Known as Christmas oranges or baby oranges, clementines have plenty of wonderful benefits that make them a really unique fruit. While oranges are good for us, clementines are simply awesome. They’re actually the cross between an orange and a Chinese mandarin. Although clementines are sweeter than oranges, they’re low in sugar. Clementines are fun for children as well as adults to eat, and they make an amazing snack. Here are a few great benefits of clementines, read on.
1. They’re rich in potassium
Clementines contain 130 milligrams of potassium per serving and this is one of the reasons to eat them every day. Potassium is essential for healthy joints, healthy blood pressure and arteries, and it even helps combat bloating. Moreover, it helps prevent headaches, aids digestion, and is good for reducing inflammation. It also helps prevent muscle cramps, so be sure you get enough potassium every day.
2. They contain calcium
Clementines are not a huge source of calcium, but they actually contain 22 milligrams of it. Calcium is an essential mineral that helps calm your nerves and reduce your blood pressure. It helps build strong bones and it can also help alleviate chronic anxiety. You can get calcium from clementines as well as from leafy greens, chia seeds, and almonds.
3. They’re fortified with beta-carotene
Clementines contain beta-carotene, a form of Vitamin A that is good for your eyes, heart, and skin. It’s also one of the most powerful antioxidants to consume. Eating a clementine per day will help you reach your daily need of Vitamin A in a tasty and healthy way. Some other excellent sources of beta-carotene apart from clementines include winter squash, oranges, papaya, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
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4. They’re low in sugar
Sugar is bad for us, which is why it’s crucial to reduce your sugar intake whenever possible. Clementines help fight sugar cravings because they are delightfully sweet but low in sugar. They contain 2 grams of fiber and 8 total carbohydrates per fruit, which make them a fabulous low glycemic snack. You can also add clementines to your breakfast as a delicious low sugar fruit. I love to add them to my smoothies and Greek yogurt.
5. They’re versatile
Clementines are amazingly versatile in any kitchen. You can add the chopped clementine to your hot oatmeal or overnight oats with flaxseeds or a few nuts. You can have them with some yogurt and seeds or nuts, or slice one clementine up with apple slices for a light, healthy snack. Go ahead and serve them over quinoa or brown rice at dinner for a fabulous Chinese style meal. You can also add clementines to shakes or smoothies, make clementine juice, or have them over a salad with turkey, chicken, or fish. Clementines are a great, versatile fruit that is wonderful to enjoy during the winter season.
6. They’re rich in Vitamin C
All the citrus fruits contain Vitamin C, and clementines are no exception. Clementines contain 36 milligrams of Vitamin C per fruit. Vitamin C is important for your hair, skin, immune system and weight. It’s also a great vitamin that you can consume for your digestive tract. Vitamin C helps regulate your bowels and improve nutrient absorption from the other foods. It’s better to get your daily need of Vitamin C through fruits, not the pills, since the pills are made of some chemical versions of Vitamin C that can reduce nutrient absorption from the other foods. Apart from clementines, berries, pineapple, cherries, all citrus fruits, leafy greens, and strawberries are excellent sources of Vitamin C.
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7. They’re low in calories
Clementines have only 35 calories per fruit, which is wonderful for a source of concentrated sugar such as fruit. Like almost all fruits, clementines are fat free, and they are high in antioxidants that may help slow the aging process. Even if you don’t stick to a low calorie diet, it’s vital to include low calorie fruits, including clementines, and vegetables in your eating plan for antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral content.
Now that you know some of the best benefits of clementines, be sure to eat them as often as you want, but don’t forget about moderation. Eating too much citrus fruit isn’t good for you. Is there anyone who loves clementines? Do you know any other benefits of eating them? Share them please with us.
