Benefits of Orage

It is amazing that in ancient times, orange peel was more valued that the inside fleshy fruit. Due to its miraculous properties, the orange Peel found a place as a medicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. The oils extracted from orange peels were often used in medicines for indigestion and infections. Cooks during the Middle Ages were using dried orange peels as seasonings. The interest in orange peel and its usage is increasing now days because great deal of current research being conducted to explore its properties for cancer cure.

Orange Peel is one of the greatest sources of vitamin C .Other constituents include p-synephrine, pectin, volatile oils, hesperidin, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin A. Here are some more things you can do with orange peel instead of just throwing it in the bin.

Natural Toothpaste: Rub an orange peel on the teeth. The vitamin C of the orange peel will combat with the microorganisms.

Fight against skin cancer: The outer peel contains d-limonene, the enemy of UV rays. A University of Arizona study found that eating one teaspoon of orange peel per week reduced skin cancer risk by 30 percent.

Add Zest to your Soup and Salads: sprinkle orange zest on into soup and salads and make them flavorful.It adds fragrant orange flavor to cakes,coffee,tea,muffins and cookies.

Facial Scrub for dry skin: 2 teaspoons quick-cooking oats, 1/4 teaspoon almond powder,1/4 teaspoon orange peel powder, 1/4 teaspoon lavender flower powder, 2 tablespoons yogurt.Stir together all the ingredients and apply very gently on face with fingertips. Orange peel balances the Ph levels of the skin and softens it.

Against infections: Orange Peel's high vitamin C content (and A) is used to combat invasive infection, colds, flu and many other ailments. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects your body's cells from damage.

Digest easily: Orange Peel is an easily digestible and helps gastrointestinal complaints such as dyspepsia, flatulence, indigestion, diarrhea and heartburn. It is also effective in digesting fatty foods.

Lower Cholesterol: The pectin in Orange Peel is a soluble fiber that may be helpful in lowering blood cholesterol and glucose levels.

Air Freshener: Orange peels create a pleasant odor as they burn. Dried peel makes a great fire starter.As a air freshener, dried orange peels can also be stored in a cheesecloth bag and kept in closets to reduce musty odors.To deodorize a garbage bag, throw down a few peels in it.

Insect Repellent: The essential oils found in orange peels are also used as insect repellents. It is an effective mosquito repellent when rubbed directly on the skin . A puree blend of orange peel and water can be applied to an area to discourage ants from crossing.

Next time, when you eat an orange, save the skin!