What is Tangerine?
Tangerines are citrus fruits that originated in China. They are a hybrid between mandarin oranges and pummelos. In addition to their sweet taste, tangerines have many health benefits!
There are many types of tangerines, including mandarin, clementine, satsuma, kumquat, and valencia. All of these varieties have their unique characteristics, but they all share similar nutritional values and benefits.
Nutrition Value of Tangerine
This sweet and tangy citrus fruit is packed with nutrients. The first thing you need to know about tangerines is that they are high in vitamin C. Just one Tangerine can provide you with about 20% of your daily Vitamin C needs.
Some tangerines are a good source of dietary fiber as well. In addition, this citrus fruit is also rich in vitamin C, potassium, antioxidants, and vitamin A.
10 Health Benefits of Tangerine
Tangerines are an excellent choice for overall good health. Here are 10 reasons why tangerines are good for your health:
1. Prevents Cell Damage
Tangerines have a high content of antioxidants. These antioxidants help prevent free radicals from attacking cells and damaging them. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause damage to cells. Antioxidants neutralize these harmful free radicals.
2. Fights Inflammation in Body
Tangerines are known to reduce inflammation in the body. They are a natural source of limonoids, compounds that act as anti-inflammatory agents. Limonoids are also known to boost immunity and improve memory.
3. Supports Immune System
Tangerines are fiber-rich, which supports the immune system by helping eliminate toxins from the body. It aids in antibodies and white blood cell production. It also helps manage good body fluid levels and is a natural defense against unwanted bacteria and viruses.
4. Has Anti-cancer Properties
Research suggests that tangerines may help prevent certain types of cancers. Researchers believe that the anti-cancer properties of tangerines are due to their high levels of carotenoids and flavonoid compounds.
In addition, Tangerines are loaded with lycopene, a carotenoid pigment that gives them their red color. It protects cells from damage caused by UV radiation, thereby reducing the risk of skin cancer.
5. Aids in Digestion
Tangerines are also great for your bowels. The high fiber content keeps the digestive tract clean and prevents constipation. Tangerines also contain pectin, which helps strengthen the intestinal lining and improve digestion. Pectin is also helpful in preventing constipation and diarrhea.
6. Slows Aging
Tangerine is no less than a superfruit that keeps your skin healthy and glowing for a long. The antioxidants give your skin a youthful shine and promote the creation of collagen and elastin, which slows down the aging process. Not to forget, Vitamin C, abundant in tangerines, supports healthy bones and teeth.
7. Aids Weight Loss
Tangerines are low in calories, with just 100 calories per fruit. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which helps us feel fuller longer, which can be helpful if you're trying to lose weight.
8. Keeps the Heart Healthy
You may not think of tangerines as heart-healthy fruit, but they are! Tangerines are high in folate, a B-vitamin that supports heart function. Folate is also necessary for normal brain development.
They're also a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help keep your heart healthy and functioning correctly.
9. Promotes Healthy Cholesterol
Tangerines are naturally sweetened with malic acid, a digestive aid that helps break down food. Malic acid also helps regulate insulin levels. Moreover, the high fiber content in Tangerine lowers bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol.
10. Increases RBC Count
Tangerines can play a vital role in increasing blood count. They are loaded with folate, which contributes to the formation of red blood cells. Folate is also involved in forming DNA and RNA (which make up genes), helping to ensure a strong and stable genetic code.
So how about making most of these Tangerine health benefits? Do your body a big favor! Next time, pick up a few tangerines when you visit your nearest grocery store and add them to your diet.
Benefits of Tangerine Peel
Not just the juicy pulps, Tangerine peels are equally nutritious. They are rich in flavonoids, white fibers, and antioxidants. The peel also has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
So, Don't toss the peels the next time you purchase some tangerines. The peels can be sliced into small strips and added to salads or smoothies. Below are a few of the health benefits of Tangerine peels:
● Helps in lowering the cholesterol level.
● Excellent home remedy for constipation and other digestive problems.
● Good source of Vitamin C.
● Helps in losing weight.
● Improves oral health of the individual.
● A rich natural source of pectin.
● Helps in improving skin health.
How many Tangerines should be Consumed in a Day?
You can eat Tangerines every day. More often during winter, when the body typically lacks vitamins. If consumed in moderation, tangerines will only benefit you. They are low -calories superfoods and rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C.
The general rule says 3 Tangerines a day would be sufficient to eliminate toxins, boost immunity, and elevate mood. Eat tangerines in the morning and afternoon till five o'clock in the evening, but avoid eating them on an empty stomach.
There's nothing wrong with eating tangerines fresh off the tree, but you can also find canned ones at the grocery store. But don't forget to check for any added flavors or sweeteners that may harm your health.
Risk and Side Effects of Tangerine
Tangerines are a great snack or addition to a healthy diet and offer various health benefits. But like with any fruit, it's essential to eat tangerines in moderation. They have their own set of risks and side effects. Here are some of the major ones and how to avoid them.
● Dry Skin
Vitamin C, which is excellent for skin health, is abundant in Tangerine. However, if you overeat, it can lead to dry skin. This happens because vitamin C is water-soluble, which will leach out of your body and leave you dehydrated. To avoid this, drink plenty of fluids while eating tangerines.
● Diarrhea
If you are suffering from diarrhea, you should probably stay away from tangerines. If you still have to eat them, limit yourself to only one per day.
● Heartburn
Another side effect of tangerines is heartburn. This occurs when you consume too much tangerine juice at once. If you experience heartburn after drinking tangerine juice, try diluting it first. This way, you won't get as sickly sweet-tasting juice.
● Nausea
Nausea is caused by the consumption of certain foods, including tangerines. Ingesting too much Tangerine causes nausea and vomiting. Make sure to chew slowly and thoroughly before swallowing.
Conclusion
Tangerines are low in fat and calories, making them an excellent alternative to other citrus fruits. These fruits contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and many other nutrients that make them a great addition to your diet. The health benefits of Tangerine are simply hard to ignore. And before you go, here's a quick fact:
A whole fruit tangerine offers just 75 calories, less than 1/2 ounce of dark chocolate!
So, next time you see those little orange-like fruits all over the place during the winter. Remember, they are not just tasty but good for you, too. Why not add them to your diet?
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