The Benefits of Orange Peel Can Prevent the Corona Covid-19 Virus, Myth or Fact?

Kapanlagi.com - Recently, a research team from the University of Indonesia (UI) and Bogor Agricultural Institute (ITB) mentioned that the benefits of orange peel can enhance the body's immunity and is believed to prevent the spread of the corona virus.

From the circulation of this information, the public was immediately alarmed by the truth of orange peel that is believed to prevent the virus originating from Wuhan, China. From the research, Trop IPB explained that a potential compound group called flavonoids was found. These compounds are believed to inhibit the replication or increase in the number of viruses and inhibit the binding of viral proteins to receptors on human cells.

One of the most potential types of flavonoid compounds found is hesperidin. Furthermore, the IPB research team revealed that hesperidin is most commonly found in the skin of oranges.

They also emphasized that while staying at home, it doesn't hurt to try making orange juice and adding a little bit of clean-washed orange peel. The slightly bitter taste comes from the hesperidin in it.

Not only can it be consumed as juice, for those of you who don't like bitterness, you can make infused water from oranges along with the peel. Therefore, hesperidin compounds from orange peel will dissolve in water.

In this case, all types of oranges contain hesperidin. So you are free to choose which orange you want to use, whether it's regular orange, lime, lemon, or other types of oranges.

Is it safe to consume oranges along with the peel?

According to the research team from IPB, the pesticide content contained in orange peel can be dangerous. Therefore, you must first ensure the cleanliness of the orange skin by washing it thoroughly.

If you are afraid to consume oranges with their skin, the research team said that consuming oranges without the skin is sufficient. This has helped in obtaining hesperidin compounds.

In addition to preventing the corona virus, there are interesting facts when you consume oranges with their skin. Here are the benefits of oranges that have been summarized by Kapanlagi.com.

1. Fighting Cholesterol

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According to research in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, other benefits of orange peel include flavonoids that can help lower bad cholesterol levels. Not only that, the presence of these compounds can also fight free radicals that trigger dangerous diseases.

In addition, the fiber content in orange peel called pectin can also lower cholesterol levels. To consume orange peel, you can eat it raw by thinly slicing it, then mixing it in salads or juices.

2. Reducing Inflammation

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Another benefit of orange peel is its ability to reduce inflammation, as it contains anti-inflammatory properties. These anti-inflammatory properties are believed to reduce specific markers of inflammation associated with chronic inflammation and diseases.

The bitter taste of orange peel when chewed can be processed by boiling it with a sugar solution, letting it dry, and then consuming it like candy.

3. Maintaining Heart Health

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Another benefit of consuming oranges along with their peel is the ability to maintain heart health. According to Insight Care, a survey suggests that a diet with added citrus fruits such as oranges offers protection against cardiovascular diseases, including the heart, due to its folate content.

Orange peel also contains high nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Fiber can lower cholesterol, while vitamin C can protect the heart and blood vessels from damage caused by free radicals.

The benefits of orange peel are diverse, however, orange peel should not be consumed in large quantities as it can cause stomachache, especially if you have never eaten it before. 

4. Anti Cancer

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Another interesting fact about consuming orange peel is its anti-cancer properties. The phytonutrient called limonene found in orange peel has anti-carcinogenic properties. This compound can activate antioxidant detoxification enzymes in the body and limit the ability of cancer cells to grow.

Meanwhile, the presence of citric acid also brings the same benefits of orange peel, as it prevents cancer cells from developing in your body. The compound hesperidin can also inhibit the growth of pre-cancerous lesions in breast cancer and colon cancer.

5. Dissolving Kidney Stones

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Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in the kidneys and often cause pain during urination. Consuming orange peel can help dissolve kidney stones.

This can happen because orange peel contains a component called D-limonene, which is combined with concentrated cranberry juice. This method has been proven to dissolve kidney stones.

Not only can it dissolve kidney stones, but the antiseptic and antifungal properties can also help heal urinary tract infections or kidney infections. Therefore, don't rush to throw away the peel from oranges. You can get various benefits from orange peel.

(kpl/dtm/gen)