An apple a day keeps the doctor away. This popular saying holds true when it comes to the health benefits of eating apples. Apples are a nutritious fruit that contains essential vitamins and minerals necessary for good health.

But have you ever thought about the benefits and drawbacks of eating an apple’s skin? In this article, we will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of consuming an apple’s skin.

Benefits of Eating Apple’s Skin

The skin of an apple is a rich source of nutrients that can be beneficial for the body. Here are some of the advantages of consuming an apple’s skin:.

1. May help in weight loss

The skin of an apple contains dietary fiber that can help you feel satiated for longer periods. This can help in reducing overall food intake and facilitate weight loss over time.

A medium-sized apple with skin contains approximately 4 grams of fiber, which is 16% of the daily recommended intake of fiber.

2. High in antioxidants

The skin of an apple contains a high amount of antioxidants that can help in protecting the body from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to chronic diseases like cancer.

Apples contain antioxidants like quercetin, catechin, and chlorogenic acid that can neutralize free radicals in the body.

3. Good for gut health

The skin of an apple is a rich source of prebiotics, which are essential for promoting healthy gut bacteria. Prebiotics act as food for probiotics, which are the good bacteria in our gut that promote digestive health.

Eating the skin of an apple can help in keeping the digestive system healthy, which can reduce the risk of digestive disorders.

4. Contains Vitamin C

The skin of an apple contains vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient that can help in boosting the immune system. Vitamin C can also act as an antioxidant that can protect the body from free radicals that can cause damage to the body’s cells.

Drawbacks of Eating Apple’s Skin

While the skin of an apple has many advantages, there are some disadvantages to consuming it. Here are some of the drawbacks:.

1. May contain pesticides

The skin of an apple may contain pesticides that are sprayed on the fruit during cultivation. Pesticides can be harmful to human health and can have adverse effects on the body.

It is advisable to wash the apple thoroughly before consuming it to reduce the risk of pesticide exposure.

2. Contains Wax

The skin of an apple is coated with a layer of wax that is used to keep the fruit fresh for longer periods. This wax can be harmful to the body if consumed.

It is advisable to wash the apple thoroughly and peel off the skin to reduce the risk of ingesting the wax.

3. High in Arsenic

The skin of an apple contains a high amount of arsenic, which is a toxic element that can have adverse effects on the body. Arsenic can cause skin lesions, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer.

It is advisable to consume organic apples to reduce the risk of arsenic exposure.

Conclusion

The skin of an apple is a rich source of nutrients that come with many advantages. It is high in fiber, antioxidants, prebiotics, and vitamin C, which are essential for promoting overall health.

However, there are some drawbacks to consuming the skin of an apple like the risk of pesticide exposure, the presence of wax, and high levels of arsenic. It is advisable to wash the apple thoroughly and peel off the skin to reduce the risk of ingesting harmful substances.