Should You Eat Apple Core? The nutritionist explains why this part is particularly important for health
Does an apple a day really keep the doctor away? There’s no denying that as one of the UK’s most readily available fruits, the crisp apple is a delicious sweet treat and nutritious snack.
Apples are also incredibly versatile, making a great addition to sweet, fruity pies and savory, hearty casseroles. While recipes typically only require apple segments, a registered dietitian and a chef, Lily Keeling of recipe box delivery service Green Chef suggests you could be missing out on some key nutrients if you avoid eating the core.
Lily commented,
“The next time you eat an apple, don’t throw away the apple core! This inner part of the apple is rich in nutrients and healthy gut bacteria. Consuming this helps support overall gut health.
“If you’re worried about apple seeds, it’s true that they contain a small amount of cyanide, which is toxic. However, according to research, you would need to consume 150 to several thousand crushed seeds to be at risk. But to err on the side of caution, you can cut the fruit and scoop out the seeds.
“And speaking of an ancient myth, no, an apple seed does not grow if you accidentally swallow it. Plants need water and light to grow, neither of which can be found in your stomach.”
What other fruit parts should you eat?
Lily highlights what other parts of fruit and vegetables you should consider eating.
Kiwi leather
Whether or not the skin of a kiwi is designed to be eaten is widely debated, but there is no claim that the skin itself has any nutritional value.
In particular, the skin has a higher concentration of antioxidants and plenty of vitamin E, which is vital for maintaining healthy skin (yours, not yours). They are also high in fiber and help support a healthy digestive system.
Banana peel
By eating a banana peel, you not only reduce your waste, but also consume several important nutrients such as antioxidants, fiber and potassium.
If you can’t stand the thought of eating a banana peel, Lily advises the best way to prepare it first.
“If you’re making a delicious fruity smoothie, add a banana peel to the blender and blend until smooth. You won’t notice the texture, and the flavor will blend in with the other juicy fruits.
“You can even try boiling the banana peel and add it to a variety of dishes, including curries. Banana peels have been eaten in Asian and Indian cultures for decades because of their nutritional value.
However, when you want to eat the rind or rind of any fruit, Lily recommends washing thoroughly before consuming. It is common for fruits to be sprayed with pesticides. Although the amount of pesticides still present at the time of eating the fruit is very small, it is best to ensure that it is washed beforehand.
Pineapple core
Although the pineapple core is typically discarded due to its tougher texture and slightly bitter taste, this part of the fruit contains additional nutrients that should not be overlooked.
Pineapple core contains additional fiber and vitamin C, both of which are important in maintaining overall well-being. Lily suggests that one of the best healthy meal prep ideas to incorporate pineapple core is a fruity breakfast oatmeal recipe. She recommends boiling the core first to soften the fruit, then finely chopping it over the oats along with other sweet fruit to blend the flavors.
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