Kitchen Scraps Health Benefits

Kitchen Scraps: Health Boosters You Didn’t Know About

1. Broccoli Stems for Weight Loss: Instead of discarding broccoli stems, consider incorporating them into your meals. Not only are they milder and sweeter than florets, but they also contain sulforaphane, a compound known to promote weight loss by stimulating abdominal fat cells to burn stored fatty acids for energy.
2. Orange Peels for Anxiety Relief: Don’t throw away orange peels! These citrus peels contain aromatic oils that can help ease anxiety by encouraging the release of soothing brain waves. Infuse your home with the scent of oranges by simmering the peels in water or carry dried orange peels for on-the-go relaxation.
3. Coffee Grounds for Skin Health: Instead of disposing of coffee grounds, use them as a natural exfoliator for smoother, healthier skin. Coffee grounds gently remove dead surface cells, stimulate the immune system to repair skin tissues, and promote the growth of collagen, resulting in improved skin texture and firmness.
4. Beet Stalks for Blood Pressure: Save and freeze beet stalks and leaves to lower blood pressure naturally. These often-discarded parts of the beetroot contain nitrate, a compound that relaxes arteries and reduces blood pressure. Adding beet tops to your daily smoothie can lead to significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
5. Romaine Ribs for Better Sleep: Don’t overlook the outer leaves of romaine lettuce, as they contain lactucarium, a compound that promotes muscle relaxation and induces sleep. Enjoying a cup of romaine leaf tea before bedtime can help you fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality.
6. Pineapple Cores for Joint Pain Relief: Instead of composting pineapple cores, consider incorporating them into your diet to alleviate joint pain. Pineapple cores contain bromelain, a natural anti-inflammatory compound that can reduce joint stiffness and pain. Boil the cores, puree them, and add them to various dishes for pain relief.

These simple yet effective uses of kitchen scraps can not only reduce waste but also provide valuable health benefits. So, before tossing them away, consider how they can contribute to your well-being.

_{Repurposed article originally published in First for Women}