Apples are a fruitful wonder that has been enjoyed for centuries. They come in many shades of red, green, and yellow, and are ubiquitous in grocery stores all around the world.
In recent years, many health experts have touted the benefits of eating apples with the peel, instead of discarding it with the core. There are a myriad of reasons why this is healthier, and in this article, we will explore the top reasons why you should eat apples with the peel.
1. Apples with the Peel Have More Nutritious Value
If you peel an apple, you are essentially removing a significant portion of its nutritional value. The fruit’s skin contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Specifically, the skin contains more flavonoids, phytochemicals, and antioxidants than the fruit’s flesh. These compounds have been shown to prevent chronic diseases, lower inflammation, and improve overall health.
2. The Peel Helps Maintain a Healthy Gut
Your gut health is essential to maintaining overall health. The fiber found in the apple’s skin is essential to maintaining a healthy gut because it feeds the healthy bacteria in your digestive system.
This can help prevent inflammation and promote a healthy gut biome.
3. Eating Peels Can Reduce the Risk of Chronic Diseases
The flavonoids in the apple peel have been linked to reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer. Specifically, quercetin, a flavonoid found in apples, can help prevent the growth and spread of cancerous cells.
4. The Peel Helps Regulate Blood Sugar
Apples are already a great source of natural sugar, but the peel can help regulate blood sugar levels even more. The fiber in the peel slows down the release of glucose into the bloodstream, which can help prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
5. Apple Peels Can Aid in Weight Loss
Eating apples with the peel can also aid in weight loss. The fiber found in the peel can help control your appetite, preventing overeating and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Additionally, the polyphenols in apple peels have been shown to prevent the accumulation of belly fat.
6. The Peel Can Boost Your Immune System
If you’re looking to boost your immune system naturally, eating apples with the peel is a great way to do so.
The antioxidants found in the peel – specifically, vitamin C – have been shown to prevent illness and improve immune function. Furthermore, the quercetin in the peel has anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent illnesses like the common cold.
7. The Peel Improves Brain Function
Finally, apple peels can improve brain function. Studies have shown that the flavonoids in apple peels can improve cognitive function, memory, and motor skills.
Furthermore, the antioxidants in the peel can help prevent neuronal damage caused by free radicals.
There are many reasons to eat apples with the peel instead of discarding the skin.
By doing so, you will enjoy more of the fruit’s nutritional value, regulate blood sugar, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, aid in weight loss, and boost immune function and brain function.