Fooding fruit with the skin can indeed offer many benefits, as the peel is packed with nutrients including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fibers. Here are some important points to consider:
Benefits of eating fruit with peel:
- Nutrients: The peel of fruit contains essential nutrients such as vitamins (such as vitamin C, A and K1), minerals (suchas calcium and potassium), antioxidants (such As Quercetin and Hesperidine) and dietary fibers.
- Antioxidants: Skin antioxidants have been associated with a lower risk of neurological disorders and may help to lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.
- Food fibres: Fruit with peel often contains more dietary fibers, which can contribute to longer saturation sensation, stabilisation of blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of colon cancer.
- Health effects: Some components in the skin, such as essential oils, can even help to slow down certain types of cancer.
Risks of pesticides:
- Pesticide residues: Although eating fruits with peel offers advantages, pesticide residues can be a concern. Washing can only remove about 40% of pesticides, and some people therefore avoid eating fruit with peel.
- Regulatory framework: The amount of pesticides on fresh food is strictly regulated and often much lower than what is considered harmful.The benefits of eating peeled fruit generally outweigh the risk of exposure to pesticide residues.
Conclusion: Generally, eating fruits with peel can be beneficial because of the abundance of nutrients it provides. The thorough washing of fruit for consumption can help to reduce any pesticide residues. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and consider personal preferences and health considerations when deciding whether you eat fruit with peel.