In winter, the main sources of vitamins are citrus. While local fruits, apples and pears lose their useful properties, representatives of citrus fruits retain them fully.
Useful properties of citrus fruits
Useful properties of citrus, oranges and tangerines, spread to the whole body:
- contain a large dose of vitamin C, which improves the body's defenses and possesses oncoprotective properties;
- have antiviral properties, but during influenza and colds it is better to drink juice from citrus fruits rather than to consume fruits;
- help brain activity;
- tone and give energy;
- saturate the body with important vitamins and minerals: potassium, phosphorus, B vitamins;
- have a favorable effect on the digestive system;
- improve the condition of blood vessels;
- have antioxidant properties, slow down the aging of the body;
- strengthen the nails, hair, gums;
- participate in metabolic processes;
- control the level of cholesterol;
- improve mood, help overcome depressed states;
- have low calorie content, so can be used during diets;
- participate in the processes of hematopoiesis.
Useful properties of citrus peel
In citrus fruits useful properties are not only the flesh, but also the skin of the fetus, as well as the films that separate the lobules of the flesh. So, vitamin C in the films contains more than in the pulp. However, even more ascorbic acid and other vitamins in the citrus peel. But because of the presence in it of essential oils that have a burning-bitter taste, a citrus peel should not be consumed in large quantities. It is much better to soak it and make candied fruits out of it, which lose bitterness during cooking and make it taste good.