Superfoods come in a variety of packages – some of which probably seems like garbage to you. Here are 12 super healthy super foods that you’ve probably just throwing in the trash.
Citrus peels
Citrus peels are very high in vitamin C and flavanoids, which are important for immunity, as well as pectin, which improves digestion and lowers cholesterol. If you’re juicing fruits, throw the whole dang thing in! Don’t peel it.
Kiwi skins
Kiwi skins are loaded with immune boosting, anti-aging and anti-allergenic antioxidants. Just like with citrus peels, throw the whole fruit in your juicer instead of peeling them and then juicing.
Celery leaves.
I’m guilty of this too. Usually I just toss my celery leaves. But it turns out, they contain 5 times more calcium and magnesium than their stalks do and are packed with vitamin C. You can easily add them to salads and soups instead of parsley.
Broccoli stalks and leaves
Typically we just eat head, the unopened flowers of broccoli. But it turns out, their stalks and leaves are higher in vitamin C than their florets, and also higher in soluble fiber. The leaves contain 30 times more vitamin A than the florets do.
Banana peels
It turns out, your banana peels contain beta-carotene, lutein and other carotenoids that are absolutely vital for good eye health. They also contain tryptophan and seratonin, which balance mood and help you sleep. Some people also rub banana peels on their skin to heal acne, hives and bug bites.
Potato skins
I’ve never quite understood the point of peeling potatoes. I buy organic and wash them well, so I don’t see the point. Their skins are packed with zinc, fiber, phosphorous, iron and vitamin C.
The stems of swiss chard
Typically we eat only the leaves, but the stems are packed with glutamine, an amino acid that is critical for healing wounds.
Pineapple cores
The cores of the fruit have twice as much bromelain as the fruit itself, which helps detox the body and break down food during digestion.
Watermelon rind and seeds
The white portion of the watermelon rind is loaded with citrulline, an amino acid that is important for circulation. The seeds contain iron, magnesium and copper. As a side note: just a show of hands, who else was terrified of eating watermelon seeds because of the episode of Rugrats where Chuckie eats a watermelon seed and it grows inside of his stomach? I still have an aversion to seeds. My childhood has ruined me as an adult.
Squash rind and seeds
Similar story to watermelon. The rind of squashes contain the most beta-carotene and zinc. The seeds are high in zinc, vitamin E, antioxidants and other vital amino acids.
Garlic and onion skins
The papery skins of garlic and onion contain a bunch of anti-aging and heart healthy antioxidants, and onion peels specifically contain the antioxidant quercetin, which prevents artery clogging. If you’re making broth, keep the onion and garlic skins in. Discard the skins when the broth is done.
Date pits
You wanna date? If course you do! The USDA has found that date pits contain protein and fatty acids, and other studies have shown they possess anti-viral and metal absorbing properties, which boost immunity and detox the liver. They’re also high in phenols, antioxidants and dietary fibers.
Source: Higher Perspective