Tangerines are a specific variant of Mandarin oranges (Citrus Reticulate) which are reddish orange in colour. They belong to the family of Rutaceae and are cultivated mainly in the tropical forests of Southeast Asian provinces (1). Tangerine fruit trees are smaller in size as compared to orange trees and the fruit has a deep orange colour with a flat shape. It can be peeled easily and is a fibrous fruit nutrient-wise.
Its juicy segments have hybrid varieties too like Tangelos, Tangors and Clementines. In the northern hemisphere, peak Tangerine season starts from October and lasts till April. The fruit is known for its fresh and citrus taste with its low calorie and high nutrient content. The vitamin content in the fruit is the best in its class. Tangerines are also a rich source of vitamin C, folate and beta-carotene. The taste of Tangerine is stronger than orange, it is less sour and much sweeter.
Oranges are naturally a great source of Vitamins for the human body. And so are the Tangerines, with their rich Vitamin C sources providing the perfect antioxidants required for the body (2). These antioxidants prevent inflammation in the body.
They are known to prevent the formation of free radicals that make unnecessary oxidation reactions possible which may not be beneficial for the body.
Tangerine fruit has been used quite frequently in medical treatments as they fight effectively against skin diseases and arthritis.
They help in healing minor cuts and wounds (3)
They also help to absorb iron from food very easily (4).
Tangerine consists of fibers like pectin and hemi-cellulose that restrict the absorption of cholesterol in the gut which cuts the risk of obesity (5).
The dietary fiber in this fruit also improves digestion that is good for the overall working of the body (6). Also a number of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart diseases can be prevented with proper consumption of tangerines and other orange varieties.
The high fiber content (7) also benefits the bowel movement in your body for which it is preferred and suggested by experts.
Tangerine is a good source of vitamin A (8). If you are suffering from any skin diseases, such as acne, pimple, you are encouraged to have plenty of vitamin A and apply products that are derivatives of the vitamin. Hence tangerine can be a good option for treating these skin problems. When it comes to healing wounds and other damages to the skin, vitamin A is essential for these, since it helps the skin rebuild tissues. If you wish to control or remove any skin aging symptoms such as fine lines, wrinkles, dull skin at bay, vitamin A can be a great help due to its anti aging properties.
Vitamin C present in Tangerine is also an amazing antioxidant nutrient that helps to lower aging process. In addition antioxidant protects the skin from free radicals. Thus it prevents the chance of certain cancers (9). If you want to maintain a smooth and youthful skin, then vitamin C can help since it stimulates the production of collagen in your skin and collagen is the protein responsible for making your skin supple.
Here we suggest a homemade tangerine facial mask that can be applied to get brighter skin. In addition, this mask will help you to remove extra oil and harmful bacteria, leaving the skin soft, fresh and blemish free (10).
Take 3 or 4 slices of a tangerine. Discard the seeds. Blend them well and mix one tablespoon each of yogurt and honey with the juice. Apply to the face and neck. Leave it for 10-20 minutes. Rinse it off with cold water. Apply this mask twice in a week for oily skin and once for normal to dry skin.
One of the most important vitamins for health is vitamin A (11). Its antioxidant properties work to condition and moisturize the sebum in the scalp. Antioxidants also fight against pollution that weighs down your hair and makes it weaker.
Vitamin B12 reduces hair loss, promotes hair growth (12) and slows down the greying process.
As mentioned earlier, vitamin C helps to build collagen which is crucial for hair growth. Vitamin C also assists in breaking down iron, another source for healthy hair, so that your body can absorb it. You can apply tangerine juice with your hair oil to get a healthy and shiny hair.
While selecting tangerines, always look for the heavy one. More weight equals more juice. Store them in the fridge to retain their freshness. If you buy too many tangerines at a one go, rinse them off in cold water and dry them well with a piece of cotton clothes and store them in the fridge.
Tangerine belongs to a special and rare class of fruits that can be eaten everyday due to its low calorie count and high vitamin content. So have you taken a Tangerine today? Do share your comments.
The following data is provided from USDA. A serving of tangerines in about a cup which contains 195 grams of its segments contains 103 calories. The daily value percentage of components is:
Tangerines contain the following nutritional count: carbohydrates 26 grams, proteins 1.6 grams, fat 0.6 grams and minerals close to 455 milligrams. Thus Tangerine is a low saturated fat content type which is a good source for Vitamins and has a major portion of its calories coming from natural sugars.
Tangerines can be consumed directly or via juices. Its peel is used for aroma purposes too. Tangerine belongs to a special and rare class of fruits that can be eaten everyday due to its low calorie count and high vitamin content. So have you taken a Tangerine today?
Principle
Nutrient Value
Percentage of RDA
Energy53 Kcal2.5%Carbohydrates13.34 g10%Protein0.81 g1.5%Total Fat0.31 g1%Cholesterol0 mg0%Dietary Fiber1.8 g5%Vitamins
Folates16 µg4%Niacin0.376 mg2.5%Pantothenic acid0.216 mg4%Pyridoxine0.078 mg6%Riboflavin0.036 mg3%Thiamin0.058 mg5%Vitamin C26.7 mg44%Vitamin A681 IU23%Vitamin E0.20 mg1%Vitamin K0 µg0%Electrolytes
Sodium2 mg<0.5%Potassium166 mg3.5%Minerals
Calcium37 mg4%Copper42 µg4.5%Iron0.15 mg2%Magnesium12 mg3%Manganese0.039 mg1.5%Zinc0.07 mg<1%Phyto-nutrients
Carotene-β155 µg—Carotene-α101 µg—Crypto-xanthin-β407 µg—Lutein-zeaxanthin138 µg—Lycopene0 µg—