Health Benefits:

The peel of the orange has more health benefits than the fruit. It contains higher amounts of vitamins and mineral including:

• Vitamin C:

  The peel contains more vitamin C than the pulp. 100 grams of orange peels contain 136 mg of vitamin C, while the fleshy inside part beneath the peel has only 70 mg. Vitamin C combats free radicals that destroy the skin cells and adds shine to the hair and a natural glow to the skin.

• Calcium:

  The top layer of the skin has the largest amount of calcium. 100g of orange peel contain 161 mg of calcium (16% of the RDA). Calcium plays a very important role in maintaining healthy skin. It contributes in renewing worn out skin cells and preventing DNA damage.

• Dietary fiber:

  Orange peel is a rich source of dietary fiber, particularly pectin. 100 grams orange peel has 28% of RDA of fiber. Dried orange peels have higher amounts of pectin. Dietary fiber helps prevent irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and helps blood sugar levels from peaking immediately after a meal.

• Acne relief:

  Pimples arise when excess dirt, soot or bacteria block your skin pores. Orange peels help clean out your skin by extracting dirt from deep inside the pores. A facemask made by grinding orange peels to a paste and applying it over the face will relieve acne and remove excess oils. Regularly consuming oranges also help detoxify, cleanse the liver of impurities and thus keep acne at bay.

• Skin whitening:

  Orange peel is a natural bleacher and can help lighten dark spots and possibly remove them with time.

• Clears blackheads:

  Orange peel helps clean out pores and dirt from the skin and prevents blackheads.

• Anti-aging:

  The powerful anti-oxidants in oranges fight free radicals that deprive healthy skin cells of oxygen by stealing oxygen molecules from them. These free radicals play a significant role in creating wrinkles in skin and also lead to sagging of cheeks. The significant amount of calcium in orange peels is also very effective for protecting against premature aging of the skin.

• Cleanses and tone your skin:

  The abundant vitamin C and anti-oxidants in orange peels maintain the oils of the skin, preventing both very oily and dry skin. Applying orange peels on skin helps remove dead cells, dirt and keeps the skin well moisturized and toned. Additionally, calcium contributes to anti-oxidant production that reverses dry skin into looking healthy and glowing.

• Fatigue:

  Hard work can be tiring on the body. Place some orange skin strips in bathing water. The soothing aroma of orange will calm you as the peels help tone your skin.

Health Benefits:

The peel of the orange has more health benefits than the fruit. It contains higher amounts of vitamins and mineral including:

• Excellent Conditioner:

  Orange juice is an excellent conditioner for your hair. You can prepare a conditioner at home by mixing the juice of one orange, water and one spoon of honey. Apply this mixture on your shampooed hair and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes. This will provide you with healthy, shiny and beautiful hair.

• Stimulates Hair Growth:

  Vitamin C along with bio flavonoids in oranges aids in circulation to the scalp which in turn promotes hair growth. They also contain folic acid, a type of vitamin B that is vital to hair growth. Inositol is another form of vitamin B that prevents hair loss and stimulates hair growth. Hence, regular consumption of oranges is a great way of boosting the intake of these nutrients.

• Prevents a flaky scalp:

  Orange peel powder mixed with water to a creamy paste and applied to the scalp absorbs oils and dead skin cell, leaving you free of dirt and dandruff flakes. You can also make a hair rinse that will do the same by boiling 2 cups of water and adding in 3 - 4 teaspoons orange peel powder. Leave covered overnight. Strain the water and use as a hair rinse.

WARNING:

This article is for informational purpose only. Orange is not a treatment for any disease or condition. It is generally safe when used on the skin or hair, but to ensure safety, it is best to do an allergy test. Consult your doctor before using for medical purposes.

Bibliography:

1. Bull, Ruah. "The Spring Months." Daily Aromatherapy Transforming the Seasons of Your Life with Essential Oils. By Joni Keim. Berkeley: North Atlantic, 2008. 27.