What are the benefits and harms of tangerine for human health?

It is generally accepted that tangerine is an exclusively winter citrus that appears on the eve of the New Year celebrations. The fruits of the evergreen tree ripen in November-December. Tangerine is suitable for long-term storage, so it can be of some use for several months after ripening.

Calorie content and BZHU

Tangerines are the fruits of the tangerine tree that reach small sizes:

• in diameter - up to 5 centimeters;
• by weight - up to 150 grams.

They are considered a dietary product; the calorie content of 100 grams is 53 kilocalories. Most of the fruit is water, proteins and fats in the composition are less than 1 gram, carbohydrates are about 13 grams, 1.8 grams of the total volume are dietary fiber.

Chemical composition

A distinctive feature of the fruit is its recognizable citrus smell. This is due to the increased content of essential oils. They give citrus aroma and oiliness.

Tangerines contain all groups of vitamins:

• thiamine;
• riboflavin;
• niacin;
• pantothenic, ascorbic acids;
• folacin.

The highest indicator belongs to vitamin C. Among micro- and macroelements, the content of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium is increased. The composition is of particular value due to the presence of phytoncides.

What are the benefits of tangerines for the body?

Elements of the chemical composition determine the main beneficial properties of the fruit:

• have a preventive effect during the cold season due to the increased content of vitamin C;
• help prevent the aging process; this is explained by the content of special pigments, as well as the influence of B vitamins;
• promote saturation with useful substances;
• have a mild diuretic effect;
• help cleanse the body of toxins due to the content of dietary fiber;
• have the ability to have an antimicrobial effect due to the content of phytoncides.

Tangerines for the cardiovascular system

The main property of tangerines is considered to be their effect on the functioning of the heart. This is due to the increased potassium content, which is necessary to normalize the activity of the heart muscle.

In addition, the white film that covers the lobules of the fetus contains useful glycosides that help regulate the condition of blood vessels.

The benefits of fruits for the nervous system

Essential oils have a beneficial effect on the nervous system:

• help improve sleep quality;
• prevent the development of neuroses.

Citrus is called the “cure for stress.” The content of esters and antioxidants gives it properties to block the development of depressive conditions.

Tangerines for blood, kidneys and liver

Juice from the fruit is used to relieve symptoms of cystitis or pyelonephritis. This is due to the diuretic effect of citrus fruits.

Juice and pulp have a positive effect on blood counts. The carbohydrates that fruits contain are easily digestible, prevent high cholesterol, and normalize blood flow. The fruit also contains iron, which is easily absorbed in combination with beneficial antioxidants. This helps improve blood counts.

The intake of tangerines for liver diseases should be limited. The fruits contain fructose. This monosaccharide can only be broken down by liver cells. If taken excessively, the organ is subjected to increased stress, which negatively affects the general condition.

Restoring the digestive system

With a gentle diuretic effect, the fruits help cleanse the intestines. This is possible due to its fiber content. It helps remove toxins and waste.After serious digestive problems, it is recommended to drink freshly squeezed juice - 100 milliliters in the morning or evening.

Tangerines for the cardiovascular system

The main property of tangerines is considered to be their effect on the functioning of the heart. This is due to the increased potassium content, which is necessary to normalize the activity of the heart muscle.

In addition, the white film that covers the lobules of the fetus contains useful glycosides that help regulate the condition of blood vessels.

The benefits of fruits for the nervous system

Essential oils have a beneficial effect on the nervous system:

• help improve sleep quality;
• prevent the development of neuroses.

Citrus is called the “cure for stress.” The content of esters and antioxidants gives it properties to block the development of depressive conditions.

Tangerines for blood, kidneys and liver

Juice from the fruit is used to relieve symptoms of cystitis or pyelonephritis. This is due to the diuretic effect of citrus fruits.

Juice and pulp have a positive effect on blood counts. The carbohydrates that fruits contain are easily digestible, prevent high cholesterol, and normalize blood flow. The fruit also contains iron, which is easily absorbed in combination with beneficial antioxidants. This helps improve blood counts.

The intake of tangerines for liver diseases should be limited. The fruits contain fructose. This monosaccharide can only be broken down by liver cells. If taken excessively, the organ is subjected to increased stress, which negatively affects the general condition.

Restoring the digestive system

With a gentle diuretic effect, the fruits help cleanse the intestines. This is possible due to its fiber content. It helps remove toxins and waste.After serious digestive problems, it is recommended to drink freshly squeezed juice - 100 milliliters in the morning or evening.

Tangerines for diabetes

Citrus is considered acceptable for use in cases of diabetes of both types. It has an average glycemic index. Reception of the fetus is possible outside periods of exacerbation of diabetic conditions. The daily intake for diabetics should not exceed half the average fruit.

Information! The sweeter the citrus variety, the higher its glycemic index.

Prevention of cancer

Tangerines have several beneficial properties that are valuable for the prevention of cancer:

• improve liver activity;
• promote regeneration at the cellular level;
• have a positive effect on metabolic processes.

Tangerine zest is considered especially useful. When tumor formations develop, it is recommended to add it to tea and other drinks. The peel contains an essential substance – salvestrol, which prevents the proliferation of cancer cells.

The benefits of tangerine for the female body

The properties of citrus fruits are of great importance for improving women's health:

• during pregnancy, tangerines become a source of essential folic acid;
• during menopause, help relieve symptoms;
• have a positive effect on the condition of hair and skin, thanks to the content of B vitamins, as well as essential oils.

They have a special effect on the nervous system of women. They are used as a “stress reliever”. Aromatherapy techniques based on tangerine oil are popular in most beauty salons. This creates a relaxing, calm atmosphere.

The peel has healing properties, which are especially useful for women, and are used in cosmetology. The substances it contains promote cell regeneration and relieve inflammatory processes on the skin after external use.

What are the benefits of tangerine for men?

Phytoncides and essential oils have a positive effect on the reproductive system in men, so many urologists recommend choosing tangerine juice for daily intake.

Tangerines are recommended for men during increased physical activity as a means of quenching thirst and increasing muscle tone.

Contraindications to the use of tangerines

Any fruit can become a source of harm to health if consumed excessively or if disturbances in the functioning of certain organs are ignored. Tangerines are contraindicated:

• with increased acidity of the stomach, during acute inflammation of the stomach walls;
• for acute ulcers, gastritis, colitis;
• with increased sensitivity to citrus fruits, the presence of allergies, expressed by dermatitis and eczema;
• for diseases characterized by a deficiency of the enzyme that breaks down fructose.

Information! Citrus fruits are not recommended for children under 1.5 years old.

How to select and store tangerines?

When choosing citrus fruits, special attention is paid to the condition of the peel. A ripe and tasty fruit has the following characteristics:

• the peel is smooth, without damage or dark spots;
• the color of the fruit varies from faint orange to rich bright;
• with light pressure there is no trace left on the peel;
• the peel is not processed in any way, rough to the touch.

For storage, select smooth and undamaged fruits. To increase the shelf life, each citrus is wrapped in food paper, placed in boxes and put in a cool place.The fruits are regularly inspected, spoiled ones are removed and the paper is changed.

At room temperature, tangerines are stored for about 10 days; in the refrigerator, the period can increase to 15 days.