Do You Eat These Foods With Their Skin On Or Off?

Refuse to eat the skin of a pineapple or the peel of a lemon? Well, think again!

I recently came across Anna Anteonje on TikTok – she makes videos of eating various different foods.

Anna Antonje / Via tiktok.com

A few of Anna's videos have sparked major debate, mainly because she eats the skin on foods that we would almost always peel – beetroot, and ginger to name a few.

It got me thinking: have I been missing out on some secret health benefits this whole time?!

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If you cringe at the thought of eating the skin, rind, or peel, perhaps I'll be able to change your mind and inspire you with some tasty recipes I've found!

Do you use a spoon, or eat kiwis like they're apples?

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I usually scoop out a kiwi with a spoon and discard the furry outer layer but apparently, it's more than edible. The skin has a high concentration of Vitamin C and E, offering strong antioxidant protection. This website has all kinds of tips on how to prepare your kiwi skin!

Do you peel your aubergines or leave the skin on?

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Aka, the eggplant. I often add this to a soup or a Mediterranean dish, but I've never given the peel much thought. The peel has lots of benefits in it, helping with age-related mental decline, and bringing nutrients to your cells. Here is the perfect way to roast your eggplant which you can then add to SO many different recipes. 

Do you peel your potatoes or leave them alone?

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For no reason other than habit, I almost always peel my potatoes. But, leaving them on can produce some of the best potato wedges as well as provide our body with some much-needed nutrition. The peel contains various vitamins as well as fibre, iron, and potassium. 

Do you peel beetroot or enjoy the skins?

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I add beetroot to my salads for a pop of colour but always peel them first. There is no need to peel your beetroot, as the skin contains all the same benefits and the whole thing, by lowering blood pressure and aiding you in your workout! Though they're better eaten raw, there are so many recipes you can follow to get the best of your beets. 

Do you take a peeler to your courgettes or leave them alone?

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I use courgettes (often called a zucchini) as a base for a soup, but it never occurs to me to leave the skin on. If you follow these recipes, you'll be able to benefit from all of the fibre, antioxidants, and nutrients found in the peel!

Do you chomp straight down on a banana, or peel it first?

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I can't say I've ever eaten the skin of a banana on purpose, but some have found a way to make vegan pulled pork out of it. The peel can help with digestion regulation so maybe giving it a go isn't such a bad idea?

Do you like to eat the peel on your oranges or do you bin it?

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After a childhood experiment on what the skin of an orange tastes like, I have never again tried to eat it. However, this could have been one of my greatest downfalls because it's rich in fibre, vitamin C, and polyphenols, helping with heart, and digestive health. The peel is often candied for a sweet snack too!

Do you leave the rind on or off when eating melon?

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Admittedly, I would eat the rind of a melon slice as a kid but I soon noticed I was alone in the habit, and stopped . I've since found out that research shows it helps lower blood pressure and improves exercise performance. Pickled watermelon rind is a popular treat in Southern states, so why don't you give it a try?

Is lemon peel a part of your meals?

@anna.antonje

Lemon from the garden #eating #eatingsounds #foodsounds #asmreating #foryou #foodtiktok #vegan #food #eatingfood #asmr #eat #lemon #eatingasmr

♬ Originalton - Anna

Aside from garnishing a lemon cake, the peel has never really appeeled to me. That is until I came across a recipe that shows you how to make it into a candy! Now that is more up my street. Lemon peel apparently supports oral health, as well as having quite good nutritional value. It can also boost your immune system, so get eating!

How about the skin on a zesty lime?

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As embarrassing as it is to admit I've never had a lime before, I can say with confidence I haven't had the peel either. The citrus fruits are packed with antioxidants and could possibly help promote healthy skin! Maybe I really have been missing out. Much like its yellow friend, you can candy the peel to add on top of a pie or just to snack on. 

How do you prepare a grapefruit, with the skin on or off?

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I have a tradition in my family where we each eat half a grapefruit Christmas morning, but that's as far as the 'eating' part goes. Apparently, like the other citrus fruits, you can make candied peel so that might improve the bitter tradition! The peel, when dried and added to tea, can soothe sore throats. Perfect for the winter months. 

Avocado– Skin on or off?

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I'm not a fan of avocado as a whole but eating the peel is a pass from me. However, if you fancy youthful-looking skin and want help fighting inflammation then perhaps you should give it a go! Though biting into the skin isn't too enjoyable, blend it up along with the flesh to reap the benefits.

Do you cut the skin off a pineapple, or leave it as it is?

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During lockdown, I discovered the ~right way~ to eat pineapple but that certainly didn't include the prickly outer layer. There are a few things that can be done with the peel, including making juice, tea, or pickling them. It can help fight inflammation and disease with its vitamins, minerals, and healthy compounds.

Have I been able to convince you to eat your skins and peels? Comment below any other foods I might have missed out!