The Amazing Health Benefits of Tangerines
Tangerines are citrus fruit similar to oranges. They are even the same orange color. However, they are smaller comparing to regular sized oranges. On the other hand, tangerines are easily peeled and this leads to rather easier consumption of this delicious fruit. Apart from being excellent at enhancing of the immune system, tangerines can contribute to health in general thanks to a variety of nutritive components.
Nutritional Value of Tangerine
Amount of Tangerine: 1 cup
Total Weight of Tangerine: 195g
| Nutrients | Amount |
| Basic Components | |
| Protein | 1.6 g |
| Water | 166 g |
| Ash | 0.7 g |
| Calories | |
| Total Calories | 103 |
| Calories From Carbohydrate | 93.0 |
| Calories From Fat | 5.1 |
| Calories From Protein | 5.3 |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.0 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Sugars | 20.6 g |
| Fats & Fatty Acids | |
| Total Fat | 0.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g |
| Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 35.1 mg |
| Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 93.6 mg |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A | 1328 I.U. |
| Vitamin C | 52.1 mg |
| Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) | 0.4 mg |
| Niacin | 0.7 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mg |
| Folate | 31.2 mcg |
| Choline | 19.9 mg |
| Betaine | 0.2 mg |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium | 72.2 mg |
| Iron | 0.3 mg |
| Magnesium | 23.4 mg |
| Phosphorus | 39.0 mg |
| Potassium | 324 mg |
| Zinc | 0.1 mg |
| Copper | 0.1 mg |
| Manganese | 0.1 mg |
| Selenium | 0.2 mcg |
Some Health Benefits of Tangerine Components
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant characteristics. Prevention of certain diseases caused by free radicals as well as slowing down of the aging process are only two benefits of tangerine consumption. The maintenance of powerful immune system is also guaranteed in case of consumption of tangerines. The skin is healthy and good looking.
Fibers
Appropriate intake of fiber regulates proper bowel movements, assists in weight loss and is additionally good for maintenance of optimal sugar levels. Regular intake of fiber that is highly available in tangerines can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
Flavonoids
Hesperidin is one of flavonoids present in tangerine. It can be found in both the tangerine pulp and in the peel. Hesperidine acts as powerful antioxidant. It also assists in protection from inflammatory conditions, fights against viruses and possesses certain anti-allergic characteristics. Hesperidin is also associated with a possible prevention of certain types of cancers.
Apart from hesperidin, tangerines are rich in two more flavonoids, tangeretin and nobiletin. These two successfully fight malignant diseases, prevent weight gain, and decrease the level of cholesterol. Certain Japanese researchers say that tangeretin can interfere in the growth of malignant cells present in leukemia. Tangeretin in this case lead malignant cells to attack each other.
Carotenoids
Beta-cryptoxantin is one carotenoid present in tangerines. It is actually a provitamin A. Provitamins are substances that can be turned into vitamins inside the body. In this specific case beta-cryptoxantin or provitamin A is converted to retinol.
One study presented data that beta- cryptoxantin can drastically reduce the risk of lung cancer. This amazing carotenoid can be efficient in prevention of rheumatoid arthritis.
Nutrition & Health Benefits of Eating Tangerine
· Tangerine actually relieves the body of painful body spasms. Spasms often affect more than just the muscles of the body and are known to affect respiratory system, digestive system and nervous system. Tangerine has calming effect on nerves and is believed to relax organic systems and relieve spasms.
· Tangerine is regarded as a cytophylactic, as it stimulates cell division and generates new cells. Surprising it may sound, but this tangy fruit actually helps to repair all external wear and tear or any great damages done to the body.
· Tangerine is a rich blood purifying agent and is widely used a depurative. It is known to assist in the excretion of toxic and unwanted substances from the body such as uric acid, extra salt, pollutants and water. It is also known to boost body’s capacity to the retain oxygen in the erythrocytes (red blood cells), thus helping in purification of blood.
· Tangerine is known to have a relaxing effect on nerves and is used to soothe fevered brows. It alleviates all types of inflammations and hyperactivity in human body. It is used as a sedative against fever, poison, paroxysms, anxiousness, stress, allergic reaction and more. It is also known to sedate depressive disorder, calm down anger and check whimsical responses.
· Tangerine is known to be stomachic that assists to keep the stomach in good condition. It aids in proper flow of digestive juices, maintains right balance between acid and bile and cures all stomach infections and inflammations.
· Tangerine is widely favored as tonic that aids in proper functioning of the body, boost metabolism, and help in decomposition of and absorption of nutrients by toning up the liver, stomach and intestines.
· It helps in growth and development, proper excretion, promotion of the endocrinal secretions of hormones and enzymes.
· Tangerine is known to tone up the nervous system and helps one stay more alert and active. It also boosts the immune system and keeps all infections at bay.
Sources:
ic.steadyhealth.com
lifestyle.iloveindia.com
Other links:
10 Health Benefits of Watermelon
