Don't throw away apple skin! Discover its incredible health benefits

Nutritional content of apple peel

• Dietary fiber: up to 77% of an apple's total fiber is found in its peel. A key nutrient for digestion and intestinal health.
• Vitamin C: an antioxidant essential for immune health, cellular protection and tissue repair.
• Quercetin: a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Triterpenoids: bioactive compounds that may help fight cancer cells according to recent research.
• Polyphenols: substances that reduce oxidative stress and promote cardiovascular health.

Health benefits of apple peel

• Promotes digestive health: One of the greatest benefits of apple peel is its high dietary fiber content. In fact, up to 77% of the apple's total fiber is found in its peel. This fiber (soluble and insoluble) is essential for improving digestive health, as it promotes intestinal transit and prevents problems such as constipation. In addition, fiber also helps maintain a balanced intestinal microbiota, which contributes to a healthy digestive system.
• Cell Protection: Apple peel is a powerful source of antioxidants, such as quercetin, a flavonoid that possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Quercetin has the ability to neutralize free radicals in the body, protecting cells from cell damage and, consequently, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Improves cardiovascular health: In addition, apple peel contains polyphenols, which are antioxidant substances that have been shown to have protective effects on cardiovascular health by reducing oxidative stress in the body. These types of antioxidants may also help prevent premature aging of cells and improve brain function.
• Helps control weight: A study published in Appetite (2014) showed that people who consumed whole, peeled apples felt greater satiety compared to those who consumed apple juice or applesauce. This is due to the fiber present in the peel, which slows down the digestive process, promoting a feeling of fullness for longer. This can be beneficial for those looking to control their weight, as fiber helps regulate appetite and avoid overeating.
• Helps reduce cholesterol: Apple peel contains bioactive compounds that can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body, which helps protect the cardiovascular system.
• Improves skin health: Antioxidants, such as vitamin C and quercetin, present in apple peel have additional benefits for our skin. These compounds protect skin cells against free radical damage and the effects of sun exposure. In addition, vitamin C plays a crucial role in the synthesis of collagen, which helps to keep skin firm, young and healthy.

Ways to consume apple peel

If you want to make the most of the benefits of apple peel, here are some ideas:

• Eat it straight: simply wash the apple well and enjoy it whole, unpeeled.
• Apple peel chips: bake the peels with a little cinnamon for a healthy, crunchy snack.
• Apple peel infusion: boil the peels with cinnamon and cloves for a comforting drink.
• Add the peel to shakes and smoothies: blend apple pieces with peel into your favorite smoothie to boost the nutritional content.
• Use in baking: incorporate the grated peels into muffins or pies for additional texture and nutrients.

You may also be interested in:

Banana: what if the skin was more useful than you thought? Find out how!

Did you know that banana peels, which we often throw away without a second thought, can become precious allies for the home, the garden and even your beauty routine? Here are a few simple, eco-friendly tips for reusing them in a clever, environmentally-friendly way:

Here's why you should save your orange peels instead of throwing them away!

What if the key to better health lay in a part of the fruit we often ignore - its peel? More and more scientists are attesting to the many benefits of orange peel, too often overlooked, for intestinal and general health. But the orange is not alone in revealing nutritional treasures in its peel. Kiwifruit, pears and other fruits also deserve to be...