I know it may sound impossible but until today I had never eaten a clementine! Today had my first. Then my second and third!! I can not imagin that I have lived for 50 years and never before enjoyed this incredible fruit.
So after my belly was filled you just know I went right to my research and looked into the Phytonutrient and Antioxidant content of the clementine, I was very pleased with what I learned.
So after my belly was filled you just know I went right to my research and looked into the Phytonutrient and Antioxidant content of the clementine, I was very pleased with what I learned.
Clementines are a cross between mandarin oranges and sweet oranges. They are smaller, have smooth glossy skin, and very sweet, juicy, almost seedless segments like tangerines but are a separate fruit. Clementines are a citrus species with momentous nutritional worth and healing potential. They may be quickly peeled and eaten fresh or processed as value-added goods such as juice and essential oils. The quality of being seedless makes clementine a perfect snack for little children. You may eat clementine on its own or add a few clementine segments to your yogurts, salads, oatmeal or other breakfast cereals for a nutritional ‘zing’ factor.
Numerous studies have time and again advocated the usefulness of citrus fruits such as clementines for extending their protective effect against a range of health conditions which have been discussed as under:
- Healthy skin: Clementines are really good for skin owing to the presence of significant amount of vitamin C. Scientific studies have validated the role of Vitamin C in the synthesis of collagen, a structural component vital for the maintenance of healthy skin. Antioxidant properties of vitamin C present in clementines helps in protecting the skin against the damage induced by UV radiations and helps in revitalizing the aging skin. Furthermore, it aids in reducing the formation of wrinkles, supports in repairing the damaged skin and assists in keeping the skin healthy and youthful.
- Good for brain: As a source of natural folate, eating a few clementines regularly may prove helpful in the normal functioning of brain and support in reducing stress and depression. Folate content present in clementines may even prove valuable during pregnancy especially for the unborn babies by protecting them against the neural tube defects.
- Immune booster: Consumption of citrus fruits such as clementines helps in enhancing the disease fighting ability of the body and strengthens the immunity. Strong immune system aids in preventing the occurrence of a range of infections and helps reducing the severity of fatal diseases. This attributes to the abundance of vitamin C and other phytonutrients in clementines which provides antioxidative protection against the damaging action of the oxygen free radicals produced during energy metabolism.
- Strong bones and muscles: Eating juicy clementines may also contribute in keeping your bones strong and healthy attributing to the presence of the calcium and phosphorous content. These minerals are important for all age groups and also play an important role in the muscle contraction.
- Digestive health: Clementines are a good source of fiber which adds bulk to your stool and facilitates better digestion and keeps constipation at bay. Fiber content present in clementine also aids in better absorption of nutrients from the food by slowing down the digestion process. Furthermore, potassium content present in clementine helps in normalizing muscle contraction and relaxation which stimulates better movement of food and waste through their respective routes.
- Cardiovascular health: Clementines are good for heart owing to the presence of potassium mineral. Consumption of potassium rich clementines help in normalizing cardiac arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat and also assist in maintaining healthy levels of blood pressure and prevents hypertension. It even reduces the risk of fatal conditions such as stroke.
- Electrolyte balance: Clementines are valuable in maintaining the electrolytic balance of the body again attributing to the presence of potassium content. Eating potassium rich clementines aids in maintaining natural water balance amidst the cells and the body fluids which is extremely critical for the healthy functioning of the entire system.
- Cancer: Inclusion of citrus fruits like clementines also helps in fighting various types of cancer. This owes to the presence of anti-cancer components such as vitamin C and powerful bioactive molecules such as limonoids and quercitin. Citrus fruits including clementines also contain pectin which is another component that helps in protecting the body from developing multiple cancers.
- Clementine oil for aromatherapy: Clementine oil is used in aromatherapy owing to its pain relieving and rejuvenating nature. It possesses purifying properties and promotes better and restful sleep. Massage with clementine oil aids in relieving stress, uplifts the mood and enhances mental clarity. However, people with dry or sensitive skin should be cautious while using clementine oil and should consider using additional carrier oil during its topical usage. Essential oils such as clementine oil may also cause phototoxicity and hence one should refrain from direct exposure to the sunlight for a few hours post the application of such oils on the skin.
Apart from all of the above mentioned benefits, clementines contain choline which is assists in healthy functioning of liver and help prevents the occurrence of liver diseases. As a source of calcium and potassium, clementines help in reducing the risk of dental inflammation and avert tooth loss. Being a low-calorie fruit, clementine makes an excellent supporter during weight loss attempts. Fiber content present in clementines contributes in keeping a check on the cholesterol levels of the body.
Happy Gardening!
RSS Feed
