Clementine oranges are small, seedless oranges grown in the Mediterranean climate of Spain. They are a cross between a tangerine and a Seville orange. The history of these hand fruits is ambiguous. Some think that they originated from Asia and then migrated to Spain. Others say that a monk named Father Clement found this mandarin mutation is his garden in Algeria. Whatever the origin of this fruit, they are now widely enjoyed throughout the United States during the months of October through February.
Basic Nutrition
Made up of 64 percent water, one clementine orange has 35 calories, 8.9 g of carbohydrates and 6.8 g of sugar. They have 1.3 g of fiber, which helps maintain intestinal health. These tiny fruits have no cholesterol, 0.6 g of protein and 0.1 g of fat.
Vitamin C
As Clementines fall into the citrus fruit category, they are a good source of vitamin C. Eating two clementines provides adults with 72 mg of vitamin C, which is approximately two-thirds of an adult's recommended daily allowance. Since humans cannot make their own Vitamin C, they must obtain it through dietary means. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and cholesterol metabolism.
Antioxidants
Another benefit of Clementines is that they are a good source of antioxidants. According to the Linus Pauling Institue, antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which cause destruction to living cells. Free radicals are created through normal metabolism as well as exposure to toxins and pollution. Antioxidants help to prevent cell damage that can cause diseases. It is important to eat foods high in antioxidants, such as Clementines, to help protect the body from free radical damage.
Folate
Clementines also contains approximately 18 mcg of folate, which is 4 percent of the daily recommendation. Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that occurs naturally in food such as oranges and spinach. It helps to make DNA and RNA and is crucial for fetal development.
Other Considerations
Clementines are a great low-calorie and low fat snack for both children and adults. The sweet aroma of this fruit produces a calming affect by triggering serotonin to be released in the brain. Like other fruits, most of its calories come from sugar. If you are watching your sugar intake, you may want to limit your fruit servings to one or two pieces a day.
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