The next time you buy tangerines at your market, pay more attention to the peel than the juice. A joint study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a Canadian research company, published in the April 2004 issue of the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry,” cited the cholesterol-lowering properties of mandarin peel. . Other voices recommend tea made from dried tangerine peels as beneficial for people seeking relief from physical conditions ranging from indigestion to cancer. Although there are no specific studies on the tangerine peel teaThere are studies documenting the effects of tangerine peel and tea on your health.
The benefits of tangerine peel tea
Low cholesterol
A major scientific study published in the 2004 issue of the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry” mentions that tangerine peels have more powerful health benefits than the juice and could have significant potential for lowering cholesterol in people. Reporting on the study, Science Daily explains that peels were found to contain 20 times more antioxidants than juices. Antioxidants are chemicals that neutralize oxygen damage that can occur in human tissue.
Cancer fighter
The high concentration of antioxidants in mandarin peel leads many natural health advocates and others to view the peel as a weapon in the fight against cancer. Current thinking among scientific researchers is that antioxidants can protect human cells from damage caused by molecules called free radicals. That damage can lead to cancer. For this reason, the antioxidants found can stop the development of cancer.
- The high concentration of antioxidants in mandarin peel leads many natural health advocates and others to view the peel as a weapon in the fight against cancer.
- Therefore, antioxidants can stop the development of cancer.
Other benefits
Mao Shing Ni, doctor of Chinese medicine, from Ask Dr. Mao, recommends the use of tangerine peel in tea and cooking. The list of health benefits includes aiding digestion, relieving morning sickness in pregnant women, and curing motion sickness. Other benefits include balancing blood sugar, activating liver detoxification, treating colds and flu, and relieving stress.
Preparing the tangerine peel tea
Remove the skin, being careful to preserve the white pith. Let the shell dry naturally. The peel will remain in good condition and can be used for several months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. To make tea, cut a few small pieces and add them to a glass or cup of hot water and let steep for a few minutes. If you prefer not to prepare your own peel, many traditional Asian food stores carry dried mandarin peel. You can also put your dried tangerine peel in hot black tea. A study in the 2001 issue of “BioMed Central Dermatology” reports that a combination of hot black tea and citrus peel can reduce the risk of squamous cell skin cancer by 70 percent, while hot tea alone reduces the risk of squamous cell skin cancer. risk by only 40 percent.
- Remove the skin, being careful to preserve the white pith.