Yelena Ushanskaya, the Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Nutritional Sciences of S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University says that tangerine is a seasonal product, and its main benefit is that it contains fiber and pectin substances: “These substances have a beneficial effect on intestinal motor function. Tangerines also contain vitamin C, bioflavonoids, and beta-carotene found in all yellow-orange-red fruits and vegetables, so they are excellent antioxidants.”
Tangerine is a citrus fruit, so it often causes allergies. Tangerines should not be consumed in excessive quantities and should not be given to children under one year of age. “It is strictly forbidden to give tangerines to children under one year old. Up to three years of age, children need to introduce this product into their diet in doses, giving half a slice. It is necessary to monitor the reaction so that the child does not have skin rashes,” said nutritionist Yelena Ushanskaya.
Those who are still prohibited from this orange fruit include people with allergic diseases. Tangerines contain salicylates, which have the same effect as acetylsalicylic acid, and therefore can affect capillary permeability, they can cause urticaria.
People with gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, colitis, enterocolitis) should be careful with this fruit. Tangerines increase the acidity of gastric juice and can cause exacerbation of diseases. Patients with obesity and diabetes are advised to consume tangerines in limited quantities, as they contain a large amount of glucose, which can affect weight and a spike in insulin. “Those who have autoimmune diseases should consume tangerines in limited quantities. There is a risk of triggering an inflammatory reaction,” the specialist reminds.
Tangerines may contain pesticides that are concentrated in the peel, so it is not advisable to chew them. Tangerines are sometimes treated with ethylene for rapid ripening and other chemicals, which allows keep the fruit fresh for a long time. But these are dangerous substances, so tangerines must be washed thoroughly several times.
Children can eat 1-2 tangerines a day, adults - 4-5 pieces. However, it is better to consume the specified amount more than in one sitting.
Photos are from open sources.
