, because the peel contains substances that are essential for the perfect balance of yin and yang in the body.
Therefore, keep the peel of fruits and vegetables and treat yourself with nutritionally richer and healthier meals.
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