Live Longer Habits

Clementines are small, bright orange fruits that are simple to peel and sweeter than many other citrus fruits. They are usually seedless, which makes them a popular choice for children and their parents looking for an easy way to include more fruit in kids' diets. 

Not only are they delicious, but they are also packed with vitamin C — one small clementine provides about 40% of your daily vitamin C needs. This vitamin is an important antioxidant that helps strengthen your immune system and protects your cells from damage caused by harmful substances called free radicals. You can store clementines at room temperature or in the fridge, making them a convenient and tasty snack option. 

They are a hybrid of mandarin and sweet oranges and are known for their high water content, providing hydration along with nutrition. 

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition in one clementine (about 74 grams): 

- Calories: 35 

- Protein: 1 gram 

- Fat: 0 grams 

- Carbohydrates: 9 grams 

- Fibre: 1 gram 

- Vitamin C: 40% of your daily requirement 

- Folate: 5% of your daily requirement 

- Thiamine: 5% of your daily requirement 

Most of the calories in clementines come from natural sugars, but they also offer a small amount of protein. In addition to vitamin C, clementines provide folate and thiamine, which are important for keeping your body healthy and preventing conditions like anaemia. 

Clementines are rich in antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation and protect your cells from damage. This can help lower the risk of serious health issues, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. 

They also contain other beneficial compounds such as hesperidin and beta carotene. Beta carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and helps with cell growth and sugar metabolism. While some studies suggest that hesperidin has anti-inflammatory effects, more research is needed to understand its benefits fully. 

There are also early studies suggesting that narirutin, another antioxidant in clementines, might support mental health, but more research is required here too. 

Thanks to their high vitamin C content, clementines can benefit your skin by promoting collagen production. Collagen helps keep your skin firm and may reduce wrinkles. The antioxidants in clementines can also help with skin issues like acne and redness. 

Although a single clementine contains only 1 gram of fibre, enjoying a few throughout the day can boost your fibre intake. Fruit fibre feeds the good bacteria in your gut and helps with digestion, reducing the risk of constipation and other digestive issues. It may also assist in lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

Clementines are especially appealing to children. Their small size and sweetness make them an ideal snack for little hands, and they are often marketed to parents looking to encourage healthy eating habits in kids. 

However, clementines are not suitable for everyone. They contain compounds called furanocoumarins, which can interact with certain medications, particularly some heart medications like statins. It’s wise to consult with your doctor if you're on medication to ensure there are no potential issues with eating clementines. I

n conclusion, clementines are small, tasty, and typically seedless citrus fruits that are great for children and adults alike. They provide a wealth of antioxidants, including vitamin C, that can benefit your health. Just be careful if you're taking certain medications, as clementines might interfere with their effectiveness. Overall, they are a fun and healthy snack choice for most people.

Source: healthline