When it comes to apples, are you team peel or no peel? Regardless of which side you’re on, you might have wondered at some point if apple peels are good for you. Do they provide any health benefits, or are they just an unnecessary layer that keeps you from the juicy part of an apple?
From a nutritional standpoint, apple peels are generally considered to be beneficial for health. So yes, apple peels are good for you!
Keep reading to learn about the specific health benefits they offer.
Health Benefits of Apple Peels
Apple peels can be a nutritious part of your diet, providing fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. It’s worth noting that peels from conventionally-grown apples, like many other fruits and vegetables, may contain trace amounts of pesticides or wax from commercial farming practices. Washing apples thoroughly before consuming or choosing organic apples—or even better, locally-grown apples—can help reduce exposure to these substances.
Fiber
Apple peels are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber can help lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar, and improve gut health. Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, can promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
Antioxidants
Apple peels contain a variety of antioxidants, such as quercetin, catechin, and chlorogenic acid, which have been associated with reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Antioxidants help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which can cause damage to cells and contribute to disease development.
Vitamins & Minerals
Peels from apples also contain vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, A, K, and potassium. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports the immune system and helps with collagen production, while vitamin A is important for vision and skin health. Vitamin K plays a role in blood clotting, and potassium is essential for heart and muscle function.
Phytonutrients
Apple peels also contain various phytonutrients, which are natural compounds found in plants that can have health-promoting properties. Phytonutrients in apple peels have been associated with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects, among other potential health benefits.
If you’re looking to add a healthy variety of antioxidants and vitamins to your diet, as we all should be, it’s safe to say that you shouldn’t toss out your peels.
Locally-Grown Apples in Grand Rapids
If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are looking for locally-grown apples, opposed to the conventional apples you’ll find in grocery stores, visit Robinette’s apple orchard! Once you try our fresh apples, you might not be able to go back to grocery store apples again—don’t say we didn’t warn you!