Health Benefits of Tangerines

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Tangerines offer a range of health benefits, from enhanced lycopene and carotenoid bioavailability to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Their consumption can support cardiovascular health, improve skin protection against UV damage, and potentially promote longevity. These findings underscore the potential of tangerines as a functional food with diverse health-promoting properties.

Enhanced Bioavailability of Lycopene

Tangerines are a rich source of lycopene, particularly in the form of cis-isomers, which are significantly more bioavailable than those found in red tomatoes. A study demonstrated that the bioavailability of lycopene from tangerine tomatoes was 8.5 times higher than that from red tomato juice, making tangerines an excellent source for lycopene intake1. This increased bioavailability is attributed to the unique lipid-dissolved globular state of lycopene in tangerines, which enhances absorption1 3.

Vitamin A and Carotenoid Absorption

Tangerines are also rich in β-cryptoxanthin, a carotenoid that can be converted into vitamin A in the human body. Research involving Bangladeshi women with low vitamin A status showed that the consumption of tangerines significantly increased plasma β-cryptoxanthin levels by 830%, indicating superior absorption compared to other carotenoid-rich foods like sweet potatoes2. However, this increase did not translate into higher vitamin A concentrations in breast milk, suggesting that while tangerines are effective in boosting carotenoid levels, they may not directly enhance vitamin A status in all cases2.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties

Tangerine peel contains tangeretin, a polymethoxylated flavone with potent antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that tangeretin can reduce oxidative stress in the myocardium, potentially protecting against myocardial damage and reducing fatigue onset6. Additionally, tangerine peel extracts have been found to improve oral health by enhancing the oral mucosal barrier and reducing microinflammation in dialysis patients, highlighting its anti-inflammatory benefits4.

Skin Protection and Longevity

Consumption of tangerine tomatoes has been linked to reduced DNA damage and inflammation in the skin, particularly in response to UVB exposure. This protective effect is attributed to the high levels of UV-absorbing phytoene and phytofluene in tangerines, which help mitigate acute UV-induced skin damage5. Furthermore, tangerine peels have been shown to improve longevity and cognitive function in Drosophila melanogaster, suggesting potential benefits for human health as well7.

Disclaimer

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