Tangerine, (Citrus reticulata), small thin-skinned variety of orange belonging to the mandarin orange species of the family Rutaceae.

A tangerine is a small, easy-to-peel citrus fruit with a sweet and tangy flavour that is a variety of mandarin orange. It has a bright orange to reddish-orange colour, a pebbly and loose-fitting skin. The fruit can be eaten fresh, used in cooking, or juiced, and is also known for its zesty and uplifting scent, which is used in perfumes and aromatherapy. 

History and Origin

Tangerines originated in Southeast Asia and were cultivated there for thousands of years before being shipped from the Moroccan port of Tangier in the 19th century, which gave them their name. Tangerines having originated in Southeast Asia, have a long history of cultivation in China and Japan.

Nutrient Database – USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)

Reference Values for Nutrition – FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Immune system support - Tangerines support the immune system due to their high content of Vitamin C, which helps increase white blood cell production to fight off viruses and bacteria. They also provide other beneficial antioxidants like carotenoids and citric acid, which protect against free radical damage and strengthen the body's defences.

Heart health - Tangerines support heart health by providing antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamin C, which can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. They also contain fiber, which aids in fat absorption prevention, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.

Digestive health - Tangerines benefit digestive health due to their high fiber content, which promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. Fiber acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and supporting a balanced gut microbiome. Additionally, compounds in the peel, like limonene, can stimulate gastric motility, while the fruit's water content adds to its effectiveness in aiding digestion.

Antioxidant protection - Tangerines provide antioxidant protection through their rich content of compounds like vitamin C and flavonoids, which fight free radicals to protect cells from damage. This antioxidant activity helps reduce inflammation, promotes healthy skin by supporting collagen production, and may lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders.

 Vision and skin health - Tangerines benefit vision and skin health through their rich content of antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamins C and A. These compounds protect against UV damage, support collagen production for healthy skin, and can help prevent age-related vision problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. Vitamin A, in particular, is crucial for normal vision, including low-light vision.

Reduced inflammation - Tangerines can help reduce inflammation due to their content of flavonoids like hesperidin, tangeretin, and nobiletin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This collective effect of phytonutrients can help protect cells from damage and may lower the risk of inflammation-related diseases.

Cognitive function - Tangelos can support cognitive function due to their rich content of flavonoids and essential vitamins like C, B6, and folate, which are linked to better memory and slower age-related cognitive decline. The citrus flavonoids found in tangelos, such as tangeretin, have demonstrated neuroprotective effects in studies by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. While research often uses general citrus fruits, the compounds in tangelos are a source of these beneficial effects.

Rich in Vitamin C - Tangelos are rich in vitamin C, providing a significant portion of the daily recommended value in just one medium-sized fruit. This high vitamin C content supports immune function, promotes healthy skin, and aids in iron absorption. Tangelos are also a good source of dietary fiber and other nutrients like vitamin A and potassium.

Hydrates the body - Tangelos hydrate the body due to their high-water content, which makes up over 85% of the fruit. They also contain electrolytes, like potassium, that help the body maintain fluid balance and replenish lost fluids, particularly after exercise.

May reduce risk of kidney stones - Tangelos like other citrus fruits, may help reduce the risk of kidney stones due to its natural citrate content, which inhibits stone formation. As an orange-like fruit, it contains citric acid and incorporating it into your diet can be a way to boost your citrate intake.

Tangerine – From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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