Overview
Tangerines are citrus fruits, a variety of oranges found all over the world. Its origin is traced to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia from where it spread to other parts of the world. Tangerine has two parts-an outer peel which is reddish-orange in colour and  the pulp which is divided into several half-moon shaped segments. They are smaller in size and the peel can very easily be removed.Tangerines are now in season and we must take advantage of this.
The taste of tangerines is less sour; sweeter than that of orange.
The family of tangerines includes oranges, grapefruits and pomelo.
Tangerines contain water, carbohydrates (slightly more than oranges), protein, vitamins,  minerals and phytochemicals. However, they do not have fat, cholesterol and sodium.
The greatest producers of oranges in the world areBrazil, USA,, Mexico, India and China.
There are two main varieties of oranges:-sweet and bitter.
Like in the case of oranges; two or three tangerines a day are enough. When consumed in large quantity, they can cause diarrhea because of the fibre; the sugar consumed at once can increase the blood sugar; and finally, plenty of potassium which can result from excessive consumption of tnagerines is dangerous to the heart.
Tangerines are best stored in the open or in the fridge to avoid molding.
1. Rehydrates body and supplies nutrients
Tangerines are 95 percent water, keeping the body hydrated while helping the body to eliminate toxins. Tangerines also have carbohydrates, mainly sugar and fibre. Thus Tangerines are a source of energy. Tangerines also contain a little protein, a lot of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and some minerals such as calcium. The body needs allthe nutrients for proper functioning.
2. Cares for your skin.
Tangerines contain Vitamin C, a known anti-oxidants; the latter are known to fight free radicals in our body. Free radicals are partly responsible for the accelerated aging of the cells in our body including the cells of the skin. Tangerines therefore can slow down the aging of the skin, making the skin fresh and healthy.
3. Fights cancers –
Tangerines contain a lot of fibre which encourages bowel movements. In this way Tangerines help prevent cancer of the colon.  Tangerines also contain plenty of vitamin C which is an anti-oxidant, this reduces damage to cells of the colon by free radicals; in this way oranges again help to prevent cancer of the colon.
4. Strengthens our body defense.
Tangerines help to increase our immunity and hence our ability to fight infections especially viral. This is due to vitamin C and flavonoids in Tangerines.
The vitamin C in Tangerines stimulates the production of white cells in our body, the cells that fight viruses and bacteria in our body.
5. Aids in weight loss and Bowel Movement 
Due to its low calorie and high water content, Tangerines are ideal for people who are looking for weight loss. The high water content and dietary fiber in Tangerines are very effective in riding the body of toxins from the digestive system, aiding digestion. Daily consumption of Tangerines can be regarded as a remedy for chronic constipation. The fibre contained in Tangerines makes one feel full easily and longer without taking in plenty of calorie.
6. Reduces cholesterol and Regulates Heart Function – 
Tangerines contain dietary fiber, pectin and folate which directly promote the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Eating one or two tangerines a day helps to keep your cardiovascular system healthy.  The pectin in tangerines have been shown to lower bad cholesterol; pectin appears to slow the body’s absorption of fats and lower cholesterol levels.
Tangerines have plenty of soluble fibre;  high intake of soluble fibre reduces absorption of cholesterol and bile acid (which are also rich in cholesterol) from the small intestines, thereby reducing blood cholesterol level.
When soluble fibres are broken down by bacteria in the intestines, some fatty acids released are said to reduce the production of cholesterol by the liver. By lowering blood cholesterol, fibres help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Tangerines also help in lowering blood pressure by its fibre and also because of flavonoid contained therein; studies have shown that a flavonoid called hesperidin and magnesium in oranges can lower high blood pressure.
Tangerines are very rich in Potassium which helps to regulate the functioning of the heart.
7.  Promotes joint health, Relieves arthritis pain.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, tangerines help in relieving arthritis pain and stiffness of muscles and joints.
8. Orange Helps Reduce Risk of Stroke
Tangerines contain a lot of fibre as said earlier; by lowering blood cholesterol, fibres help to reduce the risk of stroke which is associated with high blood cholesterol Level. Stroke results from narrowing/blockage or rupture of blood vessels supplying blood to the brain.

 

No Comments

Leave a Comment

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our Feed