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Today's Daily Health Tip
The Health Benefits of the Orange Peel
by Jennifer Good
Our weekly look at natural ingredients has us taking a closer look at an extremely common fruit, the orange. When you think of oranges, a host of beneficial properties come to mind. However, the peel is an often-overlooked aspect of this nutritious fruit. Historically, orange peels were highly valued and used for their essential oils in a variety of medicines and remedies. It is still in regular consumption (mainly as a zest) as part of the Mediterranean diet. Considering this diet is credited with numerous healthy benefits, they may be on to something here.
The Benefits The Limonene and flavonoids found in orange peel seem to have anti-carcinogenic properties. They can inhibit carcinogenesis by acting as a blocking agent. Studies have shown that limonin and limonene can induce the enzyme activity of glutathione S-transferase, which is an important detoxifying enzyme. The citric acid in the peel also helps starve cancer cells by cutting off their energy supply.
1 Orange peels can provide an extra benefit to diabetics and those looking to reduce overeating. This is due to the fact that orange peels are a natural source of pectin, a natural fiber that helps decrease the rise in blood sugar after a meal.
2 It may also be helpful in lowering cholesterol. In a May 2004 "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" article, Canadian researchers and the United States Department of Agriculture reported that isolated compounds from orange and tangerine peels showed promise as a natural alternative for reducing LDL cholesterol without the side effects of mainstream cholesterol drugs.
3 D-limonene is also helpful in dissolving kidney stones. In fact, the use of D-limonene mixed together with concentrated, unsweetened cranberry juice or capsules has a proven track record in dissolving kidney stones.
In addition, orange peel has antiseptic, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties, which is extremely beneficial in eliminating any kidney or urinary tract infections. It may also help with heartburn. According to a 2007 Alternative Medicine Review article by Jidong Sun, Ph.D., Sun notes that an active ingredient found in the orange peel, d-limonene, possesses the ability to neutralize gastric acid and support normal peristalsis.
4 Consuming Orange Peels Most people aren't going to eat an entire orange peel. One method of getting the nutritious value of this fruit is using the peels to make orange zest by adding it to foods and beverages. Making zest is simple. Just grate an orange with a grater or zesting tool. One caveat, however, is in some studies, high concentrations of pesticides have been found in orange peels.
5 As an alternative, some organizations recommend that one should only consume the peels of organically grown and processed oranges, where chemical pesticides or herbicides would not have been used on the peel.
6 Another option is to add food grade limonene oil to liquid supplements.
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