The peel of fruits and vegetables contains valuable substances, i.e. two types of cellulose: soluble and insoluble. The first lowers the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and blood sugar. The second type of cellulose absorbs water in the intestines, prevents constipation and creates a feeling of satiety. Both types of cellulose are useful for people because they help not to create excess body weight, normalize blood pressure and increase the elasticity of blood vessels. The soft part of the fruit contains only soluble cellulose. It is recommended to eat fruits and vegetables with peel.
Apple-red peel is useful. It contains the anticancer substance anthocyanin, which is not present in the soft part of the fruit. Anthocyanin is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It has a beneficial effect on heart health and metabolism in the body. Anthocyanin is contained in the peel of pear, peach and nectarine. Green and yellow apple peel contain flavonoids and phenolic acid. They have an antibacterial effect and alleviate inflammatory processes. Apple peel contains triterpenoids that destroy cancer cells in the colon, liver and chest. It is rich in ursolic acid, which contributes to fat burning and participates in building muscle. Prevents obesity and colitis. Apple peel has vitamins A and C, folic acid and minerals (calcium, potassium, phosphorus and iron).
Eggplant peel contains many antioxidants. The most important antioxidant is nasunin. Nasunin eliminates harmful substances in the body by slowing down the aging of cells. Nasunin prevents the oxidation of cholesterol in blood vessels, slows down the formation of fat plaques and inhibits the growth of cancers.
Cucumber-cucumber peel contains fitesterin, a unique substance that lowers blood cholesterol levels. It contains vitamin K which reduces blood coagulation by preventing the formation of blood clots. Vitamin K prevents osteoporosis, slows tumor growth and the formation of cholesterol plaques. Useful substances in the peel of cucumbers are omega-6 amino acids. They are needed for brain function, hair growth, skin regeneration, maintaining bone strength, metabolism and sexual function.
The citrus peel of these fruits is not edible in its raw form although it contains a lot of cellulose, polyphenols and vitamin C. But the grated peel should be added to yogurt, salads and drinks. Pieces of citrus peel can be put in water and drunk. This water old-fashionedly quenches thirst. The citrus peel contains the antioxidant d-limonene which essentially reduces the risk of skin cancer and lowers the level of triglycerides, cholesterol in the blood and regulates blood sugar levels.
To remove pesticides from the peel of fruits and vegetables, keep fruits and vegetables soaked in water with vinegar or baking soda for a maximum of half an hour (a spoonful of soda goes to three liters of water). Rinse well with water. Fruits and vegetables with a thicker rind can be cleaned first with a coarse brush. Then rinse well under running hot water.