Nutrition

Mandarin Orange Nutrition and 17 Health Benefits

Source : unsplash

Mandarin oranges, alternatively called as mandarins, are tiny and sweet citrus fruits with a lively, friendly-to-peel skin. Mandarin's taste is the perfect blend of sweetness and sourness, which makes it quite a nutritious destination for snacking.

Full of vitamin C, mandarins are a good source of immune system boosters, and they're loaded with antioxidants that help prevent your body from damage.
They also can be prepared in many ways: you can consume them fresh, include them in your salads, bake them into meals, or just simply enjoy the juiciness of it.

Mandarin Nutrition Value

According to the USDA, the nutrition content of 100 grams of Mandarin is as listed below:

  • Calories: 53 kcal
  • Protein: 0.81 grams
  • Fat: 0.31 grams
    • Saturated Fat: 0.03 grams
    • Monounsaturated Fat: 0.06 grams
    • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.06 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 13.34 grams
    • Dietary Fiber: 1.8 grams
    • Sugars: 10.58 grams
  • Vitamins and Minerals:
    • Vitamin C: 26.7 mg (approximately 45% of the recommended daily intake)
    • Vitamin A: 681 IU
    • Calcium: 33 mg
    • Potassium: 166 mg
    • Magnesium: 12 mg

Proteins

Mandarin oranges are low in protein, about 0.81 grams of protein in a 100-gram raw orange. Mandarin oranges are not the most protein-rich fruit but they do indeed provide quite a small amount of it. 

Fat

Mandarin oranges have a really low-fat content which makes them a legal low fat fruit raisin. It contains a tiny amount of different types of fats such as Saturated Fat, Monounsaturated Fat and Polyunsaturated Fat.

These fats are naturally found in the fruit and subsist a little on the total calorie content. Mandarins are most usually known as a very nutritious and low-fat fruit pick because of their small lipid and massive vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber amount.

Carbohydrates

The largest portion (13%) of nutrients in Mandarins are carbohydrates. Most of the carbohydrates from these fruits undergo a breakdown of the metabolizing process in the form of sugars and dietary fiber.

The fructose is a type of sugar in Mandarin oranges that is natural. The rest is dietary fiber content which is mainly responsible for giving the advantage to Mandarin Orange in the area of health by normalizing the process of the bowels and lowering the level of sugar in the blood.

Vitamins and Minerals

Mandarin oranges are a storehouse of minerals and vitamins. It contains Vitamin C which is a critical nutrient for the immune system, skin health, and even wound healing.

Vitamin A is associated with the improvement of vision and the body's defense system. Calcium and Magnesium are the minerals that assist in the progress of bone health regeneration and muscle function as well as the heart which results in the strength of bones and muscle and of beating the heart respectively.

Health Benefits of Mandarin oranges

As listed above, Mandarin oranges have a lot of nutrients needed for the proper functioning of the body. We will be discussing the 17 benefits of Mandarin oranges in detail hereafter.

1. Rich in Vitamin C

Vitamin C-packed Mandarin citrus is impressively a perfect immune system stimulant in addition to being good for health in general. This vital element not only acts as a powerful antioxidant that shields cells from damage but also promotes the synthesis of collagen, the protein responsible for the health of the skin, and aids in iron absorption.

Continuous consumption of Mandarin oranges can provide sustainable immunity, speed up recovery from wounds, and minimize coughs, and infections. Mandarins are known to be a part of a balanced diet, providing benefits that are beyond nutrition and cannot be gotten from isolated nutrients.

2. Supports Skin Health

 

Source : unsplash

Mandarin oranges have an abundance of vitamin C in them which is a really good option for situations where the skin is exposed to acidic rain or ozone-forming chemicals.

Because the existence of collagen slows down skin aging, it is the protein responsible for the skin’s elastic nature so skin is stretchy and needs a weekly workout. Above all, vitamin C prevents the skin from ultraviolet rays. 

Citrus fruits being rich in vitamin C and antioxidants can protect the skin from harmful sun rays, enhance the skin’s repair ability, and thereby, help it look youthful as well.

3. Improves Digestion

Mandarin oranges can be commended for their preeminence in the digestion area due to their richness in fiber. Insoluble fiber not only helps keep the stomach and bowels in good working order, but it also acts as a stool softener.

Furthermore, they safeguard your digestive system by providing support to the beneficial micro-organisms that are ever-present. The organic acids contained in mandarins can help to digest the food by spurring the digestive juices.

The thing is that mandarins can be included in the diet to bring immense benefits to the digestive system including improved food digestion, absorption of nutrients and making the process less troubling and more efficient.

4. Anti-Inflammatory

Mandarin oranges have anti-inflammatory potential since they are well endowed with antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamin C. The said compounds exert their action via mechanisms that neutralize free radicals and, at the same time, reduce inflammatory markers in the body.

Consuming mandarin regularly reduce some of the symptoms associated with chronic inflammatory conditions relating to disorders such as arthritis. By consuming mandarins, you help to support the body's natural function in control and lowering of inflammation for general health and comfort.

5. Boosts Metabolism

Mandarin oranges increase metabolic rate due to their high content of vitamin C and naturally found sugars. Vitamin C is essentially important in metabolic procedures, particularly in the process of turning your nutrients into energy, and boosts the overall metabolic rate.

The natural sugars in mandarins also give fast energy that can be used to feed the metabolic functions of your body. Mandarins can help in maintaining a higher metabolism rate and energy throughout the day.

6. Hydration

Mandarin oranges are excellent at keeping a person hydrated because of the water content that helps maintain liquid balance within the human body. With about 85% water, mandarins largely contribute to your daily hydration needs and offer other nutrients that turn out very vital in the digestion process.

Keeping the skin healthy by regulating the body temperature and keeping up general cellular activity is a critical component of rehydration. Well, having mandarins will be one of the tastiest and most refreshing ways to keep you hydrated during the hottest days of the year or right after exercise.

7. Heart Health

Source : unsplash

They are considered very nourishing and contribute to heart health, as they contain a huge amount of vitamin C and potassium, which help in blood pressure and offer support for cardiovascular function. The antioxidants in mandarins repress oxidative stress and inflammation, which lowers the risk of heart disease.

Further, their fiber helps in lowering cholesterol and therefore averts a risky heart. It is considered that the inclusion of mandarin in the diet is good for overall cardiovascular health and provides a healthy, strong heart.

8. Weight Management

Source : unsplash

Mandarin oranges are very good for controlling weight since they are very low in calories and high in fiber. Fiber makes a person fuller for a longer period of time, thus reducing the tendency to overeat or take frequent snacks.

In addition, their sweetness acts to kill your cravings for sweet stuff, so you can take them as a healthy, filling snack. Moreover, their high water content increases volume without extra calories in the diet. Add mandarins to your courses at meals to control weight and provide refreshing nourishment.

9. Dental Health

Source : unsplash

Mandarin oranges are good for dental health since they are rich in vitamin C, necessary for keeping healthy gums and teeth. Vitamin C helps to manufacture collagen that works in holding gums together and thus prevents a host of gum diseases.

The acidity of the fruit also does well in the cleaning of teeth since it raises saliva production, which is a natural substance that rebalances harmful bacteria and acids. Mandarins could thus support overall oral health when taken as part of a diet combined with regular brushing and flossing.

10. Eye Health

Mandarin oranges are good for eye health due to their richness in both vitamins C and beta-carotene. Vitamin C has a protective effect on the eyes against oxidative damage, while it also tends to keep the blood vessels within the eyes healthy.

Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A inside the body and thus enables good vision. It could also be important in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration.

Mandarins contain elements that secure the health of your eyes, promote sharp vision, and decrease the chance of problems associated with vision.

11. Anti-Cancer Properties

The antioxidant content, rich in flavonoids and vitamin C, gives mandarin oranges some potential anti-cancer properties. The antioxidants nullify free radicals involved in oxidative stress, which eventually leads to the formation of cancerous cells.

Moreover, mandarin compounds are potent against the growth of cancerous cells and promoters of self-defense mechanisms of the body.

Therefore, it would be possible to extrapolate the everyday use of mandarins in moderate amounts in a healthy diet to the prevention of cancer and total cellular health by preventing oxidative damage and inflammation.

12. Bone Health

Source : unsplash

Mandarin oranges are good for bone health due to the supply of some very useful nutrients. These include vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium. Vitamin C is instrumental in the production of collagen necessary for the strength and integrity of the bone structure.

Calcium and magnesium are required for building up mass in bones and maintaining skeletal health. Therefore, when taken, mandarins are able to provide the necessary supply of essential minerals and vitamins in the formation of bones and foster strong and healthy bones with less tendency to develop diseases like osteoporosis.

13. Reduces Cholesterol

Mandarin oranges can help in lowering cholesterol because they are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Fiber binds to bad cholesterol and excretes it from your body. The antioxidants of mandarins do not let cholesterol accumulate in the arteries.

So, consuming mandarins at regular intervals will keep your heart healthy by reducing cholesterol and providing other benefits. They can be a really easy and palatable way to bring cholesterol levels under control if taken as part of a balanced diet.

14. Liver Health

Mandarin oranges are good for the health of the liver by providing it with vitamins and antioxidants that give it an edge in terms of functioning. Mandarins are rich in vitamin C and other nutrients that assist the liver in cleaning up the body by breaking down dangerous substances.

Antioxidants work against free radicals, thus shielding liver cells from various kinds of damage. The mandarin will ensure good livers and increase their efficiency in processing toxins and cleansing, hence increasing the performance level for health and well-being.

15. Mood Booster

Source : unsplash

The sweet taste and great fragrance of mandarin oranges can lift your mood. Indeed, the vitamins and natural sugars in mandarins increase the energy level quickly and improve one's feeling of well-being.

The smell of fresh bright mandarins will also help to pacify and cheer you up. It can be quite easy to elevate your mood or brighten up your day by snacking on mandarins or adding them to simple meals.

16. Improves Sleep Quality

Mandarin oranges can help increase the quality of sleep because they are rich in nutrients that can make a person relax. Vitamin C and natural sugars in mandarin will regulate the energy rush inside you and make you feel calm.

Even their aroma itself is soothing, which helps in relaxing and making one go to sleep easily. So, mandarins before bed can become a fine log of support for night rest and refreshment in the morning.

17. Balances Blood Sugar

Mandarin oranges keep blood glucose levels stable because of the fiber and natural sugars in them. Fiber slows down sugar absorption into your blood and hence prevents the steep rise of sugar in the blood. So, there is no fluctuation in your blood sugar level.

Again, with the natural sweetness of Mandarins, your craving for sweetness is fulfilled in a healthy manner. Including mandarins in your diet can be a delicious way to help maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduce the associated risk.