Many people discard the pith when consuming fruits and vegetables, but this spongy white part has plenty of nutrients that are beneficial for our health. Pith is the inner part of fruits and vegetables that is white or sometimes yellowish in color, and it is usually soft and spongy in texture. It provides a good source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
Fruit pith is a great source of fiber, and it is recommended to eat the whole fruit, including the pith. For example, when eating an orange, most people will remove the peel and the pith. However, the pith is a good source of fiber that helps to improve digestion and also keeps you feeling fuller for longer. The same goes for other fruits like grapefruit, lemon, and lime. In addition, the pith of certain fruits contains bioflavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and can help to strengthen the immune system.
Vegetable pith is also an excellent source of fiber and provides numerous health benefits. For example, the pith of zucchini is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin, teeth, and bones. The pith of broccoli and cauliflower contains sulforaphane, a compound that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. Moreover, the pith of celery is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and it is also a natural diuretic that helps to eliminate excess water from the body.
Including pith in your diet is essential for good health, and it can be done in many ways. For instance, you can add pith to your smoothies, stews, soups, and salads. Additionally, you can also snack on fruits with the pith such as grapefruit and oranges, or try roasting vegetables, such as zucchini and broccoli with the pith still on.
In conclusion, pith is an essential part of fruits and vegetables that offers numerous health benefits. It is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for maintaining good health. Therefore, it is recommended to consume the whole fruit or vegetable, including the pith, to take advantage of all the nutrients it has to offer.#16#