Apples are one of the most popular and favorite fruits in the world due to their delicious taste and high nutritional value. Eating apples with the skin is encouraged by many people because the skin contains a lot of fiber, vitamins and antioxidants that are beneficial to health.
Helps control blood sugar levels
Apple peels contain a large amount of insoluble fiber, which helps improve digestive function, prevent constipation and maintain a healthy intestinal microflora. Apple peels account for about 50% of the fiber content of apples and have the ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing blood cholesterol. In addition, apple peels also contain polyphenols and flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage and slow down the aging process. These compounds can help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Apple peels also help control blood sugar levels. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, people who consumed whole apples (with the skin) had more stable blood sugar levels than those who ate peeled apples, thanks to the amount of soluble fiber in the skin that helps slow down the absorption of sugar into the body.
Potential risks of eating apples with the skin
Although eating apples with their skins has many benefits, apple skins can also pose some risks if not handled properly. According to the World Health Organization, apples are one of the fruits that can contain pesticide residues, especially when grown in an agricultural environment that uses a lot of chemicals. If these residues are not removed, they can have adverse effects on health, especially for children and pregnant women. Therefore, it is important to wash apples under running water or soak them in a diluted vinegar solution to remove some of the chemical residues.
For people with sensitive digestive systems or stomach-related conditions, eating apples with the skin on can cause discomfort such as bloating, gas or indigestion because the apple skin contains a large amount of fiber. Consuming too much fiber from the apple skin can lead to digestive disorders.