Clementine – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Saturday, July 22, 2017 by Earl Garcia

Clementines are citrus fruits that are a result of crossing mandarin and sweet orange. The fruits are characterized by their dark orange peel with a smooth and glossy appearance. According to DoveMed.com, clementines are grown in different parts of the world including Algeria, Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia. The fruits are also cultivated in Portugal, Greece, Italy and Israel as well as Lebanon, Iran, and Turkey.

List of known nutrients

Clementines are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals that help improve the body’s overall health. An article published on the SELF Nutrition Data website enumerates the fruit’s many important nutrients, which include:

Betaine
Calcium
Choline
Folate
Iron
Magnesium
Niacin
Pantothenic Acid
Phosphorus
Potassium
Riboflavin
Selenium
Sodium
Thiamin
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K

Medicinal uses for clementine

Clementines are notably high in vitamin C, just like its citrus cousins. The fruits’ ample vitamin C supply helps fortify the immune system and stave off a host of infections and fatal diseases. The fruits are also an excellent source of various antioxidants — such as limonene, linalool and pinene as well as terpineol and myrcene — that counter the harmful effects of free radicals.

The fruits are also touted for their beneficial effects on the heart and the circulatory system. The high vitamin C levels in clementines are found to ward off high blood pressure and prevent the arteries from hardening. Aside from this, the fruits’ rich potassium content help normalize cardiac arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat and reduce the risk of stroke. On the other hand, the high folic acid levels in clementines are remarkably effective in promoting red blood cell production and fending off anemia.

In addition, the fruits are also best known for their potential in cancer prevention. Clementines contain potent bioactive molecules such as limonoids and quercitin, which are notably effective in keeping cancer at bay. The fruits also contain pectin, an important compound that helps prevent the onset of cancer. Aside from this, clementines are particularly helpful in maintaining a healthy digestive system. The fruits are an excellent source of dietary fiber that bulks up the stool and facilitates the digestive process. The citrus fruits are also touted to promote the body’s nutrition absorption and reduce the odds of digestive discomforts such as constipation. Likewise, the high potassium content in clementines are known to normalize muscle contraction in the digestive system, which in turn helps ease waste excretion.

Moreover, clementines are a rich source of calcium and phosphorus. The essential minerals found in clementines are touted to strengthen the bones and influence muscle contraction. On the other hand, the high folate content in clementines are known to boost brain function and prevent the onset of stress and depression. This is particularly helpful in pregnant women, as a diet high in folates may stave off birth defects in infants. Furthermore, clementines are found to induce weight loss and maintain the body’s electrolyte balance. Likewise, the fruits promote eye and skin health.

Body systems supported by clementine

Clementines are beneficial to the immune, circulatory, and nervous systems. Likewise, the fruits support the skeletal, muscular, and digestive systems. The fruits also support the eyes, skin, and the female reproductive system.

Ways to use clementine

As with other citrus fruits, clementines are a great addition to a variety of baked desserts such as cakes, puddings, and pies. The fruits can also be added to breakfast food such as oatmeal. Likewise, clementines can be incorporated in various salad recipes. In addition, clementines can be used as an additional flavoring to meat and seafood dishes. An article posted on the Huffington Post website has curated some of the most interesting clementine recipes across the web.