Eat banana peels, they're good for you
Don't throw away banana peels, eat them. They're actually good for you.
And so are onion skins, watermelon rind, lemon peels and pineapple cores.
Mail Online quoted dietician Dr Sarah Schenker as saying: "Many fruits and vegetables have skins and leaves that are more colourful than the flesh. 'This is a good indication they contain high levels of powerful compounds such as protective antioxidants. Peel, stalks, leaves and cores are packed with dietary fibre, too."
So what exactly is this hidden goodness?
1. Banana peels
Banana peels are full of an amino acid that is necessary in the production of hormones like serotonin, which boosts your mood and helps you feel happy.
They are a rich source of soluble and insoluble fibre. This helps promote healthy bowel movement and reduces the levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol.
Banana peels are also rich in polyphenols and carotenoids, which are phytochemicals with antioxidant properties.
If you are planning to try this, you may want to do so with organically-grown bananas. Either that, or wash the skin properly to get rid of pesticides.
Sources: healthmunsta, livestrong.com, omtimes
2. Onion skins
Don't belittle the papery skin. It actually contains more antioxidants than the onion.
It's especially rich in quercetin, which may reduce blood pressure and prevent arterial plaque, Oprah reported.
The brown skin and external layers are rich in fiber, while the discarded bulbs contain sulphurous compounds and fructans, a UK scientific study showed. These substances are beneficial to our health.
Fructans, in particular, help stimulate the growth and activity of bacteria in the colon.
Photo: Cynthia Low | Sources: ScienceDaily, FRS, Skin Health, Oprah
3. Watermelon rind
The white rind is rich in citrulline, an amino acid which helps dilate blood vessels to improve circulation, reported Oprah.
Mail Online quoted Dr Schenker as saying: "This amino acid is recognised as being vital for the healthy dilation of blood vessels and circulation and plays an important role in removing toxins from the body."
Sources: Oprah, Mail Online, livestrong.com
4. Lemon peels
Lemon peels have 5 to 10 times more vitamins than lemon juice, Healthyfoodhouse.com reported.
It also regulates blood pressure, decreases cholesterol levels, helps to reduce weight and fights cancer.
Sources: Healthyfoodhouse.com, newhealthguide.org
5. Pineapple cores
Pineapple cores are rich in the Bromelain enzyme, which helps to digest food by breaking down the protein particles within it, kingoffruit reported.
It’s great for a natural detox and apparently has anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting properties.
Sources: kingoffruit, livestrong.com
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