Discover the Health Benefits of The Mandarin Orange

The mandarin orange is abundant with health benefits and is usually seen in season from January to February. One 200-gram mandarin orange has about 106 calories, which makes it fairly healthy.

In this article, you will see several mandarin orange benefits, apart from exchanging it during festive seasons.

It Demonstrates Remarkable Antioxidative Effects

Are mandarin oranges healthy? They contain high amounts of vitamin C and account for 28% of your daily intake. The vitamin is an antioxidant that neutralises free radicals. In addition, the fruit is also a healthy source of carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin. 

Beta-carotene can convert into retinol – a type of vitamin A – that supports the healthy functioning of the eyes and immune system. Lutein and zeaxanthin help prevent retina damage and age-related macular degeneration.

It Lowers Your Risk of Chronic and Degenerative Diseases

A British study found that flavonoids (once known as vitamin P) enhance blood vessel function and fight inflammation. Flavonoids, a type of polyphenol, refer to a diverse group of plant chemicals found in almost all fruits and vegetables.

Consequently, this can help reduce your risk of stroke. A Harvard study also shows that flavonoids have neuroprotective effects that may delay the onset of Parkinson’s disease.  

Separately, the consumption of mandarin orange peel enables an intake of polyphenols that, like vitamin C, can eliminate harmful free radicals. The peel also supplements:

• A flavonoid called naringin, which can halt the formation of renal cysts (nephroprotective activity).
• A flavonoid called hesperidin, which protects blood vessels

It Helps to Keep the Digestive System Healthy

Another mandarin orange benefit is that they are a substantial source of soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre prevents the absorption of fats and certain dietary cholesterol, which slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, thus regulating cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

Insoluble fibre helps promote digestive health by helping food move through the digestive tract. It can also help fend off diverticular disease and treat symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).  

On the other hand, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) commonly uses mandarin orange peel as a prescription medicine. Ingesting a formula that combines the dried, unripe peel with other ingredients provides a strong medicinal effect. For instance, it can dispel phlegm, clear Dampness, remove Stagnation, and nourish the Spleen.  

It’s worth noting that dried tangerine peel is acrid, bitter, and warm. It can invigorate the Spleen, detoxify the body, eliminate Dampness, and resolve phlegm. It can also relieve nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and flatulence. As such, it’s useful for nourishing the stomach and regulating the intestines.

It Gives Your Bones a Strength Boost

A mandarin orange supplements 3% of your daily magnesium and phosphorus intake. Specifically, phosphorus is an essential ingredient of strong bones and teeth. 

Adequate consumption of these minerals is also essential for hindering osteoporosis. Meanwhile, magnesium regulates the formation of hydroxyapatite and activates the enzymes that form new bones.

It Relieves the Symptoms of a Cough or Cold

Contrary to popular belief, the use of mandarin oranges that are roasted and sprinkled with salt doesn’t treat a fever or cough but can relieve its symptoms. They are also suitable for the latter stages of colds or coughs.

A common cold disrupts the distribution of body fluids. Hence, consumption of this fruit can offer relief by alleviating coughs, moistening the lungs, and supplying body fluids.

Research also exhibits that vitamin C will not necessarily cure a fever. It can, however, shorten the duration of illness and ease the severity of symptoms. In TCM, the pith of mandarin oranges is reticulated as they can dredge qi and meridians.

The dredging effect is good for people with a chronic cough or chronic illness, especially those with pulmonary fibrosis, and it can improve their coughing condition, according to Yang Renlin, a physician at the Department of Traditional Medicine at Taipei Veterans General Hospital.

Precautions to Take When Eating a Mandarin Orange or Ten

TCM states that mandarin oranges are generally cooling in nature. Because of this, you should limit your consumption at all times. Likewise, people who have a common cold that presents with the Wind-Cold syndrome – clear phlegm, sensitivity to cold, and cough that occurs when exposed to wind – should refrain from eating it.  

It is also inappropriate for people with a cold constitution, weak gastrointestinal function and chronic illnesses due to poor Spleen and stomach organ systems. Excessive consumption of mandarin oranges will result in cold air accumulating in the joints and trigger soreness and pain in the waist and knees.

Avoid drinking milk an hour before or after eating the fruit. The protein from milk and vitamin C from oranges will coagulate and cause flatulence. 

There is nothing wrong with indulging in a delectable treat like the mandarin orange during Chinese New Year. However, you should always consume in moderation. With the mandarin orange’s benefits, you can enjoy it without worry throughout the festive season.