Next time you peel an orange or tangerine, think about leaving on some of the white stuff…the underside of the peel, called the albedo, In addition to being a source of soluble fiber, this layer also has a variety of plant chemicals (called flavones) that have anticancer benefits, particularly for hormone-sensitive tumors like breast or prostate cancer.
These flavones, specifically known as nobiletin, tangeretin and sinesetin, make up an orange’s defense system against fungi, pests and predators. For humans, these plant chemicals also have activities that counter high cholesterol, prevent cancer, fight fungus and reduce inflammation.
While this news may tempt you to eat the rind and all, one bite and you’d change your mind. The albedo is very bitter (and the rind is just plain out of the question) and you’d need to consume a lot of white stuff in order to get the anticancer benefits.
The solution? Eat a diet rich in all the citrus fruits on a consistent basis. Snack on slices of oranges, lemons, limes, and tangerines and remember that they make a beautiful contribution to an entrée, sauce or chilled glass of water.
Kim Dalzell, PhD, RD, LD
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