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Orange Peels: A Nutritional Treasure You Have Been Throwing Away

Orange Peels: A Nutritional Treasure You Have Been Throwing Away

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Are orange peels really nutritious? Yes! From boosting digestion to improving heart health, orange peels are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

Highlights:
  • Orange peel is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, providing numerous health benefits
  • The peel promotes digestive and heart health and aids in weight management
  • It can improve skin health and reduce stress through its antimicrobial and calming properties
Orange peels are usually discarded, yet many people are only now becoming aware of their high nutritional value and health benefits. As sweet as the fruit itself is, the peel provides various health benefits.

Health Benefits of Orange Peel

Rich in Nutrients


Orange peels include a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, fiber, and essential oils. The orange peel contains more vitamin C as the orange fruit (1 Trusted Source
Content of phenolic compounds and vitamin C and antioxidant activity in wasted parts of Sudanese citrus fruits

Go to source
)! This strong vitamin is crucial for the overall health of your body.

High in Antioxidants


The peel has a high concentration of antioxidants including flavonoids and polyphenols (1 Trusted Source
Content of phenolic compounds and vitamin C and antioxidant activity in wasted parts of Sudanese citrus fruits

Go to source
), which help the body battle oxidative stress. By scavenging free radicals, these chemicals reduce the risk of developing long-term ailments such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

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Promotes Digestive Health


Dietary fiber promotes a healthy digestive system, and orange peel is a rich source of it (2 Trusted Source
Dietary fibre in foods: a review

Go to source
). Fiber promotes a healthy gut bacteria and regulates bowel motions, preventing constipation. Furthermore, the essential oils in orange peel may soothe the digestive tract.

Aids in Weight Management


The high fiber content of orange peel can also help with weight management. High-fiber foods are often more satisfying, which may help to prevent overeating. Furthermore, according to some research, using orange peel as part of a weight management approach would be really beneficial (3 Trusted Source
Clinical Investigations of the Effect of Citrus unshiu Peel Pellet on Obesity and Lipid Profile

Go to source
).

Promotes Heart Health


Compounds present in orange peel may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol (4 Trusted Source
A Narrative Review of the Effects of Citrus Peels and Extracts on Human Brain Health and Metabolism

Go to source
). The peel's flavonoids and essential oils have been linked to improved cardiovascular health. Consuming an orange peel in conjunction with regular exercise and a balanced diet might be a pleasant way to improve heart health.

Improves Skin Health


Orange peel contains antioxidants and vitamin C, which are beneficial to skin health. They provide a radiant complexion, boost skin elasticity, and combat the signs of aging. Orange peel's antimicrobial properties can also help with acne and other skin issues (5 Trusted Source
Orange Peel and Skin Health: An Exploratory Study on Potential Benefits

Go to source
).

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Natural Antimicrobial Properties


Orange peels have antibacterial properties that can help in the fight against fungus and bacteria. Research has shown that essential oils extracted from orange peel, such as d-limonene, have antibacterial and antifungal effects (6 Trusted Source
Citrus sinensis Peel Oil Extraction and Evaluation as an Antibacterial and Antifungal Agent

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).

Improves Mood and Decreases Stress


Orange peel is refreshing and has a stimulating scent commonly used in aromatherapy to improve mood and reduce stress. Because of their calming characteristics, orange peel essential oils can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation (7 Trusted Source
The effect of aromatherapy by essential oil of orange on anxiety during labor: A randomized clinical trial

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).

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How to Incorporate Orange Peel in Your Diet?

Zest it:

The most popular technique to use orange peels is to zest them. Using a zester or fine grater, remove the vividly colored outer layer while avoiding the bitter white pith. Orange zest can be sprinkled on yogurt, oats, cakes, muffins, salad dressings, and marinades.

Infuse your beverages:

To prepare fragrant citrus tea, steep orange peels in hot water. For a refreshing twist, try adding them to cocktails or mocktails.

Candied peels:

For a tasty treat, make candied orange peels. Boil the peels in sugar syrup until they're tender and transparent. They can be eaten as a snack, chopped up and used into sweets, or used to garnish cakes.

Salads and smoothies:

Finely sliced orange peel adds an unexpected brightness to salads. Begin with a modest amount to counterbalance the bitterness. You can also add them to smoothies for a zesty kick.

References:
  1. Content of phenolic compounds and vitamin C and antioxidant activity in wasted parts of Sudanese citrus fruits - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30065822/)
  2. Dietary fibre in foods: a review - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23729846/)
  3. Clinical Investigations of the Effect of Citrus unshiu Peel Pellet on Obesity and Lipid Profile - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30327679/)
  4. A Narrative Review of the Effects of Citrus Peels and Extracts on Human Brain Health and Metabolism - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35565814/)
  5. Orange Peel and Skin Health: An Exploratory Study on Potential Benefits - (https://foodchemistryjournal.com/2023/10/26/orange-peel-and-skin-health-an-exploratory-study-on-potential-benefits/)
  6. Citrus sinensis Peel Oil Extraction and Evaluation as an Antibacterial and Antifungal Agent - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37512835/)
  7. The effect of aromatherapy by essential oil of orange on anxiety during labor: A randomized clinical trial - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26793249/)

Source-Medindia


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