Key facts
- Scraps from fruits and vegetables are an overlooked source of dietary fiber.
- Most adults in the UK do not meet the recommended 30g of fiber per day.
- Skins of fruits and vegetables generally contain more fiber than their insides.
- Watermelon rind contained 2.10g of fiber per 100g.
- Butternut squash skin and seeds contained 9.25g of fiber per 100g.
- Pineapple skin and core contained five times more fiber than the flesh.
UK researchers have identified fruit and vegetable scraps as a significant, yet overlooked, source of dietary fiber. A study by King's College London found that discarded parts like watermelon rind, butternut squash skin and seeds, and pineapple skin and core contain substantial amounts of fiber, often more than the commonly eaten portions. This discovery comes as most adults fail to meet the recommended daily fiber intake, crucial for gut health. The findings suggest that incorporating these scraps into diets could improve fiber consumption and reduce food waste.