Mandarins: benefits, harms, contraindications, use

This beautiful fruit begins to ripen only in autumn, and the peak of demand falls on the New Year. That is why most people associate the aroma and appearance of tangerines with something joyful and beautiful. In this article, we will consider how tangerines are useful, what harm they can cause, and in what cases.

The benefits of tangerines

Probably, it is no coincidence that the season of tangerines falls in autumn, because the primary benefit of this fruit is expressed in helping our body to restore strength during a period of vitamin deficiency. When comes cold season, it is so important to establish regular supplies of vitamin C to the body, of which there is a lot in tangerines. Mandarin is also very good at quenching thirst and can be used as a natural "preparation" to lower the temperature... Its phytoncidal action helps the body effectively fight germs and harmful microorganisms. The peel of the fruit has the property relieve cough and help improve digestion.

Mandarin can relieve swelling. Thanks to synephrine, it can thin and remove mucus from the bronchi, providing an expectorant effect. Relatively recently, studies were carried out, during which it was found that it significantly reduces the likelihood of heart disease, atherosclerosis, as well as diseases associated with the deposition of cholesterol in the vessels. By the way, if you want to get the maximum benefit from the tangerine, eat not only the slices of fruit, but also the white mesh, which is located between the pulp and the peel. After all, it is in it that the most useful substances that are responsible for heart health are contained.

It is also worth noting antidepressant effect tangerine per person. And here everything comes into play: the aroma, and the chemical composition, and even a juicy bright orange color. Regular use of tangerines will have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system and help to raise the general tone of the body.

It would be wrong to talk about tangerines and not mention its peel, especially since the benefits in it are no less than in the pulp itself. Moreover, it has a much higher concentration of pectins, esters, flavonoids and organic acids. Useful tinctures and candied fruits can be prepared from it. But here you need to be extremely careful. Some unscrupulous producers use different chemicals when growing fruit, which successfully accumulate in the peel. In the "best" case, wax will be applied to the peel, which will give it a glossy shine. Eating such a peel in a similar way will not bring anything useful to the body.

Tangerines are useful in the perinatal period, especially when the second trimester begins. After all, it is then that women begin to experience unpleasant symptoms of vitamin C deficiency. Yes, many are of the opinion that the consumption of tangerines during pregnancy can cause an allergic reaction in both the expectant mother and the child. And indeed it is. But everything needs a measure. If you eat tangerines in moderation, then this will only benefit. But, of course, it is better to consult with an observing doctor. Mandarin will help in the fight against toxicosis, will weaken or even dull vomiting. And if you do a massage using essential oil, in this way you can protect yourself from the problem of stretch marks on the body that often appear after childbirth.

The positive effect of tangerines in the fight has been noticed with nail fungus.

To cope with nervous tension, it is enough to consume a couple of drops of mandarin oil mixed with a teaspoon of honey every day. The same remedy helps to establish the work of the gastrointestinal tract and eliminate intestinal upset. Regular consumption of tangerines in sufficient quantities has a beneficial effect on the liver and kidneys, promotes the release of stones and sand from them and, quite logically, prevents their appearance. However, with an advanced stage of the disease, it is imperative to consult a doctor.

Mandarin helps to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, stimulates the intestines, contributing to the rapid absorption of useful elements into the body and the rapid passage of food.

The harm of tangerines

The primary harm of tangerines is associated with its allergenicity, therefore, when using it, you need to be extremely careful and attentive to your own feelings. The increased acidity of the fruit can harm the digestive tract. But we have to talk about harm only in case of an overdose, or when the reception is carried out by a person who has contraindications for that. Eat everything in moderation and then everything will be fine. And now let's look at the category of people who are better off finding tangerines with a different use than food.

Contraindications for tangerines

Diabetics need to take tangerines with caution, since a large amount of sugars may not have the best effect on their health. In children, with excessive consumption of fruit, diathesis can occur, all for the same reason.

With a peptic ulcer, inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract, gastritis with high acidity - it is also better to refuse tangerines, due to the high acidity of the product. With existing kidney diseases (cholcystitis, nephritis), citrus can also cause an exacerbation.

Even if you have no contraindications, this does not mean at all that tangerines can be consumed in unlimited quantities. Overeating can provoke the appearance of unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhea, the appearance of rashes of various kinds. In the most severe cases, the abundance of citrus leads to the destruction of red blood cells and the subsequent removal of hemoglobin from them, which inevitably leads to anemia.

Is it possible to eat tangerines for diabetes

Of course, tangerines are very healthy, but given the large amount of sugar in their composition, the question arises whether they can be eaten with diabetes. Let's figure it out.

Recent studies by American scientists have helped identify Nobiletin in mandarins. This substance is a flavonoid that protects the body from obesity, atherosclerosis, and also significantly reduces the risk of developing type II diabetes. Studies were also conducted with the participation of two groups of mice, where one ate carbohydrates and fats, and the second the same with the only difference that Nobiletin was additionally introduced into the diet. The results were as follows: by the end of the experiment, the first group had all the signs of type 2 diabetes, while the second practically did not gain excess weight. Based on these data, conclusions were drawn that regular consumption of Nobiletin, which is abundant in tangerines, prevents weight gain and protects against type II diabetes.

The conclusion suggests itself that one or two tangerines are unlikely to harm the body of a diabetic, but nevertheless, in order not to harm your health, it is better to consult a doctor. Although, in general, it has been experimentally observed that tangerines slightly increase blood sugar levels, since their glycemic index is even below 50. But you cannot drink juice from tangerines with diabetes mellitus, since it does not contain fiber.

Mandarins during pregnancy

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of mandarins, especially when it comes to the perinatal period. During pregnancy, a woman's immunity can drop sharply, which exposes the expectant mother and baby to the risk of various diseases. The vitamin composition of tangerines could fix this by filling strategic reserves with vitamin C, but can citrus be eaten during pregnancy?

It is impossible to give an unequivocal answer to this question. During this period, the woman's body is unpredictable and may not respond to citrus in the best way. But what if you really want to? Ideally, consult your gynecologist before use. But if it is impatient and there is no strength to wait and endure - then you can start small. Eat one tangerine first and see if there will be a negative response in the form of rashes or a general deterioration of the condition. With a successful outcome, you can afford a couple more.

According to doctors, while the baby is just beginning to develop, its organs are not yet fully formed, then you can pamper yourself. But the closer the due date, the more serious the consequences can be. It is worth remembering that if for some reason during the entire pregnancy you did not eat tangerine, then it is better not to introduce it into your diet until the end of lactation.

However, even with a normal body reaction, it is not recommended to lean on the fruit. As we mentioned earlier, if consumed excessively, this can lead to the destruction of red blood cells and the elimination of hemoglobin. And a woman during pregnancy is already at risk of anemia.

Caloric content of mandarin

Mandarin is not contraindicated even on diets, since its calorie content is only 30 kcal per 100 g.

How to store tangerines

To prevent tangerines from spoiling quickly, you need to store them correctly. Ideal places for these purposes include:

• cool cellar;
• glazed balcony;
• refrigerator.

In any case, wherever they lie, they need to ensure a constant flow of air, therefore, so that diaper rash and rot do not appear on sunny fruits, they should not be put in a plastic bag, but in a perforated box. Optimal conditions for relatively long-term storage: temperature +4 - + 8 ° С at a humidity level of 80%. In this case, the tangerine will not lose its aesthetic and taste qualities for at least a month.

Before storing a product for home storage, be sure to go through everything and remove those that have already begun to deteriorate, including those that are simply wrinkled. You need to fold tangerines in no more than three layers.

What can be made from tangerines

Tangerines are a real all-rounder in the hostess's kitchen. It can be used to prepare desserts, drinks, and main courses. It's a matter of taste. Here are some simple recipes that include tangerine.

Mandarin "soup"

• A small spoonful of rice starch;
• 600 ml of fresh tangerine juice;
• four small spoons of granulated sugar;
• two large spoons of pistachios (unsalted);
• three tangerines;
• leaf or two mint;
• ice cream (used when serving).

1. Dissolve the starch in a large spoonful of water. Peel the nuts. Peel the tangerine and cut it into wedges.
2. Heat the tangerine juice and add sugar to it. Bring the mixture to a boil and remove from heat. Add diluted starch and stir well.
3. Add the prepared nuts, crush the mint leaves and toss in the tangerine wedges. Place a scoop of ice cream in the center of each soup plate just before serving.

Tangerine, avocado and beetroot salad

• lettuce leaves - 150 g;
• one avocado (large);
• your choice: four fresh tangerines or 400 ml of canned tangerines;
• a third of a glass of pistachios;
• a small spoonful of lemon juice;
• 100 g feta cheese;
• a couple of medium-sized beets (boiled).

for making salad dressing:

• a third of a glass of olive oil;
• a quarter cup of orange juice;
• one and a half tablespoons of honey;
• a couple of small spoons of grated orange peel;
• half a small spoonful of mustard;
• salt to taste;
• half a large spoonful of poppy.

1. Peel the avocado, pit and cut into small cubes. Drizzle with lemon juice.
2. If pickled tangerines are used, drain the syrup through a sieve. If fresh, peel, divide into slices and try to remove the white film from each slice as much as possible.
3. Cut the cheese and beets into cubes the same size as the avocado.
4. Prepare the dressing: mix all the ingredients in the jar, close the lid and shake well to get an emulsion.
5. Put the lettuce leaves in a bowl, then put the tangerines, avocado and beets. Stir everything in with the dressing. Sprinkle with toasted nuts on top and lay the cheese.

Tangerine cranberry muffin

• 150 g sugar;
• one egg;
• 50 ml of vegetable oil;
• 250 g flour;
• a teaspoon of baking powder;
• 10 g vanilla sugar;
• salt to taste;
• three tangerines;
• 100 g of cranberries.

1. Sift flour and add baking powder and salt to it.
2. Squeeze the juice from the tangerines (about 50 ml). Grate the zest from the peel of one tangerine.
3. Beat the vanilla sugar with the egg.
4. Pour butter into the egg and beat again. Add zest.
5. Pour in the tangerine juice and stir.
6. Add flour and mix well again.
7. Add cranberries and mix well.
8. Grease a baking dish with butter and lay out the dough. Flatten.
9. Bake in an oven well preheated to 180 ° C for 40 minutes.
10. Allow the finished cake to cool and sprinkle with icing sugar.