Tangor, clementine, satsuma, and owari are a few of the commonly known varieties of mandarin oranges, with tangerine being the most common one. While fresh mandarins are usually harvested in winters, canned mandarins are available all through the year. This fruit can be eaten raw, added to salads and juices, and used to flavor candies, ice cream, and popsicles! Other than that, mandarin orange oil derived from its peel is used in the perfume and beauty industry as well. These are just a few of the mandarin orange benefits to give you a little idea. Keep reading to know more!
Health Benefits of Mandarin Oranges
Mandarin oranges are more than just a tasty treat. Mandarin oranges provide a number of health benefits, including reducing cancer risk and helping to lose weight.
1. Reduce Risk Of Cancer
Research has revealed that mandarins can lower the risk of developing liver cancer. The carotenoids present in mandarin oranges have been shown to reduce the risk of liver cancer. Mandarin juice given to hepatitis C patients failed to develop liver cancer because of its high beta-cryptoxanthin content. Mandarin orange has a high level of limonene which has anti-cancer effects and also helps to prevent breast cancer (1), (2).
2. Good Source Of Vitamin C
Mandarins contain a high level of Vitamin C which provides a number of health benefits. Vitamin C helps to fight a number of unstable molecules in our body known as free radicals through its antioxidant properties. We all are aware of the fact that free radicals in the body can lead to infectious diseases and cancer. The antioxidants present in mandarins disarm free radicals and prevent cellular damage (3).
3. May Help With Cholesterol Problems
Mandarins produce synephrine which curbs the production of cholesterol in the body. The antioxidants present in Mandarin help to lower bad cholesterol and promote good cholesterol. Mandarins combat the free radicals that oxidize the cholesterol which makes the cholesterol to stick to the artery walls. Further they contain soluble and insoluble fiber like hemicellulose and pectin which prevents cholesterol absorption in the gut (3), (4), (5).
4. May Lower Blood Pressure
Mandarins also help to lower blood pressure levels. They consist of nutrients and minerals like potassium that lowers the blood pressure. Mandarins keep the blood flow move smoothly through the arteries which keeps the blood pressure normal (3).
5. May Help Reduce Weight
Mandarins are a substantial source of fiber. Fiber rich foods keep the stomach full for a longer period of time and reduce the desire or need to eat more food, assisting in weight loss. Doctors have found that eating mandarin oranges benefits to lower insulin, thus instead of storing sugar and converting them to fats, it uses it as a fuel that leads to weight loss (6), (7).
6. May Boost Immunity
Vitamin C in Mandarin is instrumental in preventing cold and is vital for the proper functioning of a healthy immune system. Mandarins have anti-microbial properties that prevent wounds from getting septic and from viral, fungal, and bacterial infections. Mandarins prevent spasms in the digestive and nervous system thus preventing cramps and vomiting. Mandarin is a natural blood purifier that helps to flush out toxins and unwanted substances from the body (8), (9).
7. Promotes Skin Health
Vitamin C present in Mandarin is very good for the skin both when consumed internally and applied topically on the skin. Regular intake of mandarin juice makes the skin glow and improves the skin tone to a great extent. The antioxidants present in Mandarin protect the skin from harsh UVA rays and help the skin to resist the damage caused by the sun and free radicals. It also reduces signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and blemishes (10), (11).
Skin Benefits of Mandarin Oranges
It is a well-known fact that citrus fruits are great for skin and mandarin is no different (10), (11).
8. Good Source Of Antioxidants
Mandarin comes packed with antioxidants. It can provide 80% of your total daily vitamin C requirement. They help neutralize the harmful toxic effects of free radicals. This makes your skin look younger and healthy.
9. Leaves Skin Glowing
Mandarins come with a lot of dietary fiber. This makes it easy to cleanse the system. It flushes out all harmful toxins from one’s body. This gives a healthy and natural glow to your face.
10. May Improve Skin Tone
Mandarins are a good source of vitamin C and E. Both these are essential for healthy-looking skin. Regular intake of mandarins greatly improves the complexion. It also gives you flawless and blemish-free skin.
11. May Fight Wrinkles
Mandarins are popular for fighting signs of ageing like wrinkles and fine lines. They can be either consumed raw or as juice, and can be applied topically as well.
12. Heals Wounds:
Mandarin oil (extracted from mandarins) is found to be helpful in growing new cells and tissues. This helps in healing wounds faster.
Hair Benefits of Mandarin Oranges
13. Good Source Of Antioxidants
The antioxidant properties of mandarins help fight pollution. Hence they protect your hair by conditioning them (12).
14. May Add Shine And Bounce
You can topically apply mandarin juice to your hair and rinse it thoroughly thereafter. Instant shine and bounce will be visible in your hair. Make sure you apply the mandarin juice only after adding it to your hair oil.
How To Select?
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Eating Tips And Recipes?
Mandarins are famous because of their low calorie count and high content of essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins. It is best advised to eat at least 1-2 mandarins every day. Add it to your fruit salad. This will give your salad a much needed protein boost. It can also add a refreshing fragrance and taste to your sweet baked dishes.
Mandarin Orange Healthy Dessert:
Ingredients:
1 box sugar-free gelatin 1 cup of boiling water ½ cup cold water 1 cup drained mandarin oranges 1 cup of light whipped cream 1 cup low-fat yogurt 1 cup crushed pineapple in juice form
Preparation:
Mandarin Orange Fruit Salad:
Ingredients:
1 can of drained mandarin oranges 1 can of pineapple chunks 1 jar of maraschino cherries 1 cup of marshmallows 1 cup of flaked coconut 1 cup of sour cream
Preparation: Mandarins are fat free, sodium free, cholesterol free and saturated fat free as well. So eat as many mandarins as you want in a day.
Mandarin Marshmallows Kebabs:
Ingredients:
Few thread-peeled mandarins Peeled kiwi fruit Marshmallows Strawberry puree Honey Strawberry yogurt (optional)
Preparation:
Mandarin Oranges Nutrition Facts
Check out in detail the nutritional value of mandarin oranges (13). Which is healthier – oranges or mandarins? Both citrus fruits have a similar nutritional profile and hence are equally healthy. What happens if you eat too many mandarin oranges? The high fiber content may lead to nausea, diarrhea, cramping, and the sugar and acid content may lead to dental problems like cavities. Can people with diabetes eat mandarin oranges? Yes. Mandarin oranges contain antioxidants that may reduce the risk of diabetes or its complications (14). Are mandarins anti-inflammatory? Yes. Citrus fruits, in general, are packed with anti-inflammatory compounds (3). Are mandarin oranges acidic or alkaline? Mandarin oranges are alkaline-forming fruits.
