Are Apple Peels Nutritious?

Quite a number of us love apples ― they taste great, and have loads of health benefits. But did you for once give apple peels a thought? Would you have imagined that a lot of the fruit`s nutrients are in its peel? Apple peels have loads of benefits for skin, hair, and overall health; let`s get talking!

5 Health Benefits of Apple Peel

Rich in Fiber

Apple peel is a reliable source of edible fiber. Its fiber content is in the soluble and insoluble form. In fact, the peel houses two-thirds of the fruit’s fiber. For this reason, apple peel is ideal for weight loss. It also aids healthy bowel movements and boosts the immune system, hence warding off illnesses.

Packed with Antioxidants

Apple peel is rich in antioxidants. It contains antioxidant phytochemicals such as flavonoid and phenolic acid. The antioxidants protect the body from free radicals, impurities, and destructive molecules. This is why eating an apple a day is ideal, as it wards off diabetes, heart diseases, and other ailments.

Rich in Vitamins

Apple peel contains vitamin A which is great for eyesight and skin health. It also contains vitamin C which strengthens the immune system and also enhances skin health. What`s more? It contains vitamin K, folates, and choline that aid the building of new body cells and do a whole lot more.

Rich in Minerals

Apple peel is rich in minerals. It is packed with phosphorus and calcium, and contains some amounts of sodium, zinc, and magnesium ― this makes it a bone and teeth strengthener. That`s not all, as it`s bursting with folic acid and iron, making it suitable for anemic patients. Pregnant women also have a lot to benefit from apple peel.

Reduces the Risk of Certain Cancers

Apples contain a compound called triterpenoid, which combats cancer cells. Apple peel reduces the risk of breast, liver, and colon cancer.

7 Things to Do with Apple Peels

Apart from eating the peels with core, here are seven amazing things to do with apple peels.

Apple Tea

This herbal tea tastes good and is quite easy to prepare. Here`s how to make apple tea.

Requirements

• water, four cups
• peels of six organic apples
• a cinnamon stick, or half teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• a tablespoon of lemon juice
• honey (optional)

Method

• Pour the water into a saucepan.
• Add the apple peels to it.
• Add the cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon.
• Add the lemon juice.
• Boil for 15 minutes.
• Strain out the cinnamon stick and apple peels.
• Sweeten with honey if you desire.

Apple Scrap Jelly

Requirements

• cores and peels of 12-15 organic apples
• a jar
• a steel pot
• some water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method

• Sterilize the jar and its lid.
• Put the apple cores and peels in the steel pot.
• Add enough water to cover the ingredients.
• Boil until the cores are mushy.
• Strain out the apple scraps
• Put the liquid back in the pot, and boil over high heat.
• Stir until the mixture reaches gel point.
• Ladle the jelly into the sterilized jars.

Apple Peel Vinegar

Apple peel vinegar is great in salad dressings. It is also ideal for green housecleaning and beauty purpose.

Requirements

• peels and cores from organic apples
• a jar
• some water
• cheesecloth
• a rubber band

Method

• Put the apple peels and cores in a jar, leaving an inch space at the top.
• Fill the jar with water, submerging the peels and cores.
• Cover with a cheesecloth and secure with a rubber band.
• Store in a warm environment for about a month.
• Pour the liquid into another container whenever you`re ready to use it.

Smoothie Fiber

Adding apple peels to your smoothie is a great way to add some fiber to it. Just mix and blend properly until it`s smooth, and enjoy your fiber-rich smoothie.

Salad Garnishing

Thin strips of apple peels make a great salad topper. Not only do they make your salad more nutritious, but they also make it tastier.

Roast Chips

You may add a little melted butter and cinnamon sugar to apple peels and roast it. This crispy snack will make a great lunch.

Fold into Pancakes, Waffles, and Muffins

You may chop apple peels and add to pancakes, waffles, and muffins. The peels boost their fiber content and add a subtle apple flavor to them. You may even add some cinnamon to have something like an apple pie.

5 Side Effects of Apples

As nutritious as apples are, they have some side effects; we`ll discuss five of them. Leggo!

Heart Disease

Apples contain a lot of fructose. Fructose is only used in the liver where it produces fats called triglycerides, which can lead to heart diseases after excessive consumption. Diabetes and obesity are some other side effects of excess fructose consumption.

Allergic Reactions

Some persons have allergic reactions to apples. Such people are usually allergic to apricot, plum, peach, strawberry, and almond. Do speak with your doctor if you notice allergic reactions after eating apples.

Risk of High Blood Sugar Level

Apple is rich in fiber, carbohydrates, and some other nutrients. The body uses the carbohydrates for fuel. However, too much carbohydrate may hinder weight loss and cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

Weight Gain

A medium-sized apple contains about 90 to 95 calories. Excessive consumption of apples may cause weight gain, so consider moderation as you eat this fruit.

Risk of Swallowing Seeds

Apple seeds contain cyanide which is poisonous. As you consume apples, be careful not to swallow the seeds.

27 Interesting Apple Facts

• Apples ripen about ten times faster at room temperature than when refrigerated.
• Apples are rich in the fiber, pectin.
• Apples are void of sodium, fat, and cholesterol.
• Pomology is the science of growing apples.
• The apple tree determines the size, color, and taste of the apple.
• Miniature apples are often used in the production of juices and cider.
• Apples come in various shades of yellow, red, and green.
• There are over 2,500 varieties of apples grown in the United States, and over 7,500 worldwide.
• The average size of a United States orchard is 50 acres.
• Apple trees take about five years to produce their first set of fruit.
• Apples are propagated by grafting or budding.
• Europeans eat about 46 pounds of apples annually.
• Apples are the second most valuable fruit grown in the United States after oranges.
• Back in the day, apples were called “winter banana”.
• World’s top apple producers are China, the United States, Poland, Turkey, and Italy.
• The Lady or Api apple is one of the oldest varieties in existence.
• Apples improve memory.
• Apples contain high amounts of boron which stimulates electrical activity in the brain and increases mental alertness.
• 25 percent of the volume of apples is made of air, hence the reason they float.
• An average apple contains 10 seeds.
• The fear of apples is called malusdomesticaphobia.
• Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Yellow Delicious, and Fuji are the most popular apples for baking, while Jonathan, Winesap, and McIntosh apples are great for apple jelly and applesauce because they have soft flesh. Pipin and Gala apples are crisp and tasty, so they are great for apple cider.
• Apples contain malic acid, a chemical used in teeth whitening products; people who eat apples regularly cleanse their teeth regularly by default.
• Cultivated types of apple trees usually grow 8 to 15 feet in height. Wild apple trees can be as high as 30 feet.
• Apples have dark green, oval leaves that are alternately arranged on the branches.
• Apples usually blossom in spring.
• Honey bees pollinate most cultivated apples. Bumblebees and orchard mason bees also pollinate apples, but not as much as honey bees do.