A digestive health expert is urging people to rethink a common habit when consuming fruit: peeling away the white parts. Dr. María Muñoz, a renowned doctor in the field, explained that this habit may be depriving individuals of the most beneficial components of the fruit.
According to Dr. Muñoz, the white part of fruits, like tangerines and bananas, known as “albedo,” should not be discarded. Though it may not be the most appetizing in texture or flavor, it offers numerous health benefits. “Albedo is not there by chance,” she said. “It serves several protective functions for the fruit, including shielding the pulp from insects, microorganisms, and solar radiation, while also acting as a nutritional reserve.”
Beyond its protective role for the fruit, albedo is also beneficial for human health. It is rich in pectin, a type of fiber that helps slow down the absorption of sugars, making it an ideal component for those watching their blood sugar levels. Additionally, it contains vitamin C and flavonoids, which are known to strengthen the immune system, improve skin health, and support blood vessels. Albedo also provides essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
Dr. Muñoz emphasized that consuming fruit with its albedo intact is a small change that can lead to significant health benefits. The positive effects of vitamin C, particularly in boosting immune function, are well-documented in scientific studies. Vitamin C has been shown to play a key role in cellular immune responses and to protect against oxidative stress, making it vital for maintaining a healthy immune system.
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