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Top 10 Orange Peel Benefits For Your Health And Beauty
Most of us notice how hard it is to peel an orange. But did you know that the outer peel brings a lot of nutritional value? Compared to orange flesh, its peel contains even more vitamin C. It also has many other nutrients that benefit your heart, health, physique, hair, skin, and more. Take advantage of the following information to learn more about orange peel benefits.
Top 10 Orange Peel Benefits For Your Health And Beauty
1. Orange peel's nutrients and compounds
2. Top 10 amazing orange peel benefits
2.1 Immune booster
2.5 Treatment of diabetes
2.6 Beneficial for the body
2.7 Good for skin and hair
2.8 Improve digestive health
2.9 Anti-inflammatory
2.10 Whiten teeth and treat bad breath
3. Potential limitations of orange peel
4. Conclusion
1. Orange peel's nutrients and compounds
Often overlooked, orange peels are nutrient-dense and packed with health benefits. These peels contain significant fiber, vitamin C, and polyphenols, contributing to overall health and wellness.
A single tablespoon (6 grams) of orange peel contains 14% of vitamin C's Daily Value (DV). The same serving also boasts four times more fiber than the fruit itself. Additionally, it’s rich in essential minerals such as:
Polyphenols, potent plant compounds in orange peels, can help prevent and manage chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer's. Research has shown that these peels have a higher total polyphenol content and activity than the fruit's flesh.
Notably, they are rich in the polyphenols hesperidin and polymerthoxyflavone (PMF), which are being evaluated for their potential anti-cancer effects.
Furthermore, approximately 90% of the essential oils found in them consist of limonene, a natural compound studied for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, including its potential to combat skin cancer.
2. Top 10 amazing orange peel benefits
With the ingredients and nutrients inside, this peel offers many benefits. Its vitamin C content is beneficial for boosting immunity, and antioxidants, good for digestion, brightens skin, etc. And here are the top 10 notable benefits of this wonder peel:
2.1 Immune booster
Orange peels are a treasure trove of plant compounds, such as flavonoids and aromatic terpenes, not found in the fruit's flesh. These compounds, including hesperidin and polymerthoxyflavone (PMF), possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can bolster your immune system.
Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and unstable molecules within the body. By fighting free radicals, antioxidants safeguard cells and promote healthy immune function.
The additional vitamin C in orange peels further fortifies the immune system by aiding in producing infection-fighting white blood cells.
2.2 Improve heart health
Oxidative stress results from the damage and oxidation of cells due to free radicals; over time, it can harm the heart.
Orange peels, abundantly in antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, may protect the heart by preventing and reducing oxidative stress. Furthermore, they are rich in potassium. This mineral helps regulate blood pressure and enables the heart to efficiently pump blood.
Another way it benefits heart health is through its bioactive polyphenols, which have been found to lower LDL cholesterol levels, thus decreasing the risk of associated heart issues.
2.3 Reduce the risk of cancer
Orange peels have been studied for their potential cancer-fighting properties. Research indicates that the flavonoids they contain can inhibit the cancer-related protein RLIP76. Furthermore, they are rich in limonene, a substance known to reduce cancer risk, and have demonstrated the ability to suppress carcinogenic activities.
2.4 Improve lung health
The compound responsible for the orange hue of orange peels, beta-cryptoxanthin, is an antioxidant that has been shown to protect lung health. By protecting lung cells from damage caused by free radicals, the antioxidant properties in these peels contribute to overall respiratory well-being.
The high vitamin C content in orange peels aids in breaking up congestion and clearing the lungs while also boosting immunity to help prevent and combat lung infections.
2.5 Treatment of diabetes
These peels are also beneficial for those with diabetes, thanks to their richness in pectin, a type of fiber that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Research has shown that treatment with orange peel extract can help prevent diabetic kidney disease. The peel's ability to inhibit the RLIP76 protein may also contribute to diabetes prevention.
2.6 Beneficial for the body
Oranges are an excellent choice for a weight loss diet due to their low-calorie content and high fiber, which helps curb appetite and prevent overeating. This is why many influencers incorporate oranges into their diets.
2.7 Good for skin and hair
Orange peels are known to benefit skin health by addressing issues such as blackheads, dead cells, acne, and blemishes. The vitamin C content in orange peels contributes to a brighter complexion. At the same time, the combat free radicals are responsible for wrinkles and sagging skin. Also, it can be utilized to create a hair-cleansing conditioner, an often overlooked benefit.
2.8 Improve digestive health
In terms of digestion, orange peels are rich in fiber, which assists in regulating movements and preventing constipation. They can effectively treat digestive issues like heartburn, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome. The pectin in the peel promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
2.9 Anti-inflammatory
Research conducted has highlighted the potent anti-inflammatory properties of orange peels. These peels have been found to suppress inflammation like the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin.
2.10 Whiten teeth and treat bad breath
Orange peels can also help whiten teeth, as they contain d-limonene, a substance that reduces tooth staining. To whiten your teeth with these peels, follow these steps:
Rub the white part of the orange peel on your teeth for 2-3 minutes and rinse your mouth. Repeat twice daily until you achieve the desired level of whiteness.
You can check out some other uses of dried orange peels here!
3. Potential limitations of orange peel
Despite many benefits, consuming these peels also has some drawbacks:
Pesticide residues: Citrus fruits like oranges are often treated with pesticides for protection against mold and insects. While the inner fruit has low or undetectable levels of pesticides, the peel contains higher amounts. It is recommended to wash oranges under warm water to minimize pesticide ingestion.
Digestion difficulties: The rugged texture and high fiber content of orange peels can make them hard to digest, potentially causing stomach upset, cramping, or bloating when consumed in large pieces.
Unpleasant taste and texture: Unlike the inner fruit, orange peels have a dry, chewy texture that is difficult to chew and a bitter taste that some may find unpalatable. Despite their nutritional benefits, bitterness and chewy texture can make these peels less appealing.
4. Conclusion
As you have seen, orange peels have amazing nutritional composition and benefits. It works for health and beauty in many different ways. So, if you want to find an ingredient to strengthen immunity, prevent cancer, or beautify the skin, don't ignore the peels. If you need more peels or seeds for planting, visit the TheRike store and enjoy orange peel benefits today!
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