Clementine oranges -- a sweet, thin-skinned type of mandarin orange -- contain a number of beneficial nutrients, including antioxidants. These chemicals help destroy free radicals, which are harmful compounds that damage your genes, proteins and cell membranes -- and may increase your risk of some diseases. Clementines contain numerous types of antioxidants, all of which can benefit your health.
Vitamin E
One of the antioxidants in clementine oranges is vitamin E. Each clementine contains approximately 0.15 mg of alpha-tocopherol, the most biologically active of the eight types of vitamin E. The alpha-tocopherol in clementines helps protect your cellular membranes, preventing the oxidation of fats within these membranes that can occur due to free radical damage. In addition, the vitamin E in clementines aids in cellular communication, and also helps control your blood thickness and coagulation.
Vitamin C
Clementine oranges also contain vitamin C, another type of antioxidant. Vitamin C helps protect the fats that make up your cellular membranes, as well as the proteins within your cells and your DNA, or genetic information. In addition, the vitamin C also helps maintain tissue strength, since it contributes to the production of collagen, a structural protein found throughout your body. Each clementine contains about 36 mg of vitamin C.
Limonene
Another antioxidant present in clementine oranges is limonene. This organic compound is found in the rind if several citrus species, including clementines. A study published in "Food and Chemical Toxicology" in June 2010 found that the limonene from citrus peel has potent activity as an antioxidant, and also displayed other benefits such as antifungal properties. You can increase your limonene intake by adding grated clementine rind to casseroles, salads, smoothies or juices.
Antioxidants and Disease
Free radical damage has been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer and as such, consuming antioxidants in your diet might lower your risk of developing these diseases. In addition, the antioxidant limonene might help your body respond properly to insulin, fighting the development of metabolic disorders, according to a study published in the "European Journal of Nutrition" in March 2011. While the role of antioxidants in disease prevention requires additional research, consuming foods rich in these compounds might benefit your health.
References
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Clementines, Raw
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin E; Dr. Jane Higdon; November 2004
- "Food and Chemical Toxicology"; Chemical Profile, Antifungal, Antiaflatoxigenic and Antioxidant Activity of Citrus maxima Burm. and Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck Essential Oils and Their Cyclic Monoterpene, DL-Limonene; Singh et al.; June 2010
- "European Journal of Nutrition"; Dietary d-limonene alleviates insulin resistance and oxidative stress-induced liver injury in high-fat diet and L-NAME-Treated Rats; Santiago et al.; March 2011
- Linus Pauling Institute; Vitamin C; Dr. Jane Higdon; January 2006
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