The benefits and harms of orange peel
Orange peel has numerous beneficial properties, due to which it is widely used in traditional medicine and cooking, but when consumed in unlimited quantities, it can cause harm to the body.
The benefits and harms of orange peel
What is zest
Orange peel is an orange peel with a rich aroma. It has small pores containing essential oils that provide citrus with a scent. Orange peel has a bittersweet taste, in some cases sugary.
For the first time, citrus peel was used in food in France.
The composition of the zest and its benefits
The calorie content of orange peel is 97 kcal.
Energy value per 100 g of product:
- 1.5 g protein
- 0.2 g fat
- 14.4 g of carbohydrates.
Nutritional value per 100 g of product:
- 0.024 g saturated fatty acids
- up to 72.5 g of water,
- 0.8 g evil,
- up to 40.6 g of dietary fiber.
Vitamins:
- 0.9 mg niacin equivalent
- 0.25 mg tocopherol,
- 136 mg of ascorbic acid
- 30 mcg folic acid
- 0.17 6mg pyridoxine
- 0.49 mg pantothenic acid
- 0.09 mg riboflavin
- 0.12 mg thiamine
- 21 mcg retinol equivalent.
Minerals:
- 1 mcg selenium
- 92 mg copper
- 0.25 mg zinc
- 0.8 mg iron
- 21 mg phosphorus
- 212 mg potassium
- 3 mg sodium
- 22 mg magnesium
- 161 mg calcium.
The beneficial properties of orange peel are associated with its rich chemical composition:
- pectin helps to improve the work of the gastrointestinal tract,
- phytoncides are natural antibiotics,
- hesperidin is a lipid-absorbing substance that accelerates fat burning processes and allows you to regulate weight,
- ascorbic acid in an increased amount helps prevent the risk of developing arthritis and arthrosis, provides the body with calcium and strengthens the skeletal system,
- antioxidants prevent the appearance of cancer cells,
- essential oils have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Dried citrus peel is beneficial when consumed regularly. It provides normal sugar levels for the body and has a mild choleretic effect. It facilitates the work of the liver, has cleansing properties, regulates the water-salt balance and prevents puffiness.
The harm from orange peel
Consuming the product may cause an allergic reaction
If the recommended intake is exceeded, citrus peel is harmful to health, especially in case of an allergic reaction to oranges. The product is prohibited for people with a history of intestinal disorders, stomach ulcers or gastritis.
How to get the zest
For self-preparation of the zest at home, washed oranges are required. You get it like this:
- removed from the fruit using a special knife for peeling vegetables,
- grated,
- cut with a simple kitchen knife.
The peel is cut to the bitter, white layer underneath. Do not let it get into the seasoning.
The peel removed from the citrus, if necessary, is additionally crushed and used immediately or dried for subsequent use. For this:
- a baking sheet or tray is covered with parchment paper,
- spread the cut crust in a thin layer, evenly distributing it,
- leave for 2-3 days in a dry place with good ventilation.
It is recommended to store dried citrus in canvas bags in a dry, dark place.
After drying, the peel, removed from a ripe orange, retains a bright color, and the aroma from it becomes more intense. When a white, bitter layer remains on the peel, it turns brown after drying.
Practical use
Orange peel is widely used in everyday life.
Cooking
In the culinary business, orange peel is used as a spice that gives desserts and baked goods an original taste. It is also used in the preparation of dishes from meat, chicken and fish, in the production of alcoholic beverages. It is also used to make jams and preserves.
Orange peel is added as one of the additional ingredients when brewing tea and coffee, giving the drinks a subtle aroma and enhancing their tonic properties.
ethnoscience
Traditional medicine widely uses citrus peels.
- The oils contained in the peel are an effective remedy against diseases of the oral cavity, therefore infusions with it are used for preventive and therapeutic rinses.
- Orange peels are used against a cold cough by dissolving mucus in the respiratory tract.
- In case of ARVI diseases, dried peels are laid out in the room as an aromatherapy agent. This helps to boost immunity.
- Citrus has sedative properties and is beneficial for insomnia and depression.
- Eating citrus peels can help relieve bouts of heartburn and nausea.
- Orange peel, brewed in boiling water and infused for 10-15 minutes, promotes weight loss, activates metabolic processes in the body.
Cosmetology
Orange peel is an active ingredient in masks and scrubs to combat fine lines and wrinkles, giving the face and neck a fresh look.
Conclusion
Orange peel has a delicate flavor, rich aroma and rich chemical composition, thanks to which it is widely used in cooking, folk medicine and cosmetology. It is easy to make a product at home. When consumed within acceptable limits, orange peel has health benefits.