Most times when we eat oranges, we throw away the peelings. However, research says throwing them away is a big blunder because they contain a lot of nutrients.

Heart burn, bowel movements

Joseph Mbabazi, a nutritionist, says although orange peelings may contain some toxic compounds, they are good for people suffering from heartburn.

"An extract from the peels can be mixed in a glass of water and after it will provide relief within a few hours,” Mbabazi explains.

Just like the fruit itself, orange peels contain dietary fiber that is essential in improving movement of food during digestion.

 "Dietary fiber is a necessity for bowel complications such as constipation and stomach bloating but warm water mixed with orange peels improves movement along the bowel system,” Mbabazi adds.

Several studies also indicate that even when these peels are dried, there is little change in their nutritional composition and this is why domestic animals are able to thrive on dry peelings.

Nutritionally, peels contain tannin, saponin, phytates, oxalates, flavanoids and limonene most of which are natural preservatives and harmless to the body.

Relieving diabetes

Research published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry shows that orange peel extracts help diabetics reduce overheating within the body.

According to the journal, the peels are a natural source of pectin, a natural fiber or complex carbohydrate with gelling properties that increases the time required for emptying both solids and the liquid after a meal.

Lowering cholesterol

The pectin is also responsible for lowering of cholesterol levels.

Researchers from Canada and the United States Department of Agriculture reported that isolated compounds from orange and tangerine peels showed significance as natural alternatives for reducing LDL cholesterol hence limiting the side effects of cholesterol drugs.

In an article titled Alternative Medicine Review, Dr Jidong Sun, a researcher, says the active ingredient found in the orange peel is d-limonene.

"D limonene has the ability to neutralize gastric acid and support normal peristalsis,” Sun says.

Respiratory ConditionsO

range peels have a reasonable amount of ascorbic acid or vitamin C which is essential in bolstering immunity.

"A steam infusion of orange peels also reduces symptoms that come along with respiratory problems such as bronchitis, colds, flu, asthma and cough”

Because deficiency of ascorbic acid results into scurvy, a condition characterised by poor skin health, in most cases orange peels are used by beauticians to remove skin blemishes and spots.

This helps to keep the skin health and naturally resistant to the harmful Ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Cleansing teeth

Several studies show that a paste of orange peels can be applied onto teeth in absence of tooth paste and it will whiten them just as good as the tooth paste.