Peels of Edible Plants as Treasure Trove of Remarkable Nutraceutical Properties: Prospects for Medical Nutrition Therapy

Background: Despite the valuable bioactive compounds and potential health benefits, the peels of various plants, such as mango, pomegranate, yam, banana, red potato, pineapple etc, are commonly discarded. Recent discoveries have highlighted the pharmacological importance of these peels, which could have many therapeutic properties. Objective: This review aims to highlight the importance of edible peels in preventing and managing illnesses. The pharmacological features and nutritional contents of these peels are explored. Method: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on recent research that investigates the bioactive compounds, nutritional composition, and pharmacological effects of fruit peels. This information was retrieved from databases such as Pubmed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Research Gate. Results: This review's findings showed that some fruits' peels contain higher levels of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and essential minerals. Recycling plant peels can effectively reduce waste and implement efficient waste management practices. These by-products have been reported to contain abundant bioactive compounds that can be used in diverse industrial applications to enhance health and provide nutritional advantages. Conclusion: The pharmacological properties of edible peels emphasise their importance as natural therapeutic substances and functional foods. This review advocates for incorporating these by-products in dietary guidelines and medicinal therapies. Future research should focus on elucidating the processes by which the bioactive compounds in these peels exert their effects and exploring their potential therapeutic applications. This will help facilitate their integration into diets designed to enhance overall health.