Apple peel is where the antioxidants are!
According to a study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, Scientists have identified a specific group of compounds in the apple peel that have potent anti-cancer effects, in addition to their earlier findings that the peel holds most of the health-enhancing phytochemicals (which contain natural antioxidants) that reduce the risk of chronic health problems like lung cancer, heart disease and stroke.
Specifically, 13 triterpenoids from the peels of Red Delicious apples were identified and confirmed to be highly effective against liver, breast and colon cancer. Exactly how and why these biochemicals seek-and-destroy cancer cells is still unknown, but the fact that apple peel has great, protective health benefits is clear.
When the body goes lacking in vital antioxidants your immune system starts taking a pounding, energy and stamina goes down and free radical damage starts to occur. Changing your diet to include higher levels of raw foods, in combination with proper exercise, can clearly and significantly reduce your chances of contracting cancer.
Red Delicious apples are the most common variety here in the United States and are easy to find. Just remember, fruit consumption is dependent on your unique nutritional type, and should be balanced with plenty of veggies — vegetables ranking higher on the list for sustaining overall health.
Be very careful to avoid consuming conventionally-grown apples, however, as they are among the Dirty Dozen fruits and vegetables cited by the Environmental Working Group as containing the most pesticides, and stick with organic apples, ideally bought from local growers living near you.
I know my own daughter loves to eat the peel — she calls them “apple strings.” Make it a treat for them, don’t throw it away!