Orange is one of the delicious citrus and fruits that, apart from its sweet and sour taste, also has high medicinal properties. In the rest of this text, we will provide you with complete information about the properties of dried oranges, stay with us.
In our country, due to the nature of four seasons, all kinds of citrus fruits are cultivated. As we know, orange is one of the autumn and cold season fruits, whose pleasant and pleasant smell is very motivating. Experts of the American National Institute believe that stomach cancer is almost rare in America. Because oranges and citrus fruits are available to people in almost all months of the year, and by drying them, you can increase their shelf life and use them in other months of the year.
what is an orange
Orange is an evergreen tree with a height of 6 to 10 meters and has a round crown, the leaves are round at the base and pointed. The flowers of the tree are single, fragrant and sometimes seen in short clusters. The fruit of this tree is 5 to 10 cm long, round to egg-shaped and turns orange when it ripens.
The skin of the fruit is thin and has holes, the flesh of the fruit is pulpy, aromatic with a sweet taste. The inner part of the fruit is separated by 10 to 13 cells. The main place of growth of this plant is Asia, but today it can be seen in most places in Iran, especially in the provinces of Gilan, Khuzestan, Mazandaran, Fars, Hormozgan and Kermaneh.
The scientific name of this plant is Citrus Sinensis and in English it is called Sweet Orange. This fruit is in the Sedabian family and is included in the consumption group of anti-inflammatories and digestive stimulants. Regarding its history, they say; Oranges have been growing since about 4000 BC in parts of Southwest Asia and Northeast India. Probably the Italian traders after the 1450s or the Portuguese in the 1500s imported it to the Middle East.
In the 1640s, oranges became a very popular fruit among people. In the middle of the 1500s, the Spanish brought oranges to South America and Mexico. According to the historical documents in the category, citrus fruits were transferred from Asia to other parts of the world through Iran. Since the Safavid era, in terms of the traffic of Portuguese ships in the south of Iran, orange seeds were provided to the people of the south and planted.
About 300 years ago, orange seeds were brought from the south to the north of the country and cultivated in Tankabon city. From that time onwards, especially in the beginning of 1300 AD, different types and cultivars of citrus entered Iran and were cultivated in citrus research stations or in orchards.
Properties of oranges
The orange fruit has many unique properties that have made it a popular fruit, below are some examples of its properties as well as the properties of dried oranges:
Dried orange improves kidney function
According to a new study, the results of which were published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, daily consumption of a glass of orange juice lowers the risk of developing kidney stones. This study shows that orange juice citrate reduces the acidity of urine and prevents the formation of kidney stones. These researchers believe that orange juice is a suitable treatment option for patients who cannot take potassium citrate medicine.
Another study at the Clinical Research Institute in Dallas, Texas, shows that consuming oranges prevents the formation of kidney stones. in this study) and decreased uric acid and calcium oxalate crystals in urine. Researchers believe that orange potassium prevents the formation of kidney stones caused by calcium oxalate. 13 people consumed 325 ml of orange juice 3 times a day. It was found that orange juice increases citrate (citrate is responsible for the formation of kidney stones.
Dried orange regulates blood cholesterol
A clinical trial study shows that daily consumption of 750 ml of orange juice helps to reduce bad blood cholesterol. In this research, 16 men and 9 women with high triglycerides and LDL cholesterol were tested. Participants randomly consumed 1, 2, and 3 glasses of orange juice daily (each glass contains 250 mL) for 4 weeks.
The results of this study showed that consumption of 3 glasses of orange juice per day (750 ml) decreased the concentration of LDL cholesterol by 16% and increased HDL by 21%. Also, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition Research in 2010, shows that drinking orange juice for 60 days helps to reduce bad blood cholesterol (LDL).
Dried orange has anti-cancer properties
Studies show that orange limonene and limonene increase the activity of glutathione S-transferase enzyme. Glutathione transferases are a family of detoxifying enzymes and detoxify natural and foreign toxic compounds through glutathione tripeptide. These compounds (limonene and limonene) inhibit the growth and increase of cancer cells and tumors and reduce the risk of developing cancers, especially lung and breast cancers.
In another study, evidence from laboratory studies shows that flavonoids in orange juice reduce the risk of developing leukemia in children and colon and liver cancer in adults.
Dried oranges reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
A research was conducted at Shahid Beheshti University and its results were published in Fertility and Infertility Quarterly. This research was conducted on 80 students living in the dormitory. The research samples completed the prospective daily status registration form for two consecutive months, and after confirming the premenstrual syndrome diagnosis, they were randomly divided into two groups of 40 people and treated with 10 drops of orange peel essential oil for two consecutive months. or placebo, three times a day, at least 14 days before menstruation.
Both groups did not have significant differences in terms of background variables such as age and severity of symptoms before using orange peel. The reduction in the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms was 08.46% after taking orange peel essential oil and 21.14% in the placebo group. There was a significant difference between the two groups. The results showed that orange peel essential oil is effective in improving physical and psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
Dried orange has analgesic properties
In a study, the results of which were published in the scientific research journal of medicinal and aromatic plants of Iran, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect of orange limonene compound was investigated in rats. In this research, the effect of limonene composition on male rats was studied. Orange peel extract was injected into mice with three doses of 20, 30 and 50 mg/kg, and all three doses showed analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Meanwhile, the dose of 50 mg/kg showed the highest analgesic effect. The results of this experiment showed that the composition of orange peel limonene has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. By inhibiting cyclooxygenase and arachidonic enzymes, limonene prevents the activity of prostaglandins and thus helps to reduce pain and inflammation.
According to the results obtained in this research, it seems that limonene can be considered as a suitable substitute for painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs such as morphine and dexamethasone.
Dried orange improves cardiovascular function
A 2012 clinical trial study found that potassium in oranges reduced the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Orange folate reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by reducing homocysteine levels. The study showed that the risk of death from cardiovascular disease was reduced by 49% in people who consumed 4,069 milligrams of potassium per day, compared to those who consumed only 1,000 milligrams of potassium.
Dried orange prevents anemia
Anemia is a disease that is characterized by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin and reduces its ability to carry oxygen. This disease is often caused by iron deficiency. Although oranges are not a good source of iron, they are an excellent source of organic acids such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and citric acid.
Vitamin C and citric acid can increase the body’s absorption of iron from the digestive system. If oranges are eaten with iron-rich food, it may prevent anemia.
Different uses of oranges
Orange is used in different ways and types, which we explain below:
fresh fruit
Orange is one of the fruits and citrus fruits that are widely used as fresh fruit and juice and juice are obtained from it.
Orange peel candy
Put the dried orange peel in boiling water and sugar for an hour. Then they put them in a coating of chocolate, or roll them in sugar to get a sweeter taste.
Orange tea
Put a few pieces of orange chips peel in hot water and also add a few pieces of cinnamon stick and cinnamon stick to give it a spicy taste and then eat it. Orange tea is useful when you feel bad, citrus tea opens the sinuses.
This tea has valuable properties such as helping to reduce the risk of certain cancers, helping to reduce the risk of various cardiovascular diseases, helping to fight against viruses and bacteria, fighting against asthma, helping to fight against osteoporosis and rheumatic arthritis, helping It helps prevent kidney stones, helps control blood sugar, and is useful for diabetics and helps fight stomach ulcers.
Orange peel powder
You can powder the dried orange peel and use it for cooking purposes, such as making fish crispy, etc.
Dried oranges
Oranges are washed and after slicing, they are placed in front of the sun or dried with automatic machines. Orange chips or orange dried fruit are among the best snacks.
How to prepare dried oranges
Orange is a winter fruit and to dry it, it is better to use an oven or fruit dryer, first wash the oranges well and remove the stained and poor quality ones. Using a sharp knife, first cut the oranges into thin slices; Be careful that their thickness is not more than 1 cm.
We put the cut oranges between two clean cotton cloths to remove excess water, you can dip both sides of the orange cut in sugar or syrup (to prevent the orange from becoming bitter). To prepare the syrup, just dissolve one glass of sugar in two glasses of water and add one tablespoon of lemon juice to it and put it on the heat until it boils and a thick syrup is obtained.
Information and medicinal compounds of orange
Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, in such a way that a 130-gram orange can provide the full daily needs of an adult. For the proper functioning of vitamin C in some organs, such as the lens of the eye, adrenal glands, reproductive glands, and gums. , joints and immune system should also have flavonoids, which are present in oranges in the right amount of both of these compounds.
The most important orange flavonoid is hesperidin, this substance has shown its effect on animals to reduce cholesterol and anti-virus and some cancers. Pectin found in the white and thin skin under the main skin reduces blood cholesterol, volatile oil from orange peel contains flavonoid, limonene and methyl anthratylate compounds. Also, this fruit contains compounds such as carotenoid, isohesperidin, limonin, naringin, limonene and terpeneol.
Used parts of oranges
The used parts of oranges are fresh fruit, pressed extract, juice, etc. The skin of the fruit is used dried or oiled, and the juice of the fruit is also used to prepare various food items.
Use of orange in traditional medicine
In traditional medicine, oranges are used to treat vascular diseases, scurvy, colds, influenza, general weakness and anorexia. In modern medical science, they have confirmed the elimination of digestive disorders and loss of appetite among the properties of oranges.
Also, in general, oranges and their peels are traditionally used in the treatment of colds, liver disorders, rheumatism, mental shock, digestive disorders and skin blemishes. This fruit is stomachic and diuretic. It lowers blood cholesterol. In traditional medicine, orange juice was used to treat biliary disorders.
Disadvantages of excessive use of oranges
It is not forbidden to consume oranges in general, only people prone to allergies should be careful in consuming them. The use of this fruit in the recommended amounts does not cause any complications, and colic has been observed in children when consuming too much of its skin, and there is a possibility of kidney stones when consuming a lot of its kernel oil.
Key and important points about oranges
- Never store oranges without skin for a long time.
- Orange peel should not be stored in the refrigerator, but should be kept in a cool and dry place.
- Before drying, be sure to wash the orange to minimize the toxins in its skin, or use organic oranges if possible.
- The orange tree is a hybrid of two Chinese grapefruit and tangerine trees.
- The English word orange is derived from the Arabic word narange. The word orange was written and read as narange until the 14th century, but it gradually became the word orange by losing the letter N.
- Christopher Columbus planted the first orange tree in the Caribbean islands at the end of the 15th century.
- For the first time, in the 16th century, a Spaniard named Ponce de Leon brought oranges to Florida.
Nutritional table of oranges
Oranges consist of macronutrients and micronutrients according to the tables below, which make up its nutritional value
The main ingredient in 100 grams
- Energy (calories) 63 kcal
- Carbohydrates 15.50 grams
- Protein 1.30 grams
- Fat 0.30 grams
- Water 82.30 grams
- Fiber 4.50 grams
- Sugar 0.00 grams
- Cholesterol 0.00 mg
Orange vitamins
Vitamin name, amount per 100 grams
- Vitamin A 13.00 mcg
- Vitamin D 0.00 mcg
- Vitamin E 0.00 mg
- Vitamin K 0.00 mcg
- Vitamin C 71.00 mg
- Thiamine (B1) 0.10 mg
- Riboflavin (B2) 0.05 mg
- Niacin (B3) 0.50 mg
- Choline (B4) 0.00 mg
- Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.33 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.09 mg
- Folate (B9) 30.00 micrograms
- Vitamin B12 0.00 mg
Orange minerals
The name of the mineral, the amount per 100 grams
- Calcium 70.00 mg
- Iron 0.80 mg
- Magnesium 14.00 mg
- Phosphorus 22.00 mg
- Potassium 196.00 mg
- Sodium 2.00 mg
- Zinc 0.11 mg
- Copper 0.06 mg
- Manganese 0.00 mg
- Selenium 0.70 micrograms