HEALTH TIP

Most of us who eat oranges, normally throw out the peels, but what many of us are unaware of is that these peels are loaded with highly nutritious compounds that are beneficial for our health. Orange peels contain more than 60 types of flavonoids and over 170 different types of phytonutrients, in addition to being rich in various pectins, vitamins, minerals and fibre. Here are the top 7 health benefits of orange peel which might make you think twice before discarding the peels, the next time you consume an orange –
 
Helps in weight loss
One of the key reasons why people dislike orange peel is because of its bitter taste, but this peel acts as an excellent weight loss aid, as it contains good amounts of fibre and is low in calories. It adds bulk to the food and thus, helps in lowering the overall caloric intake, thereby aiding weight loss. It also exerts anti-obesity effects by suppressing weight gain by the body and formation of adipose tissue.

Relieves respiratory problems

Orange peel provides excellent support against respiratory distress and is also found to be effective for treating asthma. It exerts a lung cleansing activity, by playing a vital role in breaking down and expelling congestion (phlegm). It also contains high levels of histamine, reducing compounds and antioxidants, which helps in relieving various respiratory complications like bronchitis, cold, flu and lung cancer.

Prevents digestive complications
Orange peel is a rich source of non-soluble polysaccharides (type of dietary fibres) like pectins, tannins and hemi-cellulose. These compounds prevent constipation by increasing the bulk and reducing contact time of food with the intestine. It also plays an active role in reducing acidity (gas trouble) and prevents vomiting and heartburn.

Improves oral health
Do you suffer from bad breadth? Chew orange peels instead of a gum or mouth fresher to get rid of the foul odour naturally. Orange peels are also an effective and cheap measure to whiten stained teeth, in addition to preventing sensitive teeth. You can either rub the inside of an orange peel or apply its paste on the teeth to whiten it naturally.  

Protects from cancer
Several studies have shown that increased consumption of orange peel in the diet lowers the risk of human cancers, namely skin, breast and colon cancer. Orange peel offers protection against colon cancer by binding to the toxic chemicals in the food, thereby hindering their exposure to the intestinal mucus membrane.
 

Acts as a natural skin bleach
Vitamin C, present in orange peels, acts as an effective and safe natural scrubber and bleach for skin. The peel extract, when applied with curd or milk can lighten dark blemishes and spots on the skin. You can also rub the peel directly on the skin or use diluted pastes to prevent skin burns and remove sun tan. It also helps tone the skin, protect from harmful sun rays and cleanse pores naturally. Read about 


Improves heart health
Orange peel contains nobiletin, a type of polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs), compounds which are found to exert positive effect on the heart. These compounds lower your risk of  heart disease and inflammation in addition to lowering the blood cholesterol levels (LDL – Low Density Lipoprotein) in the body.
Tip: Grate the orange peel and sprinkle zest on salads, vegetables and desserts. You can also use dried orange peel extracts for beauty allied measures.