Why is orange peel useful for the human body

Orange peel is a versatile product that is widely used in cooking, household and cosmetology. Having a rich vitamin and mineral complex, it has a positive effect on the body, it is successfully used for various diseases, which allows us to speak of it not only as a spice, but also as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent.

What is zest

Orange peel - the outer colored layer of citrus fruits... It contains carotenoids, excretory tissues and essential oils, which provide a bittersweet fruity aroma, slightly sugary taste. The main purpose is to improve the taste of products, confectionery, baked goods.

Chemical composition

The calorie content of citrus peel is 97 kcal. The proportion of BJU looks like this:

• proteins - 1.5 g;
• fats - 0.2 g;
• carbohydrates - 14.4 g.

Raw orange peel contains:

• water - 72.5 g;
• dietary fiber - 10.6 g;
• ash - 0.8 g;
• vitamin A - 21 mcg;
• B1 - 0.12 mg;
• B2 - 0.09 mg;
• B5 - 0.49 mg;
• B6 - 0.176 mg;
• B9 - 30 mcg;
• C - 136 mg;
• E - 0.25 mg;
• PP - 0.9 mg;
• potassium - 212 mg;
• calcium - 161 mg;
• magnesium - 22 mg;
• sodium - 3 mg;
• sulfur - 15 mg;
• phosphorus - 21 mg;
• iron - 0.8 mg;
• copper - 92 mcg;
• selenium - 1 mcg;
• zinc - 0.25 mg.

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Useful properties of orange peel

What are the benefits of orange peel:

1. Pectin improves digestion, safely cleanses the intestines from toxins, pesticides, fats, normalizes the intestinal microflora.
2. When losing weight dietary fibers form a long-term feeling of satiety, reduce the energy saturation of the diet, and reduce the production of insulin.
3. Phytoncides have pronounced tonic properties, have a powerful antimicrobial effect, stimulate the immune system, stop the death of brain cells, which is especially important for people who have suffered a stroke or have a predisposition to cardiovascular diseases.
4. Hesperidin strengthens the walls of blood vessels, reduces their permeability, stabilizes blood pressure, improves microcirculation and lymph flow, thereby reducing the risk of diseases of the cardiovascular system.
5. Vitamin C - a powerful antioxidant, protects cells from the aggressive action of free radicals, inhibits oxidative processes, exhibits a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, normalizes the functions of the digestive system, heart muscle.
6. Retinol slows down the aging process, improves the condition of the skin and mucous membranes, normalizes metabolism, is important for the health of teeth and bones.
7. Organic acids stimulate bile secretion and intestinal peristalsis, restore acid-base balance, regulate metabolism.
8. Essential oils have a choleretic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory effect, accelerate digestion, relieve muscle spasm of the urinary system. In case of diseases of the respiratory system, cleanse the lungs of phlegm.
9. High doses of pectin combined with phytochemicals prevent the development of diabetes mellitus, regulate the level of insulin in the blood, reduce the load on the pancreas.

Orange peel improves the functioning of the nervous system, reduces stress manifestations, strengthens memory... Reduces cholesterol levels, which serves as a good prevention of atherosclerosis and related complications.

For reference. Orange peel is especially valuable for women. It supports the functions of the reproductive system, slows down the onset of menopause, and relieves the symptoms of menopause.

Application features

To suppress hunger, long-term saturation, citrus peel is used as an aromatic additive to dishes... For the treatment and prevention of various diseases, a decoction, infusion, compress is prepared from it.

In folk medicine

Orange zest is used as a medicinal raw material to ease the course of painful conditions or prevent them.

Traditional medicine recipes:

1. With eczema... Apply the dried crusts to the reddened and swollen area of ​​the skin, fix tightly with several turns of the bandage. Leave the compress overnight. Continue the course of treatment until the inflammation completely subsides and the rash is eliminated.
2. For diseases of the respiratory system... Pour 50 g of dried peel with 500 ml of vodka or alcohol. Leave in a dark place for 3 weeks. The filtered infusion should be taken 20-30 drops every 2 hours, but not more than 6 times a day. The course of treatment lasts from 3 to 10 days. The infusion is contraindicated for children, elderly people, pregnant and lactating women.
3. When exhausted... To improve appetite, restore disturbed metabolism, prepare a decoction from the peel of 5-6 oranges and 1.5 liters of water. Pour fresh zest with boiling water, cook over low heat until the water is half as much. Add 2-3 tbsp to the strained broth. l. honey. Take 2 tbsp. l. three times a day half an hour before meals for 14 days.
4. With uterine bleeding... Pour the peel of 6 oranges into 1.5 liters of cold water, boil, simmer until half the liquid has evaporated. Drink a decoction of 2 tbsp. l. three times a day until symptoms disappear.
5. With heartburn... 1 tbsp. Mix chopped orange peel with the same amount of licorice root, pour 1.5 liters of water. Cook until the liquid has evaporated by half. Let the broth brew under the lid, strain. Take before meals for 1-2 tbsp. l.
6. With hangover syndrome... Mix the orange zest with salt in equal proportions, pour 2 tbsp. water, bring to a boil, cook for 20 minutes. Cool and drink the entire serving in one go.

Despite its medicinal properties, orange peel is not a panacea... It is an effective prophylactic agent, but it is usually not effective for treating diseases. Therefore, the peel is used in a complex combination with the main therapeutic methods. It enhances the effect of medications, reduces the need for medications, and accelerates recovery.

In cosmetology

Orange peel helps to care for the skin of the face and body at home... As part of scrubs, it gently removes dead cells, stimulates blood circulation and lymph flow. The skin becomes elastic, taut, and the appearance of cellulite decreases. The dried zest is added to a warm bath to treat skin diseases, restore and improve its structure, heal wounds and other damage.

The zest is used as part of face masks. Usually, it performs several functions simultaneously:

• tones up;
• eliminates dryness and tightness;
• stops premature aging;
• stimulates collagen production;
• gives the skin a healthy color and radiance;
• eliminates edema;
• relieves inflammation;
• reduces pigmentation.

Orange peel helps to solve the problem of thin and brittle hair prone to oily... Regular use of the decoction nourishes the follicles, the hair becomes stronger and healthier, begins to grow more intensively, the scalp is restored.

For reference. Chopped orange peel, almond oil and sugar in equal proportions eliminate cracks and flaking on the lips, retain moisture, exfoliate dead particles, leaving them soft and smooth.

How to use

Orange peel is widely used in cooking as a spice. for preparing cold and classic soups, desserts, pastries, sauces. It is added to dishes made from meat, poultry, fish, vegetables and fruits.

Zest is also used in everyday life.: for neutralizing unpleasant odors, removing dirt from metal surfaces and glass, cleaning household and kitchen appliances. The dried peels fill the house with a healing aroma that helps to normalize night sleep, maintains a good mood, and soothes the nervous system.

On the basis of dried or fresh orange peels are prepared decoctions, infusions that are used for various diseases. The prescription, dosage and duration of treatment should be discussed with your doctor, as orange peel is not always equally beneficial.

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Possible harm and contraindications

Despite all the benefits, orange peel has contraindications for use., which should be taken into account to prevent possible complications.

The list of contraindications is as follows:

• allergy to the product;
• low blood pressure;
• severe renal / hepatic impairment;
• hepatitis;
• inflammation of the large intestine;
• peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
• increased acidity of gastric juice;
• pancreatitis;
• biliary dyskinesia.

Orange peel is well tolerated by patients and rarely causes adverse reactions... In isolated cases, the development of allergies was noted in the form of rashes, peeling and redness on the skin, itching. Individuals with individual intolerance may develop allergic dermatitis while using the peel.

For digestive problems, the zest increases the unpleasant symptoms, provokes soreness, colic, bloating.

How to prepare orange zest

The benefits and harms of orange peel depend on the quality of the product.... When buying a fruit, pay attention to its appearance and smell. A product of proper quality has a uniform and bright color, a rich aroma, it is heavy and dense to the touch.

Council. The most delicious and healthy oranges are brought from the Mediterranean countries and the USA. It is not recommended to buy citruses imported from Peru and South Africa. To bring the fruits safe and sound, they are harvested at the stage of incomplete ripeness, therefore, the beneficial properties of orange peel are reduced.

It's easy to prepare the zest:

1. Rinse the fruits thoroughly and dry.
2. For fresh zest, use a sharp knife to remove the thin top layer of the rind. You can use a fine grater. In this form, the zest is usually used as a spice to improve the taste of dishes.
3. To prepare medicinal infusions, decoctions and compresses, remove the peel with your hands along with the underlying white layer.
4. Then spread the zest on a plate in a thin layer, dry at room temperature for 2-3 days, turning daily. The zest is considered finished when the rind becomes brittle. To speed up the preparation process, use an oven or a special dryer for vegetables and fruits.

Chop dried zest or leave as it is... Store in a glass container with a sealed lid in a dry, dark place.

Conclusion

Orange zest is a spice, it is added to food to improve the taste. Like other spices, it promotes digestion, positively affects metabolism, regulates cholesterol and fat metabolism in the body. Due to its rich chemical composition, the zest is used as a medicine and cosmetics. Active biological components have a beneficial effect on the body, support the functions of all systems and organs.