Orange Peel
Discover the Superpower of Orange Peel Powder
Orange Peels: ♥️A Potential Cardiac Superfood Discovered
A recent study has uncovered a hidden health benefit within orange peels, which are often discarded after the juice is extracted. This study reveals that orange peels might play a crucial role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Reducing Heart Disease Risk
Published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the research focused on how orange extract affects compounds associated with heart disease. One of these compounds, Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. High levels of TMAO in the body elevate heart disease risks, but orange peel extract can help reduce its production.
Another compound, Trimethylamine (TMA), is produced by gut microbiota when digesting red meat. TMA is then converted into TMAO, further increasing heart disease risks. The study found that orange peel extract inhibits gut microbiota from producing TMA, thereby reducing TMAO levels.
Effective Extracts 💜
The researchers used two types of extracts: polar and non-polar fractions. The non-polar fraction significantly reduced TMA and TMAO production, while the polar fraction contained feruloylputrescine, a compound that inhibits the enzyme necessary for TMA production.
Transforming Waste into Health Benefits 🌹
This discovery is significant because it opens new possibilities for utilizing orange peels, which are often discarded as waste. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers natural orange peel extracts safe for human consumption, highlighting their potential as a health supplement.
Feruloylputrescine, found in the polar fraction of the extract, is now recognized for its potential heart health benefits due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers at the University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Education Center are already exploring ways to develop functional foods enriched with these bioactive compounds.
Nutrient-Rich Orange Peels ☀️
Orange peels are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. According to Stephanie Schiff, a registered dietitian and nutritionist at Huntington Hospital, orange peels contain antioxidant vitamins C, A, and E, along with calcium, potassium, folate, magnesium, and fiber. They have four times more soluble and insoluble fiber than the fruit itself, offering numerous health benefits.
These vibrant skins can help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce cancer and Parkinson’s disease risk, and have anti-inflammatory properties due to limonene, a naturally occurring chemical.
Incorporating Orange Peels into Your Diet 🍊
There are various ways to incorporate orange peels into your diet. Schiff suggests drying out orange strips and blending them into a powder for shakes or smoothies. You can also cut them into strips for salads or brew them into tea. However, she advises consuming them in moderation to avoid digestive discomfort.
This study reveals that the humble orange peel is not just waste but a potential powerhouse for heart health, offering a new avenue for natural health supplements and functional foods.