Apples are one of the most commonly eaten fruits around the world. This fruit is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is commonly believed that peeling an apple before eating is the best way to get all its nutritional benefits.
However, many studies have shown that eating apples with peel can provide incredible health benefits. Here are the benefits of eating apples with peel:.
1. High in Fiber
Apples are a great source of fiber, especially when consumed with the peel. Just one medium apple contains about 4 grams of fiber, which is about 14% of the recommended dietary allowance.
Fiber helps in digestive health and reduces the risk of constipation, bloating, and other digestive problems. It also helps in controlling blood sugar levels, reduces cholesterol levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
The peel of apples contains high amounts of antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols. These antioxidants are helpful in preventing oxidative damage to cells and reducing inflammation.
They help in preventing chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Eating apples with peel can help you get more of these beneficial antioxidants, which you might miss out on if you peel them off.
3. Lowers Risk of Cancer
Studies have shown that apples with their peel can help reduce the risk of various types of cancer, including lung, colon, and breast cancer. Apples contain compounds such as triterpenoids and flavonoids that have anti-cancer properties.
These compounds help in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of cancer cells in the body. Including apples with peel in your diet can help lower the risk of developing cancer.
4. Improves Heart Health
Eating apples with peel can also help improve heart health. Apples contain soluble fiber, which is helpful in reducing cholesterol levels in the body. This fiber binds to cholesterol and removes it from the body, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Apples also contain potassium, which is helpful in regulating blood pressure. Potassium helps in reducing the risk of stroke, heart disease, and other cardiovascular problems.
5. Aids in Weight Loss
If you’re trying to lose weight, eating apples with the peel can be beneficial. Apples are low in calories and high in fiber, which makes them a great snack for weight loss.
The fiber in apples helps in keeping you feeling full for longer, reducing the chances of snacking on unhealthy snacks. The fiber also helps in regulating blood sugar levels, which can help in preventing cravings for unhealthy foods. Including apples with peel in your diet can help in weight loss and overall health.
6. Boosts Immunity
The peel of apples contains high amounts of vitamin C, which is essential in boosting the immune system. Vitamin C helps in preventing infections and diseases by stimulating the production of white blood cells.
Eating apples with the peel can provide a good dose of vitamin C, which can help in strengthening the immune system and fighting off infections.
7. Provides Essential Nutrients
Apples with their peel contain essential nutrients such as vitamins A and K, potassium, and calcium. These nutrients are beneficial in maintaining bone health, maintaining healthy skin, reducing inflammation, and preventing chronic diseases.
Eating apples with peel can help you get more of these essential nutrients, which can contribute to overall health and wellbeing.
8. Improves Digestive Health
The fiber content in apples with peel helps in improving digestive health. The fiber acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in the gut and promoting healthy digestion.
This can help in reducing the risk of digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. Eating apples with peel can help improve digestive health and prevent digestive problems.
9. Reduces Inflammation
The peel of apples contains high amounts of anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is a leading contributor to various chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
Eating apples with peel can help reduce inflammation in the body and prevent chronic disease.
10. Improves Brain Health
Apples with their peel contain quercetin, a compound that has been linked to improving brain health. Quercetin has been found to reduce inflammation in the brain and protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Eating apples with peel can help improve brain health and prevent cognitive decline.