10 Fruits & Vegetable Scraps We Should Be Eating

Before you indulge in your favorite fruits and vegetables, there’s something’s you should know: You may be missing out on the real nutrients your body needs. Before eating fruits or vegetables you peal the skin, pluck the seed from the core and throw it away. Credit those scraps the nutritious value they deserve and add them to your diet. With little appeal to eat the skins and seeds of fruits and vegetables, like most things in life, don’t knock it until you try it. All it takes is some curiosity to expand out of your dietary comfort zone.

1. Orange peels:

Seeing someone eating an orange is as common as it sounds. However, seeing someone eating an orange peel is quiet the contrary. As odd as it may seem, that person may be onto something. The peel of an orange has nearly twice as much Vitamin C as its insides. The peel of this succulent fruit also contains high concentrations of riboflavin, essential for metabolic energy production. Orange peels pack in other nutrients such as B6, calcium, small amounts of iron, magnesium, and potassium, zinc and more. The peels flavonoids also have anti- cancer and anti- inflammatory properties. This just maybe be what you need a day to keep the doctor away.

Candied Orange Peel Recipe.

2. Cantaloupe seeds:

Cantaloupe can be what some people call a "filler fruit" when ordering a side of fruit with a main order. After hearing its nutritional value, it might not be such a bother. The seeds of cantaloupe are rich in protein, fiber, vitamin E and magnesium. it also contains calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, sodium, zinc, phosphorous, manganese, fluoride and selenium. Why add cantaloupe seeds to your diet? Cantaloupe seed recipes can be limitless: from sweet flavors to zesty spice.

Honey & Vanilla Roasted Cantaloupe Seeds.

3. Kiwi skin:

Like eating the skin of an apple or peach, kiwis can be consumed just the same. Kiwi is a low-calorie, fat-free fruit offering a variety of nutritional benefits. The skin contains more flavonoids, antioxidants and vitamin C and double the fiber than its vibrant juicy inside. Save yourself the preparation time and leave the skin on. Just wash it, slice it up, and eat it like any other fruit.

Kiwi, Galia Melon & Coconut Oil Smoothie Recipe

4. Banana peels:

Banana peels are packed full of serotonin, which can boost your mood. The peel also has more soluble and insoluble properties than the banana itself, meaning banana peels can lower your cholesterol. Packed with fiber and high in magnesium and potassium, banana peels also contain lots of antioxidants that help to prevent cardiovascular disease. The wonders continue as banana peels also contain vitamin B to aid in health and vitality. How can you eat banana peels? There are many appealing, flavorful recipes that exist.

Banana Peel Thoran Recipe.

5. Mango skin:

Just the thought of a ripe, juicy mango will have tastes buds tingling. Mango skins contain a significant amount of antioxidants and healthy compounds that are only found in small amounts in the mangos pulp. Mangiferin, a phytochemical, is also abundant in the mangos skin. Numerous research studies have revealed that Mangiferin has anti- inflammatory and anti tumor properties. Mangiferin is also valued as an effective protectant against skin cancer and for its UV-protectant quality. While eating the skin of a mango may not sound appealing, dicing it up and throwing it in a blender along with some of other favorite fruits, is a simple and delicious way to get the nutrition that your body will love you for.

Mango, Vanilla & Chai Seed Smoothie Recipe

6. Potato skin:

The skin of potatoes is both tasty and healthy, something some people find impossible when consuming vegetables. Half of the fiber found in potatoes is in the skin alone. While you may believe vitamin C to be purely fruit related, potatoes are a good source of this boosting vitamin. Brimming with potassium, vitamin- B, calcium, and phytochemicals, potato skins also contain no fat, no cholesterol and no sodium.

Healthy Potato Skin Recipes.

7. Pumpkin seeds:

Instead of relating the pumpkin to the holiday season, attention should be drawn to its nutritional value. Pumpkin seeds are valued for its abundant source for the mineral zinc. Zinc is important for immune support, cell growth, sleep, mood and more. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in protein, iron, magnesium, potassium, biotin, and omega 3 fatty acids. One-quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains nearly half the recommended daily amount of magnesium your body needs.

Pumpkin Seed Recipes.

8. Avocado seeds:

Would you believe it if you were told you could eat the seed of an avocado? Avocado seeds are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that do wonders for the body. The seed alone holds 70 percent of its antioxidants. The seeds antioxidants regulate intestinal function and also have been shown to prevent tumor growth. The oils within the seed also are helpful for radiant skin and are equally beneficial for shiny and silky hair. That’s not all avocados offer, the seed has an immense amount of soluble fiber that the body needs.

Avocado Seed Recipes.

9. Onion peels:

While onions may bring tears to our eye during food preparation, its delicious flavor either raw or sautéed makes the tears worth it. The skin of an onion contains more antioxidants than the actual onion itself and is rich in fiber. It is also contains quercetin- a flavonol that can reduce blood pressure. Onion skin also contains phenolic compounds which help to prevent coronary disease. There are many recipes to incorporate onion skin into your diet.

Onion Skin Broth-Tuscan Kale & White Bean Soup.

10. Celery leaves:

Celery is one of the most common and versatile vegetables out there. The leafs of celery are very nutritious part of this vegetable and unfortunately end up going to waste. The leafs have a similar flavor to parsley and can be used in a variety of different dietary ways. Celery leafs can be used as a garnish or in salads, smoothies, soups and stews. Celery leaves are high in vitamin A, vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C, along with folic acid, potassium, calcium, and amino acids.

Celery Leaves recipes.