Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)


Mandarina (Citrus reticulata)

         
Mandarin or tangerine and is a plant of the family Rutaceae, and belongs to the genus Citrus. Mandarins are evergreen plants, growing to about 3 feet high, with broader leaves than other citrus. Although this looks like their relatives oranges, her bark is much easier to peel, slice easily separated, and her taste is sweeter. Cultivated for over 3000 years in Uganda, Japan and Djiboutiju. It thrives in subtropical regions because it is sensitive to cold, especially at temperatures below zero. In our country, mandarin grows best in the Neretva valley where excellent conditions for growing high quality plantation unshiu mandarin varieties that have been bred since 1934. year. Sorta unshiu (Satsuma, Satsuma) is a group of Japanese mandarin varieties, which are more than 200 Because resistance to cold (can withstand short periods of cold down to -10 ° C) a major variety of breeding in these areas, especially in the valley of the Neretva. Early blooms with fragrant white flowers. The fruits are juicy and sweet, almost seedless. Matures in the fall.

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)


        
In a somewhat lesser extent in our country are grown and other varieties such as clementines and variety havana (homemade tangerine, orange). Clementine is less resistant to cold, the fruits of her sweeter and tastier varieties of unshiu,seedless. It is smaller than a tangerine and a reddish color, and matures sometime around December. Havana variety ripens late in January or even February, the fruit is full of seeds, and many therefore avoided. It is very fragrant and taste better than unshiu varieties.

        
Energy value of 100 g of fresh mandarin is 53 kcal / 223 kJ. Since it contains 13.3% carbohydrate, 0.8% protein and 0.3% fat . From minerals in Mandarin are calcium (37 mg, which is composed of 5% RDA), iron (0.15 mg, which accounts for 1% RDA) , magnesium (12 mg, which represents 3% of the RDA), Phosphorus (20 mg, which represents 3% of the RDA), zinc (0.07 mg, which accounts for 0.7% RDA), copper (0.04 mg, representing 4% of the RDA) and manganese (0.04 mg, which accounts for about 2% RDA). From tangerine vitamin containing vitamin C (27 mg, which makes 34% RDA), thiamine (0.06 mg, which makes 5.5% RDA), Riboflavin (0.03 mg, which accounts for about 2% RDA), Niacin (0.4 mg which makes 2.5% RDA), pantothenic acid (0.2 mg, which represents 3% of the RDA), Vitamin B6 (0.08 mg, which makes 6% RDA) of folic acid (66 mcg which makes 33% RDA), Vitamin A (206.4 mcg which makes 26% RDA) and vitamin E (0.2 mcg makes 2% RDA). Among other nutrients mandarins at 100 g contains 1.2 grams of fiber and carotenoids lutein + zeaxanthin 138 mcg.

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

        
About how many citrus fruits healthy hear from childhood. The first association with citrus vitamin C. The prevailing among the people of the opinion that cures the common cold, although it is not scientifically proven, it can lessen the symptoms and speed up recovery. With Vitamin C Tangerine, but other citrus contain a very interesting group of flavones such as hesperidin, nobiletin and tangeretin. These nutritionally very valuable ingredients are on the inside of the peel and pulp of the fruit. To get the maximum benefit from tangerine peel it first needs to be washed, then dried and coarsely grind or grate and leave in the refrigerator and use as needed. We propose to enrich crusty juices, soups, rice or pasta, you can add the olive oil and spices for the marinade for fish or meat.

        
Thanks to the synergic effect of vitamin C and flavones mandarin has a very strong antioxidant properties. By eating a tangerine promotes the health of the immune system and reduces the harmful effects of radicals on the DNA, which can cause cancer and accelerate the aging process.Scientific studies have confirmed that vitamin C particularly important in slowing of developing colon cancer, and inflammatory conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.Hesepridin being investigated as a natural, non-toxic alternative drugs that protect the body during radiation therapy, an Iranian study found that toxicity of radiation is reduced by 33%. Scientists from the Tokyo College of Pharmacy claim tangeretin can help in the process of reducing the development of leukemia cells without harm to healthy cells.

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

        
Mandarin orange and a source of carotenoids beta-cryptoxanthin, which can significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer. A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention has connected cryptoxanthin-rich foods with a reduced risk of developing lung cancer by 37% in smokers. Research conducted in Japan has shown that the juice of tangerines protects infected with hepatitis C from liver cancer. Limonin of mandarin is another in a series of very interesting phytonutrients that are easily digested and released into the digestion. Research conducted in the Australian research institute CSIRO found that the strongest effect on reducing the occurrence of cancer of the mouth and throat, according to research may be reduced even by 40-50%

        
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consumption of citrus fruits for preserving health of the cardiovascular system. Present nutrients and prevent the oxidation of cholesterol buildup on artery walls, which can cause a stroke or heart attack. Tangerines have a certain percentage of fiber, which in addition to contributing to lowering cholesterol, and are useful for relieving constipation, symptoms that occur in patients with the syndrome irritated colon, giving a feeling of satiety and thus helping to regulate weight. Tangerine has a relatively low glycemic index, which means that the naturally occurring sugar is slowly released into the blood, so we recommend them as a snack to those suffering from diabetes. Besides the ingredients mandarin positively affect cognitive health, they improve brain function and contribute to a better memory.

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

         
Further study is published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that women who drank 0.5-1L citrus juice, had increased excretion of citric acid and thus reduce formation of kidney stones. By eating a tangerine contributes to the health of the digestive system because the present antioxidants reduce the risk of infection caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori is responsible for the formation of ulcers and thus increases the risk of stomach cancer. Tonic mandarin stimulates metabolism, and liver and thus facilitates the absorption of nutrients.

        
Aromatic tangerine essential oil is a natural antiseptic, protects the body against dangerous bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Mandarin essential oil contributes to alleviating the painful spasms in the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems. The oil can be used for outdoor applications and orally. Tangerines have a calming effect on the nervous system and are recommended for anxiety, stress, and alleviate allergic reactions.