Worthiness of some fruit skins

Mango skin-helps to fight some metabolic diseases like diabetes & some forms of cancer. Mango skin has some compounds, which modulate some receptors molecules called PPARs in our cells. These receptors help in controlling the levels of cholesterol & related fatty compounds in the blood stream on one hand & the levels of glucose on the other. These compounds are more abundant in the skin than in the pulp. One of the compounds is quercetin, an antioxidant that helps our cells from cellular over burn or oxidative damage. The other is mangiferin, which quarantines away excess free iron in the body & thus offers protection against iron caused oxidative damage. The 3^rd is a by-product of mangiferin called norathyriol, which too is an anti-oxidant. It is also likely that the mango skin has resveratrol, which lowers cholesterol levels. The skins of blue grapes are rich in resveratrol, which finds its way into red wine. Wines & juices from all dark colored berries are good source of resveratrol.

The pinkish skin of peanuts is another rich source of resveratrol.

But too much of mangoes are bad as glucose chemically combines with proteins & alters their properties & functions. This leads to impaired eyesight, neuromuscular functions, kidney damage & so on.

Apple skin is a good source of calcium & Vit. A,. the Vit. Content is reported to be 5 times higher in the skin than the flesh. The same goes for potatoes too. Pomegranate skin is rich in a variety of anti oxidants & cell protectants.

Pomegranate skin is used for treating diarrhoea- the skin is boiled with a small amount of cloves/cinnamon & the solution is drunk thrice daily for a few days.

Banana skin is used to treat rashes from shrubs such as poison ivy, by rubbing the skin inside out. It is also useful to treat bruises. Taping the banana skin around the bruise helps in healing.

It is not that the diabetes should avoid fruits, but choose those fruits not high in the glycemic index (GI), which is a measure of how fast carbohydrate foods are converted in the body into glucose. Apples, cherries, grape fruit & oranges with their low GI are good. Mangoes, papaya & banana are medium GI, so ok. But mangoes eat them in moderation with their skins !.

Spices & their values

Chilli not only stimulates the appetite but also helps clear the lungs. It also stimulates the digestive system & relives nasal congestion. Research shows that the anti oxidants present in chilli wipe out the radical bodies that could build up the cholestrol which causes cardiac problems. Chilli also stimulates the release of endorphins that work as a natural pain killer. Chillies are also a good source of Vit. C higher than the citrus fruits !

Haldi/turmeric has been proven scientifically to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Cinnamon works as an anti oxidant & helps in the prevention of cancer. It is also recommended for diabetic patients & is directly related to metabolism & may increase body heat.

Garlic – eating it regularly reduces the risk of some cancer, as its sulphur compounds inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. it also lowers the cholesterol & supports the cardiovascular system. Garlic has anti bacterial properties & can protect against many bacterial infections. It also slows the pulse & modifies the heart rhythm, which in turn works in lowering blood pressure. Garlic cures cold & cough & also removes certain poisonous metals like lead & mercury from the body!

Ginger- is a digestive & decongestant. It has a special warming effect as it increases peripheral circulation.it is useful for people with cold hands & feet. Ginger also has natural anti0inflammatory properties, which makes it useful for people suffering fro asthma & persistent cough.

Fenugreek seeds, black mustard seeds, omum/ajwain, nutmeg, saffron, black pepper, asofoetida are warming in nature. They help to increase digestive enzymes, boost assimilation of nutrients & relief of winter ills & chills.