Healthy benefits and way of utilization of peels of citrus fruits, banana and pomegranates

Fruits are the rich source of vitamins and minerals. For being healthy, consumers have to consume fruits and vegetables rather than eating fast foods.

Fruit are very much nutritious to us, not only they provides us energy but also promote growth and development. Fruits are highly antioxidants that help in our body to reduce free radical and fight against oxidation process while their peels also play role to fight against diseases. As we all know that God does not have created anything useless. “Peel is basically outer covering of fruits and vegetables that cover fruits and protect it from harm.”

Many of us are not aware about the beneficial effects of peels and do not utilize them properly. We usually waste them; the public should be aware so that they can avail its proper nutrients and other health benefits. Food Technologists have to aware public about the health benefits of fruits, vegetables, and their peels, seeds etc. In the past, peoples were utilizing the edible parts of natural plants and they were heathy throughout but now the scenario is totally changed due to revolution in the eating habits and living styles of the peoples. The fast foods centers are the said to be diseases centers. Food safety is a major critical issue of the today’s world. The age of today’s people, talking behavior, gathering, and auspicious moments, physical appearance are changed from the peoples of last 30 years. Fruits and vegetables are the better solution to recover all healthy habits and living styles therefore these should be included in our serving daily as per Food Guide Pyramid and their peels have enormous health benefits like,

The peel of pomegranate is almost one half of the weight of the whole fruit. It contains flavonoids, phenolic compounds and variety of tannins, minerals potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and complex polysaccharides.

Take peels of pomegranate and remove white pit which is bitter. Cut the peel into very small pieces. Place them in tray and cover. Place this tray for sun drying. After drying blend these pieces properly and store them in an airtight jar.

Take 1 spoonful of pomegranate peel powder add it in 200 milliliter boiling hot water. Pomegranate peel tea is ready to use. It is better than milk tea because that may contain contaminated milk and their composition vary due to highly carcinogenic adulterants may be added in it. Once Food Scientists and Technologists have to develop such kind of tea and declared fit for health then I think it should be affordable and nutritious to those who are taking milk tea daily. We need to change the eating habits of public with such innovations that reduce the risk of diseases.

The tea of pomegranate prevents wrinkle and sign of aging, improves dental hygiene, improves gut health, prevent skin cancer, good moisturizing agent reduce brain inflammation and protect against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Any of several edible fruits (as the orange, lemon, and grapefruit) produced by plants of Citrus and related genera. According to Medicinal Herbs & Spices, citrus peels have previously been known for their high levels of vitamin C and its associated health benefits. However, as scientists learn more about citrus peels, it has become clear that they may offer additional health benefits.

Citrus fruit peels are helpful to prevent diabetes. Citrus fruit peels may contribute to lower risks of heart diseases. Citrus fruit peels contain high levels of antioxidants so it may lower the risk of cancer.

Citrus peels can easily be consumed by adding them in cupcakes, cakes and marmalade. By doing this we can enjoy their health benefits without effecting the taste.

Banana peels are also rich source of potassium and contains much more soluble and insoluble fiber than their flesh. Dietary fiber promotes digestion and bowel movements and can reduce blood cholesterol levels. Banana peels also contain tryptophan which increases serotonin levels in the body and affects mood much like the drug Prozac does. According to “Prescription for Nutritional Healing”, researchers in Taiwan discovered banana peel extract can ease depression because of its effect on serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for balancing mood and emotions. Others found that eating two banana skins a day for three days increased blood serotonin levels by 16 percent. Further, banana skin contains lutein, a powerful antioxidant that protects the eye from free radicals and harmful frequencies of UV radiation from the sun. Lutein has been proven to reduce the risks of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Banana peels can be eaten raw although they are purported to be ropey and have an unpleasant taste some people prefer to boil the peel for 10 minutes or so before eating it, putting it through a juicer or blending it with other fruits. It was concluded that every part of fruits and vegetables is beneficial to us, but we need to utilize it in positive and proper way to get benefits that are naturally present.