Are Perfect Fruits Always Better Than The Bruised Ones With Imperfections?
Are bruised fruits better than perfect-looking ones? Science says “yes”! Polyphenols, a type of micronutrient found in plant-based foods, have been shown to have a range of health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting gut health. One type of polyphenol found in apples, called procyanidin, has been linked to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
While berries are often the top performers when it comes to polyphenol content, apples with bruises and other imperfections are also a great source of this important micronutrient. In fact, the bruising process triggers a stress response in the apple that causes it to produce more polyphenols as a way to protect itself from further damage. This means that bruised apples actually have a higher concentration of polyphenols than un-bruised ones.
Despite the potential health benefits of imperfect fruits, many people still prefer to buy perfect-looking produce. This is partly due to the influence of advertising and marketing, which often emphasize the importance of appearance over substance. However, it’s important to remember that fruits and vegetables that are grown under stressful conditions may actually contain higher levels of nutrients and antioxidants than those that are grown under ideal conditions.
To incorporate high-polyphenol fruits into your diet, consider making smoothies, salads, or healthy snacks. For example, you could blend blueberries, bananas, and spinach into a nutrient-packed smoothie, or add sliced strawberries to a spinach salad with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Pomegranate seeds are a tasty addition to a Greek yogurt or oatmeal bowl, and grapefruit segments can be a refreshing addition to a fruit salad. Finally, apples can be baked into a healthy dessert, like baked apple chips with cinnamon and honey.
So the next time you’re at the grocery store, take a chance on those imperfect fruits – not only will they add some variety to your meals, but they may also give you an extra boost of nutrition that you never knew you needed!
From our plates to our personalities, imperfections add spice to life. Embrace them all!