NHS doctor explains hidden benefits of orange peel and why not to bin it
04.06.2024 - 09:41
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Even the most meticulous meal prep can result in a bit of waste, but an expert has shared why these leftovers shouldn't be tossed in the bin.
Home cooks are being cautioned about discarding what could be the tastiest or most useful parts of their raw ingredients. This is because some scraps might not only enhance their dish, but could also serve entirely different purposes around the kitchen.
NHS surgeon Dr Karan Raj, who penned This Book May Save Your Life: Everyday Health Hacks to Worry Less and Live Better, shared advice with his 5.3 million TikTok followers, explained: "When eating an orange, don't discard the orange peel. You probably don't want to eat these directly but you can use the zest for extra nutrition."
He highlighted: "The orange peel itself is rich in a soluble dietary fibre called pectin. The peels contain high levels of Vitamin C - sometimes as much as, if not more, the flesh of the fruit itself.
The doctor added: "The peel contains carotenoids and polyphenols which are anti-inflammatory compounds. For example, you can have it as a topping on ice creams or even with cakes or yoghurt."
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Studies have shown that orange peels boast a greater concentration of polyphenols, beneficial plant compounds, than the fruit's interior. A 2023 study revealed that peels had higher amounts of phenolic compounds, vitamin C, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity compared to the wasted internal parts (seeds and pulp) across various citrus types, reports Gloucestershire Live.
In a recent video, Dr Raj shared a healthier alternative to discarding seeds from butternut squash and pumpkins. He hailed such seeds as "a great