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Medically reviewed by Allison Herries, RDN
Key Takeaways
- Apple peels are rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
- Eating apple peels provides fiber that can improve gut health.
- Apple peels may support hormone health and reduce inflammation.
Apple peels are more than just a protective layer; they’re a powerhouse of nutrients. Packed with antioxidants and fiber, they offer surprising health benefits that can enhance your wellbeing.
1. They Are Rich in Antioxidants
Apple peels contain antioxidant compounds (e.g., carotenoids, flavonoids, and anthocyanidins) that give apples their color and contribute to their health benefits. Antioxidants help the body fight free radicals, unstable molecules contributing to cell damage and disease.
Eating antioxidant-rich foods regularly can:
- Decrease chronic disease risk
- Reduce inflammation (a physiological response to disease or injury; when chronic, it increases the risk of various diseases)
- Slow biological aging
2. They Are a Great Source of Fiber
Dietary fiber lowers the risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that make you more susceptible to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. Fiber from apple peels also helps manage appetite and improve gut health.
3. They Support Hormone Health
The chlorophyll in apple peels—an antioxidant that gives apples their green color—may help protect against chemical compounds that disrupt hormones and lead to long-term inflammation. Eating apple peels might support your hormone health and reduce long-term inflammation that can lead to chronic disease.
However, current research is primarily limited to laboratory and animal studies. Human studies are needed to better understand chlorophyll’s impact on hormone health.
4. They Contribute to Better Brain Health
Apple peels help fight inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. Neuroinflammation (brain inflammation) can increase the risk for brain-related conditions, such as:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke
Apple peels contain the antioxidant quercetin, a flavonoid that can reduce neuroinflammation and protect the brain.
5. They Have Anti-Cancer Properties
Oxidative stress, an imbalance between stable and unstable molecules in the body, can increase the risk for certain types of cancer. Antioxidants, such as those found in apple peels, can help:
- Decrease cancer risk
- Minimize cell damage associated with oxidative stress
- Restore the body’s internal balance (homeostasis)
What About Pesticide Residue?
Non-organic apples may contain pesticide residue. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets pesticide residue “tolerance” limits to determine whether a food is safe to consume. It also has a monitoring program to ensure foods more likely to contain pesticide residue remain within safe limits.
To minimize exposure to pesticide residue but reap the benefits of apple peels, opt for organic apples or wash them with a water and baking soda solution before eating them.
Read the original article on Verywell Health
