Table of contents:
- Benefits of eating apple skin for health
- 1. Provide more nutrition
- 2. Reducing the risk of cancer
- 3. Maintain joint health
- 4. Source of fiber
- Enjoy the benefits of apple skin without worrying about the risks
When eating apples, do you prefer to eat them directly with the skin or peel them first? Eating apples with their skins or peels is still a matter of debate. Some say apple skin has many benefits. However, there are also those who say they have to peel it because of the large amount of pesticides and wax coating it.
So, which one is healthier between the two?
Benefits of eating apple skin for health
Some people choose to peel the apple skin because they don't want to take the risk with the sticky ingredients.
In fact, there are benefits that you will get by consuming apples along with the skin of the fruit, including:
1. Provide more nutrition
A large apple with skin contains 116 kcal of energy, 5.4 grams of fiber, 239 milligrams of potassium, 10 milligrams of vitamin C, 4.9 micrograms of vitamin K, and 120 IU of vitamin A.
Even though peeling the apple skin doesn't take away the nutrients, the amount you will get is certainly reduced.
If you eat apples complete with skin, your body will get 332% more vitamin K, 115% more vitamin C, 20% more calcium, and 142% more vitamin A.
2. Reducing the risk of cancer
Apple skin has benefits for reducing the risk of several types of cancer. These findings were obtained from a study on the effect of apple skin extract on the growth of several types of cancer.
The study found that gala apple peel extract had the greatest potential in preventing cancer.
Apple skin contains a type of protein called maspin. This protein works by inhibiting the formation of blood vessels around the tumor and preventing cancer cells from spreading.
Although this research still needs to be studied further, the cancer-fighting effects found in apple skin extract are strong.
3. Maintain joint health
Another benefit of apple skin is to reduce symptoms and chronic pain in sufferers of joint disorders.
A study shows that regular consumption of apple skin powder for 2-12 weeks improves the movement of previously limited joints for the better.
This is because apple skin is very rich in antioxidants. The antioxidant content in apple skin is even more than the pulp.
That's why you are more advised to eat apples with the skin. These antioxidant compounds play a direct role in body cells by protecting them from free radicals and inflammation (inflammation).
4. Source of fiber
If you've never eaten apples with their skins on, this might be a good time to break the habit.
The reason is, peeling apple skin turns out to remove the amount of fiber from 5.4 grams to only 2.8 grams. This amount is almost equivalent to half of the total fiber content in apples.
Fiber is an essential nutrient needed to maintain smooth digestion. The nutrients included in these complex carbohydrates can also reduce the risk of constipation, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, to colon cancer.
Enjoy the benefits of apple skin without worrying about the risks
Some people may worry about the waxy coating and pesticides that stick to the apple skin. Relax, you are not alone.
The use of these two ingredients has long been reaping the pros and cons. However, don't let them prevent you from getting the benefits of apple skin.
The wax used to coat apples is made from organic materials. These include fatty acids, collagen, and carnauba wax, which comes from the palm plant.
This wax coating is certainly different from the wax made from paraffin which is used for industrial purposes. So, you don't have to worry that the wax coating on the apple skin will be harmful to your health.
Regarding the problem of pesticides, you can clean the remaining pesticide on apples with running water.
Don't use soap, as the ingredients can soak into the fruit. Buying organic apples that don't use pesticides is also an option.
Eating apples, with or without skin, will still benefit health. However, the skin on an unpeeled apple does have an even bigger benefit.
Whether you peel it or not, make sure the apples you eat are always fresh and hygienic.
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