Discover the surprising health benefits of orange peel, from improving skin tone and fighting aging signs to whitening teeth and lowering cholesterol; plus, uses for mood-boosting and pest-repelling.
Do you toss out orange peels without a second thought? What if those discarded rinds held some surprising health benefits? We’re about to peel back the layers (pun intended!) and explore some amazing things orange peel can do for you. Get ready, because we’ve got a lot to unpack here!
And just so you know, we’ll be going deeper into each of these points, so stick around. Here’s a quick sneak peek at what’s coming:
- The Various Benefits of Orange Peel
- Improves Skin Tone
- Fights Signs of Aging
- Removes Blackheads and Excess Oils
- Whitens Teeth
- Freshens Breath
- Lowers Bad Cholesterol
- Regulates Bowel Movements
- Repels Some Insects and Ants
- Acts as a New Mood Booster
- Side Effects of Orange Peel
The Various Benefits of Orange Peel
Alright, let’s dive straight into the different benefits of orange peel and some simple recipes, so you can actually put this knowledge to good use, shall we?
Improves Skin Tone
Orange peels help with skin complexion and dark spots. They work as a natural bleach to lighten your skin, especially those pesky dark spots. I remember when I had some stubborn acne scars, I was desperate for a solution! Turns out, citrus might’ve been part of the answer.
Orange peels contain vitamin C and vitamin E, both crucial for keeping your skin protected and preventing it from getting damaged, and shielding the skin from sun damage and harmful UV rays. It’s like a mini shield for your face, who knew?
Here’s how to improve your skin tone using orange peel:
- Mix two teaspoons of orange peel powder (and honestly, the scent alone is worth it) with one teaspoon of yogurt, and another of honey. Keep in mind, storing the powder in the sun for prolonged periods will deplete the valuable oils in the peels.
- Apply the mixture to your face, gently.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes, and repeat this two to three times a week.
Fights Signs of Aging
Orange peels contain antioxidants that combat free radicals—those nasty little things that damage healthy cells—and cause wrinkles. So yeah, they basically help your skin look younger and healthier. And who doesn’t want that, right?
To get rid of signs of aging, follow these steps:
- Mix one teaspoon of orange peel powder with one teaspoon of rose water to make a paste.
- Apply it to your face for 30 minutes, and use this mask once a week.
Removes Blackheads and Excess Oils
One of the benefits of orange peel is that it works as a natural scrub to get rid of dead skin and remove excess oil from your skin. This helps prevent blackheads and whiteheads. I always thought you needed some fancy, expensive product, but maybe not!
To remove blackheads, do this:
- Mix one teaspoon of orange peel powder with one teaspoon of lemon juice to make a paste.
- Apply it to your face and the affected area.
- Leave it on for 20 minutes, and do this once a week.
Whitens Teeth
Orange peel can reduce the yellow tint on your teeth because it contains a compound called d-limonene, which helps in reducing teeth staining over time. My dentist would probably be surprised if I told him I was using orange peels, um, in addition to brushing of course!
You can whiten your teeth by following these steps:
- Rub your teeth with the white part of the orange peel for two to three minutes.
- Rinse with water, and do this twice daily for best results.
Freshens Breath
One of the benefits of orange peel is that it helps you get rid of bad breath. It contains vitamin C, an antibacterial agent that fights the bacteria that cause bad breath. I always keep mints on hand, but maybe orange peel is a good natural alternative!
You can freshen your breath by chewing on orange peel. Here’s how to prep it:
- Chop the orange peels up and place them in a cool, dry place.
- Put one piece of the chopped peel in a cup of boiling water.
- Boil it, then leave it to steep for about 10 minutes.
- Add a little raw honey to the mixture after filtering out the orange peel.
- Have two cups of orange peel tea daily.
Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Drinking orange peel tea can lower LDL cholesterol (that’s the bad kind), because it contains hesperidin, a flavonoid with antioxidant properties that helps lower cholesterol levels in the body, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Regulates Bowel Movements
You can drink orange peel tea to regulate bowel movements. Orange peels contain dietary fiber, which helps improve digestion, prevent constipation, and relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, and heartburn. Honestly, sometimes our bodies just need a little extra help, don’t they?
Repels Some Insects and Ants
One of the benefits of orange peel is that it contains limonene, which repels insects. Bugs really don’t like it. This is definitely good to know, especially during those summer months.
You can grind some orange peels and put the powder wherever you’re seeing the ants and bugs.
Acts as a New Mood Booster
Orange peel can be a new mood booster for you. It contains limonene, which makes you feel happier and improves your mood. Plus, the citrusy smell can prevent you from feeling tired while you’re working out.
To boost your mood with orange peel, follow these steps:
- Wash orange peels and the fruits well to get rid of any pesticides and chemicals.
- Cut them into small pieces, to maximize the surface area for fragrance release.
- Place the pieces in a bowl, leaving them out for a week before use.
Side Effects of Orange Peel
Now that we’ve learned about the various benefits of orange peel, it’s worth mentioning some of its potential side effects, like:
- Some studies found that there are pesticides on orange peels that may cause irritations or hormonal imbalances. So, it’s important to wash orange peels before using them.
- Orange peels are tough and contain a good amount of fiber, which might cause issues digesting them for some people.
- Using too much orange peel can trigger some side effects, like headaches or digestive problems.
But wait, there’s more! Let’s talk about orange peel extract, which isn’t directly addressed in the original article. We know that orange peel has benefits, but does an extract concentrate those benefits? Orange peel extract is often found in skincare products, thanks to its high antioxidant content. It’s praised for its ability to brighten skin and protect against environmental stressors. However, it’s important to be aware that concentrated extracts can sometimes cause sensitivity or irritation, especially in those with already sensitive skin. Always do a patch test before slathering anything new all over your face!
Key takeaways
- Orange peel contains vitamin C and antioxidants that improve your skin and protect it from sun damage
- It contains hesperidin, a flavonoid that helps lower cholesterol levels in the body and promotes heart health.
- It contains dietary fiber that improves digestion and relieve symptoms of IBS, bloating and heartburn.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is orange peel safe to eat?
Yes, orange peel is generally safe to eat in small quantities. It’s packed with nutrients and beneficial compounds. However, it can be bitter, so many people prefer to use it in teas or as a zest to add flavor to dishes.
Can orange peel help with weight loss?
While orange peel isn’t a magic bullet for weight loss, its fiber content can contribute to feelings of fullness, potentially aiding in portion control and reducing overall calorie intake. So, while it’s not a direct weight-loss solution, it can be a helpful addition to a balanced diet.
Myth: Orange peel is toxic and should never be consumed.
This is absolutely false! While it’s true that orange peels can contain pesticide residue, washing them thoroughly before consumption minimizes this risk. As we’ve explored, orange peels are rich in nutrients and offer various health benefits when consumed in moderation.
They always say ‘eat your fruits!’, but they never talk about the peels! I’ve been throwing mine away for years. Now I’m trying this thing out as a part of my skincare routine, and also drinking the tea from time to time. I hope it really helps!
After seeing this article I started mixing orange peel with yogurt, putting it on my face and neck. People tell me I’m looking a little fresher these days so maybe it’s doing something! I also tried using it to make my breath a little less awful in the mornings.
My grandma always used orange peels for cleaning and freshening up the house, but I never knew they had so many health benefits! Gonna have to give some of these a try, especially the teeth whitening one.
So, there you have it—nine amazing benefits of orange peel! I never thought I’d be so excited about something I used to just toss in the trash. Now, I’m thinking twice before I peel that next orange. Who knows what other kitchen scraps are hiding secret superpowers? Maybe we’ll investigate those next time…
