It might sound strange to eat orange peels; however, you already do in marmalade, candied orange peels or in various baked goods into which the peels are grated. Adding some peel to your diet can provide a number of nutrients, but be sure to wash the peel before consuming. You might also consider buying organic oranges so you can avoid the pesticides and preservatives found on regular oranges.
Nutrients
Just 1 tbsp. of orange rind contains 0.6 g of fiber, 14 percent of your daily value of vitamin C and 1 percent each of vitamin A, calcium and folic acid. It has only 6 calories and no fat, cholesterol, sugar or sodium. To eat more orange rind, add it to tea, coffee, jams and baked goods.
Pectin
Orange peels contain a high amount of pectin, a carbohydrate found naturally in fruit used to make jams and jellies because it creates a gel-like consistency when heated. When you consume pectin, it contributes to the health of your intestines, helping healthy bacteria grow, explains the USDA Agricultural Research Service. The Service's scientists also believe that pectin prevents unhealthy pathogens from clinging to your intestines and growing there.
Heart Health
The rinds of orange and other citrus fruits contain flavonoid phytonutrients. John A. Manthey, a chemist of the USDA Agricultural Research Service, discovered that these flavonoids can lower LDL, "bad," cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels at a significant level. They also have potential anti-inflammatory properties. All these benefits can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Skin Cancer
While it's important to practice healthy habits like staying out of the sun and wearing sunblock, orange peels might help prevent skin cancer. Orange peels contain d-limonene, which can lower your chances of developing squamous cell skin cancer, explains OregonLive.com. D-limonene, found in the citrus oil of the orange peel, seems to inhibit skin tumor growth.
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