Tangerine Health Benefits, Nutrition and Fruit Facts

Health Benefits of Eating Tangerine Fruit

Tangerines are rich in powerful antioxidant vitamin C. This essential vitamin is effective in wound healing and collagen synthesis. It protects you from cold and flu, relieve the symptoms of arthritis and fight against neuro-degenerative diseases.
The fruit also contains an abundance of dietary fiber, especially in the fibrous white tissues in between the segments. Research has shown that dietary fiber is able to lower the cholesterol levels in the body and promote bowel movements to cure constipation.
Tangerines are loaded with flavonoid antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, hesperetin and narigenin. Existence of antioxidants in the body is important as they help eliminate the damaging free radicals to prevent cancer. They also function as anti-aging agents that slow down the process of aging.
Besides, the fruit is also full of carotenes and vitamin A. Studies have found that foods high in vitamin A improve your vision. On top of that, this fat-soluble vitamin helps maintain healthy mucus membranes and skin, and also good for teeth and soft tissue.
The inner sides of the tangerine peels are packed with hesperidin or vitamin P. With the aid of the useful flavonoid, the fruit can help lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure.
Tangerines are also a good source of polyphenols, which are potent antioxidants that boost your body’s immune system. A strong immune system is significant for overall wellbeing of the body.
On top of the health advantages mentioned above, the citrus fruit also contains a compound known as limonoids. Laboratory tests have proven limonoids is capable of fighting breast cancer cells. A report released by Journal of Biosciences in 2003 found that limonoids contained in tangerine seeds show antimalarial properties.
Even though tangerines have acidic flavor, they have alkaline effects when digested. The fruit is great in alkalizing your body and it assists the body to generate digestive juices, which are beneficial to treat constipation problem.

Overview and Facts about Tangerine Fruit

A tangerine (scientific name Citrus reticulata) is a member of citrus fruits, which looks like an orange but smaller in size. Tangerines have a close relationship with mandarin oranges, and both of them are considered from the similar species. Tangerines are considered an ideal pocket food as they are small and their rinds can be peeled very easily.

A typical tangerine can be differentiated from a classic mandarin orange by its deep orange color. Mandarin oranges are a product of China with yellowish orange peels.

The rind of a tangerine can be easily peeled off. After the rind is removed, the segments can also be separated with ease, and there are quite a number of seeds found in each segment.

Even though tangerines generally have a mild sour, tart flavor, many sweet varieties have been cultivated. For instance, the murcott or honey tangerine is among the most popular. Other sweet varieties also include Fairchild and Sunburst tangerines.

Tangerine Nutrition Facts and Calories

Nutritional Value of 1 cup (195 g) Raw Tangerine (Sectioned)
Calories	103 kcal
Total Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	0 mg
Sodium	4 mg
Total Carbohydrates	26 g
Dietary Fiber	4 g
Sugars	21 g
Protein	2 g

Tangerine Recipe

Champagne-Tangerine Jelly Recipe

Serve: 8

Ingredients:

3 cups fresh tangerine juice, strained
3 tablespoons plain gelatin
2 cups sweet sparkling wine

Preparation:

Gently oil a 6-cup gelatin mold. Pour half of the tangerine juice into a clean heatproof bowl, then sprinkle the gelatin over. Allow to stand for 5 minutes or until softened. Microwave at high power for 3 minutes or until hot.
Pour the liquid to a big bowl and beat in the remaining half tangerine juice along with the sparkling wine. Pour the mixture into the mold and chill until set. It should take a minimum of 3 hours.
To serve, wrap the mold in a towel just soaked in the hot water, then invert onto serving plates.

Tangerine Side Effects