Other than knowing that fruits and vegetables are a great source of nutrients, did you know that their peels also come with health benefits? According to Private Kamanzi, a nutritionist, for overall health, peels from fruits and vegetables are equally important when used properly. Although the peel may not look appetising, he says people can make use of them as they can be extremely beneficial in boosting metabolism, controlling blood pressure, and improving eyesight, to name a few. From orange, potato, and carrots to mangoes, these are edible peels that can be included in your everyday diet. For instance, he says, orange peels are a great option to get rid of pimples, blackheads, dead cells, blemishes, and dark circles. According to him, it also helps dry skin stay hydrated and adds glow to your face. One can do this by mixing water and orange peel (dried and grounded) on the scalp as it helps get rid of dandruff. It is also good for reducing digestion problems. For watermelon, Kamanzi says, the peels have more benefits than the fruit itself, as it contains zinc, potassium, magnesium, antioxidants, and vitamin A and C. “It helps in overall digestion and helps your body get rid of toxic waste,” he says. For potatoes, studies have shown that the peels are filled with nutrients like iron, calcium, potassium, vitamins, and magnesium. It helps boost metabolism and controls blood sugar. Being an antibacterial agent, potato skin is also good for your skin, and helps in preventing cancer. Kamanzi says when it comes to apple peels, this is a storehouse of nutrition, as it contains a whole lot of proteins, vitamins, and essential minerals. While vitamin A and C are excellent for the skin, and eyesight, and strengthen the immunity system, the presence of iron and calcium makes apple peel good for bones and teeth. According to studies from Healthline, when it comes to banana peels, they are rich in nutrients and carbohydrates. It consists of vitamins B6, B12, magnesium, and potassium. It can be used as a teeth whitener. This can be done by applying the peel onto the affected area for five minutes every day to get faster results. It is a good pain reliever and heals psoriasis as well—you just need to apply it to the infected area. It is advised that one always uses a fresh banana peel and never keep an unpeeled banana for too long as it may be harmful to health. Mango peels, on the other hand, have been beneficial as they are extremely delicious, they are highly rich in antioxidants, which help in reducing damage caused by free radicals. The peels are great for weight loss, help in digestion, and are also high in fibre, which is good for heart health.
