Orange or tangerine – which is healthier?

With very few calories and a respectable amount of vitamins and minerals, the orange and the clementine brilliantly represent the citrus fruits of the winter season. There are those who will prefer the sweeter (7% more sugar) and seedless tangerine, compared to those who will choose the large and indulgent orange. Besides the external differences, are there any differences or health benefits for any of these fruits?

The nutritional value of oranges and clementines is very similar. Both are relatively low in calories, rich in water, contain almost no fat and are a good source of dietary fiber. Both have a high concentration of different types of antioxidants, and are rich in calcium and essential oils that have a positive effect on the digestive system.

A classic orange contains – 47 calories, 10 grams of sugar, 180 milligrams of potassium, 53 grams of vitamin C, and 2.4 grams of fiber. A tangerine of the same size contains – 45 calories, 10 grams of sugar, 175 milligrams of potassium, 45 milligrams of vitamin C and 2.3 grams of fiber.

Orange – benefits:

Along with the many similarities there are some differences that can make you focus more on one of the fruits. An orange contains relatively more vitamin C, which is responsible, among other things, for reducing colds, and is an important antioxidant for the production of collagen in the skin. Vitamin C helps maintain beautiful skin by helping to fight against skin damage caused by the sun and air pollution. In addition, oranges contain more citric acid and citrates that affect the prevention of kidney stone formation, drinking orange juice is known to reduce the acidity of urine and is therefore effective in the treatment of kidney stones.

In addition, the orange leads the clementine in higher percentages of vitamin A which is responsible, among other things, for improved vision, and it also has more vitamin E which protects against cardiovascular diseases. And finally, orange peel contains a high concentration of limonene, an antioxidant that kills cancer cells.

Clementine – benefits:

Clementine leads in the rates of vitamins B6 and B1, vitamins that help a high metabolism. Lack of vitamin B1 can lead to weakness, lack of appetite and weight loss, insomnia and memory impairment. Clementines also contain more folic acid that reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, and in addition, clementines are known to be specifically beneficial in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, tracheitis and asthma.