The Tasty Health Benefits of Orange Zest

Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, folate, thiamin, and potassium, but, unfortunately, most people throw away the peel. Bad move. Although eating orange peels may not sound all that appetizing, it does have health benefits. The way to get these benefits without munching on raw orange peels is to make orange zest and use it to add flavor to recipes. To make orange zest isn’t difficult. Simply use a grater, zesting tool, paring knife, or a vegetable slicer to shave off thin slips of orange peel which can be chopped into smaller pieces. Here are some of the unique health benefits you’ll get when you add orange zest to your recipes.

It Helps to Lower Cholesterol

Orange peel is the source of a unique flavonoid called hesperidin that helps to lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease – at least according to animals studies. It also dilates arteries to help normalize blood pressure. The peel of the orange is the richest source of hesperidin and, unfortunately, you don’t get the same benefits from eating the fruit of the orange. Get your hesperidin by adding orange zest to your recipes instead.

More Benefits of Hesperidin in Orange Peel

Hesperidin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has shown some promise in fighting certain types of cancer including breast cancer. Animal studies also show that it helps to prevent bone loss.  More good reasons to add a little orange zest to your life.

Need Some Extra Fiber?

Orange peel is a good source of pectin – a natural fiber that helps to lower cholesterol and blunt the rise in blood sugar that occurs after a meal.  This makes it ideal for diabetics and people who are watching their blood sugar. Pectin also helps to blunt an overactive appetite and reduce overeating which can lead to weight gain. The pectin in orange peels also functions as a prebiotic which encourages the growth of good bacteria in the intestines.

How to Use Orange Zest

Orange zest can be used to add unique citrus flavor to rice, couscous, or other grains. It’s also commonly used to make delicious sweet treats such as cookies, cakes, candies, and marmalade. Add it to soups or sprinkle it onto salads, or use it to make salad dressings, marinades, or chutneys with a citrus flavor. There are a variety of recipes online that will show you how to get the most out of orange zest.

Think the healthiest part of the orange is the fruit? Think again. Orange peels may have even more to offer. Here’s how to get the health benefits of orange zest.