Orange Peels – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

08/18/2017 / By Earl Garcia

Orange peels are simply the skins of the orange fruit. Often discarded, not many people know that these peels are just as healthy as the fruits themselves. According to the DIY Natural website, either dried or fresh orange peels offer both culinary and medicinal benefits.

List of known nutrients

As with other citrus fruits such as lemons and limes, orange peels are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that promote the body’s overall health. An entry posted on the Nutrition Value website features a complete list of important nutrients found in orange peels, which include:

Calcium
Copper
Folate
Hesperidin
Hexadecenoic Acid
Iron
Magnesium
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
Niacin
Octadecenoic Acid
Pantothenic Acid
Phosphorus
Phytosterols
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Potassium
Protein
Riboflavin
Selenium
Sodium
Tetradecanoic Acid
Thiamin
Vitamin A
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Zinc

Medicinal uses for orange peels

Orange peels are best known for their cholesterol-lowering effects. The peels contain a powerful flavonoid called hesperidin that facilitates lipid metabolism in the blood. According to the Step to Health website, orange peels contain 20 percent more hesperidin compared with the actual fruit. Likewise, orange peels are known to promote healthy blood circulation and regulate blood pressure rates.

Orange peels are also notably high in pectin that helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Aside from this, the superfood is found to provide protection against a number of stomach issues such as constipation. Orange peels are also known to boost energy levels and improve the body’s overall metabolism. As a result, this effectively eliminates fat from the body and facilitates weight loss. Orange peels are touted to improve liver health and mitigate heartburn, vomiting, and excess gas as well.

In addition, orange peels are shown to fortify the immune system and reduce the risk of developing certain infections such as colds and flu. Likewise, the superfoods are found to eliminate phlegm and combat asthma. Chewing on orange peel is also known to address bad breath.

Moreover, using orange peels in aroma therapy is shown to relieve headache, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, orange peels are notably effective in promoting skin health. The superfoods are found to remove blackheads, dead cells, blemishes, and acne as well as pores, dark circles, and dry skin. The compounds found in orange peels are also shown to calm the body’s histamine response, which then inhibits the onset of allergy.

Body systems supported by orange peels

Orange peels are helpful in maintaining a healthy heart and promoting the body’s overall blood circulation. Likewise, the superfoods are notably effective in strengthening the body’s defenses against infections. Orange peels are also essential in keeping a healthy digestive profile. In addition, orange peels readily fend off respiratory conditions and keep various skin conditions at bay.

Ways to use orange peels

Orange peels are commonly consumed as simple, candied products. An article posted on Epicurious.com features an interesting recipe for candied orange peels. Aside from this, dried orange peels make for an interesting tea infusion. Likewise, orange peels are an excellent addition to various meat dishes. In addition, the peels can be added to various cocktails.