7 Benefits of Tangerine for Health

Tangerine is a citrus fruit, aromatic and rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, C, flavonoids, fibers, antioxidants, essential oils and potassium. Thanks to its properties, it provides various health benefits, improving intestinal health and stimulating the immune system.

This fruit can be consumed simple or can be incorporated into some recipes to prepare juices or desserts. Tangerine leaves can be used to prepare infusions, and its scientific name is  Citrus reticulata, and can be bought in supermarkets, municipal markets and natural products stores.

What are its Benefits

The main benefits of tangerine for the body are:

• Prevent heart disease , including atherosclerosis and stroke;
• Decrease bad LDL cholesterol , thanks to its fiber content;
• Strengthen the immune system , thanks to its vitamin C content;
• Prevent and control diabetes because it is low glycemic, so it helps regulate blood sugar, thanks to its fiber content;
• Prevent and control high blood pressure , because it is rich in potassium, a mineral that regulates blood pressure; 
• Improve digestion and functioning of the intestine;
• Promote weight loss because it has few calories and increases the feeling of fullness;
• Help fight the flu and colds, by being rich in vitamin C;
• Act as a natural calming and is excellent for those who suffer from insomnia.

In addition to this, tangerine due to its vitamin C content favors the absorption of iron at the intestinal level, so in cases of anemia it should be consumed in conjunction with iron-rich foods.

Benefits for Skin and Hair

In addition to being consumed as a dessert, in juices and teas, tangerine is also used as a raw material in the manufacture of beauty products, being added in creams for both hair and skin. Mandarin extract has the power to act as an astringent and moisturizer helping to nourish the skin, while in the hair it acts to prevent seborrhea and stimulate the growth of strands.

Nutritional Information

The table below shows the nutritional composition per 100 grams of mandarin:

How to Consume

To obtain the benefits of this fruit it is important to consume the tangerine with the bagasse, because this is where the fiber supply is found. This fruit is very versatile, being able to be consumed naturally, in juices, in a fruit salad and in the preparation of cakes or cakes. Some recipes are:

1. Tangerine Infusion

To take advantage of the tangerine peel, it is possible to prepare a hot tangerine infusion, for this you must place the peels of a tangerine in a cup of boiling water. Let stand for a few minutes and drink. This infusion is excellent in cases of insomnia and to combat stress.

2. Tangerine Jelly

Ingredients

• 300 ml of tangerine juice;
• 1 pack of agar agar jelly;
• 700 ml of water

Preparation Mode

Boil the water, dissolve the gelatin and add the tangerine juice, always mixing. Then place in the refrigerator for 2 hours or until completely firm.

3. Tangerine Cake 

Ingredients

• 3 eggs;
• 1 cup muscovado sugar;
• 3 tbsp soft margarine;
• 1 cup whole wheat flour;
• 1/2 cup oatmeal;
• 1 cup of natural tangerine juice prepared at the moment;
• 1 tsp baking powder; 
• 1 tsp baking soda;
• Scraping the tangerine peel.

Preparation Mode

Preheat the oven to 180º C. Beat the sugar, butter and eggs until you get a homogeneous mixture. Then, gradually add the flour, oats and tangerine juice and mix well. Finally you should add the tangerine zest, yeast and baking soda.

Place the mixture in a mold previously coated with butter and flour. Bake in the oven for 40 minutes or until a stick is inserted and it comes out clean.