Skin is in.
Maryland-based chronic pain specialist Dr. Kunal Sood has taken to TikTok to reveal the nutrient-rich fruit we have been eating the wrong way.
Addressing his 2.3 million followers, Sood explained that while many of us peel and discard the skin of the fruit, it is not only edible but also a veritable gold mine of fiber and vitamins.
The fruit in question is one that most people peel: a kiwi.
“By consuming the skin, you increase the fiber content by almost 50%, aiding digestion and reducing bloating.”
Most Americans don’t eat enough fiber. Women are encouraged to get 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should aim for 38 grams.
Research has proposed that a high intake of dietary fiber can lower the risk of several types of cancer, including esophageal, gastric, colon and rectal cancer.
Fiber is said to “feed” healthy gut bacteria, which experts suggest can lower cancer risk.
Sood continued, “Kiwi skin also contains three times the antioxidants found in the fruit, helping to fight free radicals and decrease inflammation.”
Free radicals, reactive chemicals that damage our cells, are believed to contribute to cancer development. Antioxidants protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals by bolstering cellular function and reducing oxidative stress.
Experts suggest getting your antioxidant fill from food sources rather than supplements.
Sood imparted that the kiwi skin is “rich in both vitamin C and E, supporting your immune system and improving your skin health.”
In addition to fighting scurvy and bolstering immunity, vitamin C is a boon for mental health. Last year, New Zealand scientists found that eating vitamin C-rich kiwi can boost mood in as little as four days.
The recommended daily vitamin C intake for adults is 90 milligrams for men and 75 milligrams for women. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, smokers, some cancer patients and those taking certain medications may need more.
The good doctor notes that those with a history of kidney stones should avoid eating kiwi skin due to its relatively high oxalate content.
Viewers, though, aren’t entirely convinced they want to be eating the skin, insisting that the hairs make it a “sensory nightmare.”
“The fur make me itchy and sore though,” one commenter complained.
“It’s so bitter though. I really tried,” griped another.
If the idea of eating the textured exterior of the rough-skinned fruit gives you the ick, Soon says to opt for the smoother-skinned gold kiwi variety.
Another healthy choice? Blend the whole fruit into a smoothie.
