Surprisingly Edible (and healthy) Parts Of Foods

TL;DR

Food parts commonly discarded, including strawberry stems, citrus pith, onion skins, broccoli stalks, and watermelon rinds, contain nutrients and compounds that may offer health benefits. For example, carrot tops have six times the vitamin A of the orange root, while eating a whole kiwi can triple its fiber intake. Read on to discover which overlooked parts are edible, how to use them, and what precautions to take.

Transcript

• There are some surprisingly healthy parts of foods that we're just simply not eating. So let's take a look at the parts of foods that you may have been throwing away and not eating unnecessarily. And stick around to the end of the video to see one food that you should never eat. Strawberries are one of my favorite foods, but as it turns out, ther... Read More

Key Insights

• 😋 Discarded food parts often contain hidden health benefits that are rarely recognized in common diets.
• 😋 Including food skins, tops, and stems can enhance nutrient intake and support overall health.
• 😋 Misconceptions about certain foods, like corked onions and citrus zest, diminish their nutritional value if avoided.
• 🥝 Whole, unpeeled fruits, such as cucumbers and kiwis, yield greater health benefits compared to their processed counterparts.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Nutrient-dense options like liver and tripe can provide significant health advantages and should not be disregarded.
• 💉 The improper consumption of certain food parts, such as cherry pits, can lead to serious health issues and should be avoided.
• 🥺 Increased awareness and knowledge about these nutritional insights can lead to a more wholesome and sustainable diet.

Questions & Answers

Q: Which commonly discarded parts of foods are edible and healthy?

Examples include strawberry stems, citrus zest and pith, onion skins, broccoli and cauliflower stalks, watermelon rinds, carrot tops, pineapple cores, banana peels, beet greens, cucumber peels, and kiwi skin. These parts provide various nutrients, fiber, minerals, or phytonutrients, although some should be washed or prepared before eating.

Q: What health benefits do strawberry stems provide?

Strawberry stems contain disease-fighting polyphenols and minerals. They also contain low-pH tannins that can help with digestion, and the entire berry can be added to a smoothie.

Q: Why should citrus zest and pith be eaten?

Citrus zest is rich in terpenes that can help protect the body from cancer cells and aging caused by oxidation. The white pith contains hesperidin, a phytonutrient shown to lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure and decrease inflammation.

Q: How can onion skins be used, and what do they contain?

Onion skins can be used to boost the nutrition of soups, stews, and rice. They contain quercetin, a flavonoid associated with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-allergy, exercise-improving, and brain-protective properties; red onion skins provide more of it than yellow ones.

Q: What nutritional advantages do broccoli and cauliflower stalks offer?

Broccoli and cauliflower stalks contain healthy amounts of antioxidants and fiber, just like their leaves. Both the stems and leaves contain sulforaphane, which has potential as a cancer-fighting compound.

Q: What are the benefits of eating watermelon rind?

Pickled watermelon rind contains citrulline, an amino acid that helps relax and dilate arteries. It also has more fiber and potassium than the red interior and may benefit blood pressure and workouts.

Q: Are carrot tops edible, and how can they be used?

Carrot tops are edible and contain six times the vitamin A found in the orange root. The green leaves can be tossed into a salad or added to salsa or hummus.

Q: How do cucumber peel and kiwi skin affect nutrient intake?

Peeling a cucumber lowers its vitamin K content by about 56%, while eating a whole kiwi can triple the fiber intake. Wash both well, because cucumbers may have a wax coating and choosing organic may reduce possible pesticide exposure.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Many specific parts of commonly consumed fruits and vegetables, like stems and peels, are packed with nutrients that go unnoticed and are often thrown away, leading to missed health benefits.

• Foods like broccoli stalks, strawberry stems, and watermelon rinds provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to disease prevention and overall health improvement.

• However, certain foods, such as cherry pits, should never be consumed due to their potential toxicity, emphasizing the need for awareness about food safety.