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Mandarin oranges offer a wide range of health benefits, from anti-aging and stress reduction to alleviating allergic conjunctivitis and extending the shelf life of food. Their rich content of antioxidants and carotenoids also contributes to cancer prevention. Incorporating mandarin oranges into your diet can provide these health advantages, making them a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Mandarin oranges, scientifically known as Citrus unshiu Marcov., are not only delicious but also packed with numerous health benefits. This article explores the various health advantages of consuming mandarin oranges, supported by recent scientific research.
Anti-Aging Properties
One of the remarkable benefits of mandarin oranges is their potential to combat skin aging. A clinical study investigated the effects of green mandarin extract on skin aging. The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial where participants were given 300 mg/day of green mandarin extract for 12 weeks. The results were promising, showing significant improvements in the depth, volume, and roughness of periorbital wrinkles compared to the control group. Additionally, no adverse reactions were observed, suggesting that green mandarin extract is a safe and effective ingredient for preventing skin aging1.
Stress Reduction
Mandarin oranges are also beneficial in reducing stress, particularly due to their high content of beta-cryptoxanthin (β-CRX), a potent antioxidant. A study focused on the anti-stress effects of β-CRX in Satsuma mandarin oranges. Female participants who consumed β-CRX-rich orange juice showed lower salivary α-amylase activity, a marker of sympathetic nervous system activity, compared to those who consumed a placebo. This indicates that β-CRX can help mitigate stress, making mandarin oranges a valuable addition to a stress-reducing diet2.
Alleviating Allergic Conjunctivitis
Mandarin oranges can also play a role in alleviating symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. A study evaluated the effects of mandarin orange yogurt containing nobiletin and β-lactoglobulin on allergic conjunctivitis induced by a conjunctival allergen challenge. Participants who consumed the mandarin orange yogurt showed significant reductions in redness, chemosis, itching, and conjunctival temperature compared to those who consumed a placebo. These findings suggest that mandarin orange yogurt can be an effective nutritional intervention for managing allergic conjunctivitis3.
Extending Shelf Life of Food
The essential oils derived from mandarin oranges have been found to possess strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. A study investigated the effects of nanoemulsions based on citrus essential oils, including mandarin, on the shelf life of rainbow trout fillets. The results showed that mandarin essential oil nanoemulsions extended the shelf life of the fillets by reducing bacterial growth and slowing the development of biochemical parameters. This indicates that mandarin essential oils can be used to preserve food quality and extend shelf life4.
Cancer Prevention
Mandarin oranges are rich in carotenoids, which have been linked to cancer prevention. A study examined the effects of beta-cryptoxanthin-enriched mandarin orange juice on liver cancer prevention in patients with viral hepatitis and cirrhosis. The study found that the group consuming the enriched orange juice, along with a carotenoids mixture, had a lower cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma compared to the control group. This suggests that the carotenoids in mandarin oranges may play a role in reducing the risk of certain cancers5.