Nutrition Facts For Clementine Oranges

Clementines are small mandarin oranges with a sweet flavor and bright orange color. Clementines are sometime referred to as "Christmas" oranges because their peak season coincides with the Christmas holiday. When it comes to nutrition, clementines make a healthy choice as they are low in calories and high in potassium and vitamin C.

Calories

Calories in food indicate the amount of energy it supplies. When you eat more calories than you need, your body stores the extra energy as fat. Clementines are a low-calorie fruit. One clementine contains 35 calories. In comparison, one navel orange has about 70 calories.

Carbohydrates

One clementine contains 9 g of carbohydrates and 1.3 g of fiber. Carbohydrates in food provide your body with energy. Most of your calories should come from carbohydrates. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body cannot digest; it helps control your appetite for weight management. Healthy women need 21 to 25 g of fiber a day, and healthy men need 30 to 38 g of fiber a day.

Fat and Protein

One clementine contains 0.1 g of total fat and 0 g of protein. The clementine, as with most fruit, is not a significant source of fat or protein. A balanced diet should contain 20 to 35 percent of its calories from fat and 10 to 35 percent of its calories from protein.

Potassium

One clementine contains 200 mg of potassium. Potassium is a mineral that helps to regulate your heartbeat and maintain electrolyte balance. A diet high in natural potassium can also help promote a healthy blood pressure. Healthy people should include 4,700 mg of natural potassium a day. Talk to your doctor about your daily potassium needs. Certain chronic diseases, such as kidney disease, require you to restrict the amount of potassium in your diet.

Vitamin C

One clementine meets 60 percent of your daily vitamin C needs. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin needed for the synthesis of collagen. Collagen is a structural protein found in your skin and ligaments. Adequate intake of vitamin C also supports a healthy immune system and promotes normal growth and development. Vitamin C is also an important antioxidant. Antioxidants protect cells from free radical damage and may prevent the onset of heart disease and certain cancers.