When you prepare fruits and veggies, you're probably coring, chopping or peeling off parts of it. While this might make it taste slightly better, you are also neglecting yourself of important nutrients! Whether you get rid of apple skin or veggie stems, you should consider adding them to your everyday diet.
In fact you'll be surprised as to what fresh foods you can eat with the skin and all!
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There are certain foods that we find it difficult to eat the skin, such as lemons or bananas. Technically they aren't edible, but it doesn't mean we can't benefit from them. Even when we cut open a piece of squash, we immediately discard the seeds we find inside.
However we are throwing out parts of these fresh foods that are practically better for us than the actual meat of it! If you're curious as to what fruits and veggies we are talking about, take a look at the list below!
Beet leaves: If you find yourself eliminating the leaves attached to beets, you may want to reconsider. It contains lots of vitamin A and K, as well as fiber, calcium, and other important nutrients.
Strawberries: Normally when you eat strawberries, you get rid of the green leaves that are attached to it. Keep them on next time because they provide lots of minerals and can relieve gastrointestinal problems. Either make it into a tea or blend it into your morning smoothie.
Apples: Not a fan of apple skin? Dip pieces of the fruit in peanut butter to make the taste bearable. The skin contains tons of fiber and provides nutrients that protect the lungs and brain.
Mango: It seems crazy the idea of eating mango skin, but it is super beneficial to your health. The skin contains anthocyanins and carotenoids which the mango meat itself does not have. These antioxidants can help fight off cancer, diabetes, and even relieve arthritis. Just make sure to wash the fruit well beforehand!
Banana: The last fruit you'd want to eat the peel of is of a banana's. However, the peel contains more fiber than the actual fruit, vitamins B6 and 12, as well as magnesium. Boil it first to make it easier to chew and swallow.
Potatoes: Normally we peel off the skin when we eat regular or sweet potatoes. The skin provides niacin, iron, and potassium for the body.
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