Orange peels are rich in a flavonoid called hesperidin, which has shown to lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels (3). The peel also has anti-inflammatory properties, and since heart disease is caused by inflammation, they can help in this regard.
Another set of compounds in orange peels are the polymethoxylated flavones, which lower cholesterol levels better than certain prescription drugs.
5. Help In Weight Loss
Instead of opting for risky weight loss operations and drugs, why not try a healthy diet? Oranges are low in calories, which is one reason they are a great addition to a weight loss diet. And they are filled with dietary fiber, which controls your appetite and discourages binging.
Orange peels also contain vitamin C that is known to help burn fat.
6. Boost Eye Health
Though there is less information on this, some sources say that compounds like limonene, decanal, and citral in orange peels can help boost eye health. They have anti-inflammatory properties that fight infections and improve vision.
7. Enhance Digestive Health
8. Help Fight Inflammation
One New York study shows how orange peel exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory properties (5). Further research tells us how orange peels can suppress inflammation in a way similar to indomethacin, an anti-inflammatory drug.
Also, the flavonoids in orange peels are known to permeate membranes and heal inflammation.
9. Protect Teeth
Thanks to the antibacterial properties of orange peels, they protect you from dental caries (6).
Additionally, you can also whiten your teeth using orange peels. The limonene in orange peels also works as a natural scent and solvent. This helps whiten your teeth in a natural way
10. Make Skin Glow
Orange peel is considered a boon for the skin as it treats blackheads, dead cells, acne, and blemishes. It also brightens your face. You can also add milk or curd to get that extra glow or for removing tan.
Elizabeth Quinn, MS, CNS, FMCHC, says, “In 2016, an in vitro study found that antioxidant substances in mandarin orange peel could be a promising anti-wrinkle agent when they are used in skin care products.”
She continues, “Orange peels are high in vitamin C, and vitamin C in topical products has been shown to decrease wrinkling and increase collagen production. Orange peels also have an acidic pH, and vitamin C is more readily taken up by the skin in an acidic environment.”
That’s about the benefits. But did you know there are a few other uses of orange peels?
What Are The Other Uses Of Orange Peels?
There are other ways you can use leftover orange peels. Take a look:
- You Can Make Tea
Put our orange peel powder into a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Then, turn off the heat and allow the peels to steep for an hour. Strain the water, and your tea is ready.
- You Can Make An Air Freshener
Simply adding the peels in boiling water can freshen the air around you. In fact, you can inhale the air (steam) for relief from headache.
- You Can Make Candies
Cut the peels into ¼ strips and place them in a large saucepan. Cover with cold water and boil on high heat. Drain the water and repeat this process twice. In another small bowl, whisk 1 ½ cups of sugar and ¾ cup of water. Add this mixture to a saucepan and bring to a medium simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes. Now, add the peels to this and allow it to cook for an hour. Avoid stirring to prevent crystallization. Drain the syrup and spread the peels on a drying rack for about 5 hours. You can store them in an airtight container.
- You Can Polish Wooden Or Stainless Steel Surfaces
You can polish the surfaces using the peels alone or with vinegar. A drop or two of vinegar on the peels will do.
In addition, orange peels are also used to produce a fragrant oil that has potential health benefits (7). You’re probably wondering, “can you eat orange peels?” Yes, you can. But if you are preparing them for consumption purposes, it is important you keep a few things in mind.
Jesse Feder, Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital South, says, “Farmers typically use pesticides on oranges to prevent mold growth and infestation from insects. Though there are usually very low and insignificant amounts of pesticides found in the actual fruit, the peels usually do have a higher amount on them. I highly recommend rinsing and scrubbing the peels if you plan on using them in a dish or drink in order to prevent the ingestion of pesticides.”
Elizabeth adds, “Oranges are treated with the fungicides imazalil and thiabendazole, and this chemical will be on the peel of the oranges that you buy. Here are three ways you can avoid or decrease these chemicals:
- Buy organic oranges if you plan to use the peel.
- Buy domestic oranges that are not shipped for a long distance. Average levels of these fungicides are lower on domestic oranges, according to the USDA.
- If you plan to use the peel of an orange that is not organic, scrub it thoroughly first with soap and hot water.”
Quick TipInfographic: Benefits Of Orange Peels
You may get surprised once you learn the many health benefits of orange peels. They are the healthiest components of the fruit one can not ignore and are loaded with several essential phytochemicals that offer various benefits. Click on the infographic below to learn about the top health benefits of orange peels.
Orange peel benefits can be attributed to its high nutritional profile. It is a good source of dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins A, B, and C. These nutrients help promote lung, heart, eye, and gut health. It may help boost skin health, too, thanks to its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Orange peels can be useful for culinary preparations and for making tea, candies, and even air fresheners. Nevertheless, excessive use of orange peels may have side effects. If you experience any adverse effects, limit its use and seek medical advice.
Tell us how this post has helped you. Simply leave a comment in the box below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dried orange peel healthy?
Feder says, “Dried orange peels contain flavonoids that are very good for you. These are antioxidants that can reduce inflammation throughout the body as well as prevent certain health conditions such as heart disease and cancers. They are also rich in certain nutrients such as vitamin c, fiber, b vitamins, and even calcium. This can support your immune system, colon health, and normal bodily function.”
Is dried orange peel the same as orange zest?
Feder says, “Dried orange peel is not the same as orange zest. Orange zest is only the outer layer of the orange skin, whereas the orange peel is both the outer layer and inner layer, also known as the zest and pith.”
Elizabeth adds, “Dried orange peel will taste much different from orange zest. Fresh orange zest will have more of the volatile oils that give it a sharp and zingy flavor, and not include the bitter compounds in the pith.”
Does boiling an orange peel destroy its nutrients?
Yes, boiling may strip orange peels of some nutrients. However, this depends on the extent to which the peels have been boiled.
What are the benefits of orange peel powder?
Orange peel powder is rich in antioxidant properties and helps reduce oxidative stress in the body. It also can be used as a natural antioxidant in functional foods or food supplements (8). Traditionally, it has been used to improve skin health.
Can I boil an orange peel and drink the tea?
Ye, you can boil an orange peel to make tea. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this tea may help improve immunity, treat a hangover, and aid in digestion.
Is a boiled orange peel good for the face?
Yes, anecdotal evidence suggests that orange peel has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which may help fight acne and cleanse the skin.
Does boiling an orange peel reduce its vitamin C content?
Yes, studies suggest that vitamin C retention is the lowest when foods are boiled in water (9).
How does orange peel lighten dark spots?
Orange peel is a rich source of vitamin C, which helps fight hyperpigmentation and lighten/remove dark spots (10).
Is orange peel a laxative?
Yes, studies indicate that orange peel increases stool frequency and regulates gastrointestinal motility (contraction of muscles that move the contents in the GI tract forward) for people experiencing constipation (11).
Key Takeaways
- Orange peel treats acne and breakouts and also adds a glow to the face.
- Orange peels are a storehouse of vitamin C, which promotes weight loss and burns excess fat.
- Orange peels can be utilized in diverse forms, such as powder, oil, and extract.
- Always choose organic, fresh oranges for peels and use them in moderate quantities to avoid any adverse effects.
