Orange Peel and Its Unknown Benefits

Most of us probably don’t think twice before throwing away the peels after you eat an orange, right? After all, it’s the inside you’re interested in, not the outer layer. But overlooking and underestimating orange peels is actually a big mistake, because they have plenty of benefits – health ones and otherwise.

• For one, as a citrus fruit, orange peels are rich in vitamin C, which is good for protecting your immune system, as well as your eye sight, your heart and preventing certain types of cancer. You can never have enough vitamin C, and while you still get it from the actual orange, throwing away a perfectly good peel would just be a massive waste.

• Orange peels have also been found to positively contribute to preventing and treating ingestion and digestion problems, due to its high levels of dietary fiber.

• In order to take advantage of these health benefits, it is safe to eat the orange peel; it’s not only healthy, but also very tasty and full of citrusy flavor. Just make sure that they are organic oranges that have received USDA certification. Otherwise, they might contain chemicals that can have unpleasant effects.

• Did you know that orange peels can also make a great insect repellent? Take an orange peel, grate it and then disperse it around the house or wherever you have a bug problem (especially ants). This works because the orange peel has a very strong and overpowering citrus scent that insects won’t go near.

• The same strong scent can also work to freshen up your home. Simply place your peels in a bowl, on a plate or in a wicker basket and let the aroma inundate the room. Alternatively, grate the orange peel; the effect will be the same.

• Grated orange peel also has a delicious use in baking. Similarly to grated lemon peels, which are also commonly used in baking, orange peels will add a touch of bitterness to a cake that is too sweet and it will also provide a fresh citrus taste. It can either be used fresh or it can be stored in the fridge, in order to be used at a later date.

• You can also use orange peels in your beauty regimen. Again, like lemons and lemon peels, orange peels have whitening and lightening properties. Rub orange peels over your teeth, but also on your skin, in order to whiten any dark areas or unpleasant spots.

As you can see, orange peels are one of nature’s many multitaskers and we have been committing a mistake by throwing it away, instead of using it at its full, true potential. From medicine, beauty product and insect repellent to baking ingredient and air freshener, orange peels can make themselves extremely useful around the house. So, next time you’re craving an orange, think about it for a moment, before throwing the peel away, because you’re discarding an excellent source of vitamin C and an overall very nutritious element.