The Incredible Benefits of Onion and Garlic Peels
Onions and garlic are two staple spices in Asian cooking, used almost daily. Besides their ability to eliminate unpleasant odors, they are rich sources of vitamins C, B6, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, copper, and manganese, all beneficial for health.
The Unexpected Benefits of Garlic Peels
Thanks to their high allicin content – a powerful antibacterial compound – garlic is often referred to as a "natural antibiotic" due to its ability to prevent illnesses and boost the immune system. According to Live Strong, 100 grams of garlic provide 150 calories, 33 grams of carbs, and 6.36 grams of protein. It is also packed with nutrients like vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, folate, C, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium.
According to All Recipes, garlic peels do not contain essential garlic oils and thus lack the aroma. However, they are rich in antioxidants, which help prevent aging and protect cardiovascular health.
A Japanese study found that garlic peels contain six times more phenylpropanoids – a type of antioxidant – compared to the flesh. Additionally, garlic peels are rich in quercetin, which helps reduce muscle inflammation and enhance anti-allergic properties.
Although garlic peels are not edible, you can add them while cooking and remove them before serving to allow their beneficial compounds to infuse into your food.
Other practical uses for garlic peels include eliminating shoe odors, soaking feet, feeding poultry, and using them as fertilizer.
The Benefits of Onion PeelsDr. Mamina Turegano, an internist and dermatologist at Savona Dermatology in the United States, stated that onion peels are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids. These compounds help protect healthy skin cells and slow the aging process.
Notably, onion peels contain quercetin, a type of flavonoid commonly found in vegetables, fruits, and grains, which has exceptional anti-aging properties. Onion peels can help smooth the skin, reduce wrinkles, and lower the risk of skin cancer caused by UV rays from sunlight.
According to renowned nutritionist Dhvani Shah, author of Don’t Just Feed, Nourish Your Child, onion peels are excellent for weight loss due to their low calorie content. Furthermore, the flavonoids in onion peels help manage cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Regular consumption of onion peel tea can also lower the body’s glucose absorption and insulin metabolism. This makes onion peels especially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
Onion peels contain a variety of vitamins such as vitamin C, A, and E, which enhance the immune system, reduce infection risks, and improve vision. Rich in insoluble fiber, onion peels help detoxify the intestines and prevent cancer cell formation. Drinking onion peel tea is safe for those with sensitive stomachs or gastric issues, as it helps improve digestion.
Additionally, onion peels have strong antifungal properties, making them useful in treating itchy rashes and redness.
