It is surprising that orange peels have about four times more health benefits than the actual orange fruit that we eat. Orange peels contain flavonoids – like poly methoxy flavones (PMFs) and hesperidin – and other phytochemicals that are highly beneficial for your health.
Flavonoids are antioxidant compounds that help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and heart diseases. It also contains higher amounts of certain nutrients. For example, 3.5 ounces of orange peel provides 136 mg of Vitamin C.
In addition, orange peel contains considerable amounts of copper, calcium, magnesium, vitamin A and dietary fiber.
Some of the other benefits of orange peels are:
It supports a healthy heart
Orange peels contain hesperidin, a flavonoid that helps maintain blood pressure and cholesterol. The polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) found in orange peels also help lower cholesterol more effectively than drugs.
It prevents allergies
Histamines are the chemicals that are responsible for allergic reactions. Orange peels contain compounds that can help prevent histamine release.
It prevents cancer
Orange peels help slow down the growth of cancer cells. In fact, orange peels can reduce the number of squamous cell carcinoma, a fatal type of skin cancer. People who consume orange peels on a regular basis have fewer chances of being diagnosed with lung cancer and skin cancer than those who only eat the orange inside.
It helps to reduce weight
Orange peels help increase your metabolism and burn fat from your body. Many medical experts recommend orange peels as a cure for weight loss.
It aids in better digestion
Orange peels have anti-inflammatory properties that help treat many digestion and gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, heartburn, and acidity.
It cures hangover
Orange peel is one of the best things that can help cure a hangover. Just boil the peel for about 15-20 minutes and drink it like tea to get rid of a hangover.
It treats bad breath
Orange peels can help fight cavities and keep your breath fresh.
It helps to fights infection, cold, and flu
Orange peels are rich in vitamin C and A. This makes orange peels a natural antioxidant that helps boost your immune system and fight off germs and viruses.
It helps to treat skin problems
Orange peels help cure multiple skin problems such as blackheads, dead cells, acne, pores, dark circles, and dry skin. It also helps brighten your skin.
It cures Asthma
Orange peels also help remove phlegm and hence cures asthma.
How to include orange peels in a diet.
Orange peel can be consumed directly by washing and cutting it into small, thin strips. To avoid the bitter taste, you can add some seasoning from the top or club it with your favourite salad or sandwich. You can also add some of the thin orange peel strips to your smoothies and shakes.
The best and most common way to add orange peel to your diet is by consuming it in the cooked form. Orange zest or marmalade is a tasty way to get all the nutritional benefits of orange peel.