One of the most consumed fruits worldwide is the orange.
However, before the fruit is consumed, orange peels are often removed and discarded aside from being zested.
However, some contend that since orange peels contain valuable nutrients, they need to be consumed rather than discarded.
Plant chemicals and nutrient advantages
Oranges are juicy, sweet citrus fruits that are renowned for having a lot of vitamin C.
Perhaps less widely recognized is the fact that orange peels are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and plant chemicals like polyphenols.
1 tablespoon (6 grams) of orange peel supplies 14% of the Daily Value (DV) of vitamin C, which is approximately three times as much as the interior fruit. The same dish has almost 4 times more fiber as well.
According to studies, diets rich in fiber and vitamin C are good for the heart and digestive system and may even help against some types of cancer.
Provitamin A, folate, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B6, calcium, and folate are all present in significant quantities in orange peel.
Several chronic illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease, may be prevented or managed with the help of polyphenols
One test-tube investigation discovered that orange peels had much higher total polyphenol content and activity than the genuine fruit.
In particular, the polyphenols hesperidin and poly methoxy flavones (PMFs), which are also being investigated for their possible anticancer effects, are good sources in orange peels.
Additionally, limonene, a naturally occurring molecule that has been researched for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer capabilities, particularly those against skin cancer, makes up approximately 90% of the essential oils in orange peels.
How to consume it
Although you can bite into an orange’s skin, it’s recommended to eat smaller portions at once to avoid stomach discomfort.
Orange peels can be sliced into thin strips and added to salads or smoothies using a knife or vegetable peeler.
They can be candied or used to make orange marmalade for a sweeter variation.
Finally, adding orange zest to yogurt, oats, muffins, salad dressings, or marinades is a simple method to incorporate lesser amounts of orange peel.
But if you do try them, don’t forget to wash the fruit beforehand.
