By Bisola Adeyemo
Oranges are juicy, sweet citrus fruits known for being high in vitamin C.
It is perhaps less well known that orange peels are also rich in several nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, and plant compounds like polyphenols.
It contains good amounts of provitamin A, folate, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B6, and calcium it’s rich in plant compounds called polyphenols, which may help prevent and manage many chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies show that diets high in vitamin C and fiber, benefit heart and digestive health and may protect against certain types of cancer.
Some reports suggest that the orange peel is actually the healthiest part of the whole fruit.
As surprising as that might seem, research tells us that orange peels are rich in flavonoids and several other important phytochemicals that offer various health benefits.
Just to give you an idea – while the orange flesh contains about 71 milligrams of vitamin C, the peel contains over 136 milligrams.
1. Orange Peels Help Prevent Cancer.
As per studies, the flavonoids in orange peels inhibit a protein (termed as RLIP76) that is linked to cancer. The peels also contain another compound called limonene, which can cut cancer risk.
2. Blood Pressure
Oranges contain no sodium, which helps keep a person below their daily limitTrusted Source. On the other hand, a cup of orange juice can boost daily potassium intakeTrusted Source by 14%.
Maintaining a low sodium intake is essential to lowering blood pressure. However, increasing potassium intake may be just as important for reducing a person’s risk of high blood pressure, as it can help support the relaxation and opening of blood vessels.
3. Heart health
Oranges are a good source of fiber and potassium, both of which can support heart health.
4. Help in Weight Loss
Oranges are low in calories, which is one reason they are a great addition to a weight loss diet. And they are filled with dietary fiber, which controls your appetite and discourages binging.
Orange peels also contain vitamin C that is known to help burn fat.
5. Boost Eye Health
Though there is less information on this, some sources say that compounds like limonene, decanal, and citral in orange peels can help boost eye health. They have anti-inflammatory properties that fight infections and improve vision.
6. Enhance Digestive Health.
The fiber in the fruit peel aids digestion and promotes regularity. Studies also show how citrus fruit peels, in general, have been used since ancient times to treat digestive disorders
7. Help Fight Inflammation
One New York study shows how orange peel exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory properties (5). Further research tells us how orange peels can suppress inflammation in a way similar to indomethacin, an anti-inflammatory drug.
8. Protect Teeth
Thanks to the antibacterial properties of orange peels, they protect you from dental caries
In addition, orange peel can help whitening teeth, the limonene in orange peels also works as a natural scent and solvent. This helps whiten your teeth in a natural way.
9. Make Skin Glow
Orange peel is considered a boon for the skin as it treats blackheads, dead cells, acne, and blemishes. It also brightens the face.
Other benefits are making tea from orange peels by boiling it, making an air freshener by simply adding the peels in boiling water can freshen the air around you. In fact, you can inhale the air (steam) for relief from headache.