Ugly looking fruit and veggies are better for you

New findings suggest that blemished fruit and vegetables may be higher in nutrients and antioxidants.

Plants that are subjected to the stress of heat, drought, pests or fungal infections actually end up being far more nutritious. Studies done on organic produce have found it to be between 20 and 40 percent higher in nutrients. Organic fruit and vegetables are often smaller and don’t look as perfect as conventional produce.

You have probably heard of the antioxidants flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids and anthocyanins. Did you know these antioxidants are produced in higher amounts by plants as defense mechanisms when they become stressed by pests? It makes you appreciate imperfect produce a lot more.

As a society we have been overly focused on the appearance of fruit and vegetables. Consequently, supermarkets have provided perfect looking produce that often lacks flavor. The less perfect produce usually ends up tasting much better.

This is another good reason to try and shop at a local farmers’ market, where the produce is fresher and usually looks different to the fruit and vegetables sold in supermarkets. The same rule applies to herbs and vegetables that you might grow at home in your garden.

You would benefit from having much fresher food than you’d find at the store, so already the nutrient levels are higher. If you happen to neglect the veggies a bit and some of them are attacked by pests, they’ll end up being better for you.

Reference