16 HEALTH BENEFITS OF MANDARIN ORANGE - NUTRITION

The benefits of mandarin for the body are varied and surprising: it fights and prevents cancer, reduces triglycerides and cholesterol, improves memory, is effective for respiratory tract diseases, in addition to the large amount of vitamins and beta-carotene that it provides to the body and many more benefits that you will know below.

It belongs to the Rutaceae (citrus family) and is scientifically known as Citrus reticulata. Its name comes from Tangier in Morocco, from where it was sent to Europe and the United States in 1800. Previously, it had been cultivated in China and Japan, for about 3000 years, although it is currently produced in different parts of the world.

It is a family of the orange, but it is smaller, juicier, easy to peel and to eat in segments. Its flavor is also variable, it depends on the stage of its maturity, it is usually more sour or sweeter. In addition, the mandarin tree is smaller than that of oranges, with thin branches, and dark green leaves with pointed ends.

This fruit is a great source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and folic acid. It also contains vitamin A, vitamins B1, B2, and B3, as well as potassium and magnesium. One medium-sized mandarin (70 grams) provides 1.8 grams of dietary fiber.

Mandarins are seasonal winter fruits (November to January), but they can be found throughout the year thanks to advanced storage techniques. However, it is important that you avoid selecting ones that have dots, that are very soft, or that feel hollow to the touch.

To store the mandarin, it is advisable to place it in the fridge in an airtight container, which guarantees that it is kept for at least a week, although it is good to consume as soon as possible in order to guarantee a rich and fresh flavor, and the presence optimal of its vitamins and nutrients.

16 healthy properties of mandarins

1- Prevents cancer

The Department of Sciences and Biotechnology of the University of Kinki in Japan, carried out a study to determine the existence of cancer preventive components in citrus fruits (including mandarin), being able to conclude that these have inhibitory and antioxidant components.

Therefore, the consumption of tangerines can be a source of prevention against cancer.

In this list you can find other anticancer foods.

2- It is a radar for vitamin A

A study conducted at Yuanpei University in China, determined the effectiveness of mandarin as a treatment agent in neuronal diseases.

For this, we worked with a culture associated with several components and the implementation of the mandarin as an enhancer element, being able to conclude that the tangerine peel has a powerful anti-neuro-inflammatory capacity.

4- Ally against pulmonary fibrosis

Mandarin has been used for a long time in traditional medicine as a treatment for diseases related to the lung.

This is why at the University of Nanjing in China, an investigation was carried out to measure the inhibitory effect of mandarin on pulmonary fibrosis.

For this, some compounds were administered orally in combination with the tangerine extract treatment and tests were carried out to measure the levels.

The researchers were able to conclude that this fruit has an inhibitory activity on the proliferation of malignant cells and a preventive effect on pulmonary fibrosis.

5- Useful against fungi

A study carried out at the Huazhong Agricultural University, in China, decided to study the components against fungi that tangerine has, especially against one of the most powerful that is Aspergillus niger.

They concluded that mandarin orange has protective properties against this type of bacteria and this is explained by the permeability of the fruit and the inhibitory effect on cell walls.

6- Control cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Focusing on the pharmacological properties, researchers from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada, identified a new benefit of mandarin.

Using a model developed by the researchers, they came to the conclusion that if mandarin is added to a diet with fats and simple sugars, there is no increase in cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin or glucose levels, although it does win weight normally. This suggests that this fruit has an inhibitory effect associated with these components.

In this list you can know other foods to lower cholesterol.

7- It could extend the life of patients with leukemia

In several departments of the University of Hong Kong, the properties of the extract of the mandarin plant and its medicinal effects on this disease in mice were investigated.

The mandarin extracts not only inhibited cell proliferation, but also increased the survival rate of the study mice.

These promising results are a guide for future research in humans.

8- Fight parasites in the liver

Researchers in Egypt conducted a study to determine the effect of mandarin in the treatment of infections caused by a species of parasite in the liver. Treatment with the extract of this fruit improved all the enzymatic activities with a notable reduction in the load of worms.

9- Relieves symptoms of the common cold

In traditional Chinese medicine, dried citrus peels have been widely used as cough remedies and to reduce phlegm, however there were no studies to corroborate the information.

The University of Taiwan carried out an investigation to determine the anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts of tangerine peel. The results showed that a treatment accompanied with extracts of this fruit considerably improve the symptoms.

10- Serves as a mosquito repellent

At the University of Bangkok, Thailand, a study was carried out that aimed to determine the activity of the citrus seed extract, including mandarin, against the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The results indicated that the seed extract killed the mosquito, suggesting that it can be used as a mosquito repellent.

11- Improve allergies

The International Center for Complementary Medicine in China conducted a study based on the effectiveness of mandarin in traditional medicine for cases of allergic treatments and chronic cough, in order to verify the effectiveness in the treatment of allergic diseases.

The result that was obtained was a great improvement in the airways when allergic episodes occurred.

12- Help for Alzheimer's patients

The Geriatric Society of Japan conducted research on the benefits of mandarin extract in mild to moderate Alzheimer's patients.

The scientists concluded that mandarin orange could prevent the deterioration of Alzheimer's patients.

On the other hand, a study was conducted at Helwan University in Egypt, using different enzymes, drugs and the use of mandarin as part of the treatment, concluding that the administration of mandarin extract contains antioxidant properties that could help prevent loss memory and the onset of dementia.

13- Reduce digestive problems

A study carried out at the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology of the University of Lagos in Nigeria, managed to verify that mandarin is effective in preventing digestive problems, which is why they suggest the incorporation of this fruit as part of the treatment.

14- Improves the appearance of the skin

Research was carried out at the Department of Biological Sciences at Sunandan Divatia School of Sciences in India to determine the components of mandarin orange that help skin care and treat wrinkles.

Through several tests and analyzes with various components, it was determined that mandarin has a large amount of anti-aging properties and cares for the skin.

Here you can know other good foods for the skin.

15- Help in the preparation of the colonoscopy

At the Veterans Hospital in Taipei, China, they conducted research to measure the beneficial properties of mandarin orange in the preparation of patients who would undergo a colonoscopy, in combination with the drug they usually use.

They were divided into two groups, one control and one to which the treatment with this fruit would be applied. Compared with the conventional colon preparation, the application of mandarin improved tolerance to the examinees, decreased the incidence of adverse events and maintained the quality of colon cleansing.

16- Improves healing

In order to determine the effectiveness of the use of mandarin in the healing process of people with burns, a study was carried out at Sun Yat-sen University in China, which concluded that the use of this fruit could be beneficial for healing and to avoid the proliferation of other microorganisms.

Contraindications

There are few adverse effects of tangerine. However, when there is excess use of the fruit, there have been cases of rash on the skin.

Likewise, it should be used with caution in patients with gastrointestinal disorders, since when consumed too much it can cause obstructions.

It should also be used with caution in patients taking cancer drugs.

Consumption of mandarin is not recommended in pregnant or lactating women in higher than normal amounts due to the lack of available scientific evidence.

Nutritional information

A serving of (100 grams) of mandarin contains:

53 kilocalories of energy (2.5 percent DV)
13.34 grams of carbohydrates (10 percent DV)
0.81 grams of protein (1.5 percent DV)
0.31 grams of total fat (1 percent DV)
1.8 grams of dietary fiber (5 percent DV)
16 micrograms of folates (4 percent DV)
0.376 milligrams niacin (2.5 percent DV)
0.216 milligrams pantothenic acid (4 percent DV)
0.078 milligrams pyridoxine (6 percent DV)
0.036 milligrams riboflavin (3 percent DV)
0.058 milligrams thiamine (5 percent DV)
26.7 milligrams vitamin C (44 percent DV)
681 IU vitamin A (23 percent DV)
0.20 milligrams vitamin E (1 percent DV)
2 milligrams sodium (0.5 percent DV)
166 milligrams potassium (3.5 percent DV)
37 milligrams calcium (4 percent DV)
42 micrograms copper (4.5 percent DV)
0.15 milligrams iron (2 percent DV)
12 milligrams magnesium (3 percent DV)
0.039 milligrams manganese (1.5 percent DV)
0.07 milligrams zinc (1 percent DV)

Fun facts

China produces more mandarins than any other country.
A tangerine has half the vitamin C that is needed for a whole day.
Most of the mandarins produced in the United States come from Florida or California.
They are believed to have originated in China. They have been cultivated in China and Japan for more than 3,000 years.
Their name comes from the place in Europe where they were sent for the first time, Tangier, Morocco.
Mandarins arrived in Europe in the early nineteenth century and America in the middle of that century.
They have a short season, from November to January.
They used to be nicknamed the "Christmas orange", as they usually stuffed children's stockings on these dates.
The mandarin tree is much smaller than the rest of the citrus.
When choosing mandarins, they should be those that do not have spots and that feel heavy for their size.
In ancient times, Chinese officials who wore orange robes were called mandarins and were often used in the celebration of Christmas in the United States and Canada and were a symbol of the Chinese New Year.
There are those who use it to get out of depression or sadness.
The mandarin also originated the name of a Chinese dialect and a type of duck.

Recipes

Sautéed paprika with tangerine

A great side dish for those who like a touch of citrus combined with a sour taste. You can use any variety of bell peppers.

Ingredients:

2 bell peppers, julienned
¼ cup tangerine juice
1 pinch of parsley
Garlic and salt to taste

preparation:

1- Place the peppers in a container and add the tangerine juice, parsley, garlic and salt. Stir until you coat the mixture evenly.

2- Cook in a skillet over medium heat until the juice evaporates and they are lightly golden, approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

Tangerine dream

A delicious refreshing tangerine drink, accompanied with mango, pineapple, apple, carrot, in this tropical flavored juice. You can also add the fruits of your choice.