Orange Peel Benefits You Didn’t See Coming
Most of us don’t think much about the peel when getting ready to snack on an orange, except maybe to notice how frustrating some of the peels can be to get off. But did you know the sometimes-frustrating peel we usually just toss without a second thought is actually filled with wellness benefits?
Curious about what benefits have been hiding in plain sight? Read on to find out how to reap the health benefits of the orange rind with Peels!
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Most people know that the orange contains high levels of vitamin C, but the orange peel actually has an even more concentrated amount of this essential vitamin.
A single tablespoon of orange peel contains three times more vitamin C than what you’ll find inside. And it isn’t just vitamin C; the orange rind is full of a variety of nourishing vitamins and minerals, including provitamin A, folate, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B6, potassium, and calcium.
Provides an Immunity Boost
The orange peel contains plant compounds such as flavonoids and aromatic terpenes that you won’t find on the inside. The hesperidin, polymethoxyflavones (PMFs), and other plant compounds concentrated in the peel have anti-swelling and antioxidant properties that can help support your immune system.
Antioxidants can protect your cells from oxidation caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules within the body. When antioxidants counteract free radicals, they protect cells from damage and can help support immune function.
And the extra dose of vitamin C in the orange peel can further boost the immune system, as vitamin C helps create the white blood cells that fight infection within the body.
Supports Heart Health
The antioxidants found in the orange peels can even benefit your heart health.
When free radicals damage and oxidate cells, it can lead to oxidative stress. Over time, oxidative stress can harm the heart. With so many antioxidants that can help disarm free radicals, orange peels can protect the heart by preventing and reducing oxidative stress.
Orange rinds also have a high concentration of potassium, which is a mineral that can help regulate blood pressure and assist the heart in pumping blood. Another way orange peels can help your heart? The bioactive polyphenols within the peel have been found to help lower levels of LDL cholesterol.
In high amounts, LDL cholesterol has the potential to build up overtime and block the arteries, but compounds that can help regulate cholesterol levels such as those found in orange peels can reduce the risk of related heart issues.
May Reduce Swelling
One of the main antioxidants in the orange peel is limonene. Studies suggest that this soothing compound may help reduce swelling throughout the body, which may help support immune function and ease physical discomfort in some cases.
Respiratory Support
Beta-cryptoxanthin is the compound that gives the orange peel its orange-colored pigment. But its vibrant color isn’t the only reason to love beta-cryptoxanthin–this antioxidant has also been found to help protect the lungs.
One study found that participants with higher beta carotene levels in their blood had higher FEV1 measures, which is the amount of air you can breathe out in one second. The antioxidant properties can also protect lung cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Brighten Your Smile
The same aromatic compounds that give citrus fruits its bright and crisp scent – so often associated with freshness and cleanliness – can also benefit your oral hygiene.
The citric acid found in the orange peel can serve as a natural breath freshener–simply chewing on a piece of orange peel that has been thoroughly washed in hot water.
There is also evidence that the d-limonene, pectin, and soluble fiber found in the orange peel can help whiten the teeth. All you need to do is rub a washed orange peel on your teeth for two minutes before brushing them.
Innovative Skincare
Orange peel’s antioxidant properties can also play a role in protecting your skin. When free radicals attack skin cells, it can lead to wrinkles and blemishes. By introducing antioxidants into your body with orange peels, you can help keep skin cells healthy.
If you’re up for a DIY project, you can even incorporate orange peels into your own skincare products. Dehydrated orange peels can be ground up into an exfoliant or mixed with coconut oil to create a warm, summer fragrance.
Precautions
While we are in awe of the many benefits wrapped up in the orange peel, there are a few precautions to keep in mind before munching down on the nearest peel.
Because oranges are often treated with pesticides, you want to make sure you always wash your orange peel in hot water before consuming it to help wash off any potential pesticide residue.
The tough texture of the orange peel can make it hard to chew and digest in large amounts, and the bitter taste is a turn-off for some.
To make sure you are enjoying the nutritional benefits of the orange peel and the experience of eating it, we recommend slicing the peel into thin strips after washing. The smaller strips are easier to digest and can be used in a variety of ways.
How To Enjoy The Benefits of Orange Peel
You can candy the orange strips, add them to smoothies, top salads with them, or turn them into marmalade.
Not sure if eating the orange peel is for you? That is okay! You can still enjoy the wonderful aroma of the orange rind by using it to make orange-infused sugars, honey, or beverages. You can even combine the orange peel with vinegar in a spray bottle to create a crisp-smelling house cleaner.
Turning Orange Peels Into CBD
Here are Peels, we created a new way to reap the benefits of the orange peel: turn it into CBD!
Peels uses a cyclic terpene assembly process to turn the beneficial and aromatic terpenes into organic, bioidentical CBD that is 100% THC-free.
CBD works naturally with the body’s endocannabinoid system to help promote relaxation, ease tension, and soothe physical discomfort. And because there is no THC in orange peels, there is no risk of THC in our CBD.
You can enjoy a daily dose of orange peel in a whole new way when incorporating our freshly squeezed CBD into your wellness routine.
Sources
Orange, Tangerine Peels Could Be Better Than Drugs For Lowering Cholesterol | ScienceDaily
Citrus oil and MgCl2 as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents | Journal of Periodontology
Serum carotenoids, vitamins A and E, and 8-year lung function decline in a general population | BMJ