Should You Remove or Eat the White String on Tangerines?
Many people remove the white strings attached to the tangerine segments, known as the "albedo" or "tangerine threads." These threads may feel tough and tasteless, leading to discomfort when eating, but in reality, they are rich in nutrients and could be more beneficial to eat along with the fruit. Although the threads may not look appealing, they offer significant health benefits, which many people are unaware of. In this article, we will explore why these tangerine threads are good for your health and how to consume them effectively.
Why Tangerine Threads Help Improve Blood Circulation
Tangerine threads contain high levels of a flavonoid compound called "hesperidin." Hesperidin plays a crucial role in strengthening blood vessels and promoting smooth blood circulation. It enhances the elasticity of blood vessel walls, reduces capillary permeability, and increases resistance. This flavonoid is especially helpful in preventing vascular diseases. Our blood vessels are vital to our overall health, and the tangerine threads help support this process, making them an essential natural supplement.
According to a study published by the Rural Development Administration, hesperidin helps reduce capillary permeability and increases resistance, which can aid in preventing vascular diseases such as edema. Therefore, eating tangerine threads with the fruit can help maintain vascular health. Capillaries connect arteries and veins, delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells while removing waste. If blood does not circulate properly in this process, cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension or arteriosclerosis can develop.
When blood vessels weaken, blood flow becomes insufficient, leading to various health problems. To prevent this, it’s important to regularly consume the hesperidin in tangerine threads to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels. Therefore, eating tangerine threads along with the fruit can improve blood circulation and support cardiovascular health.
Rich Fiber in Tangerine Threads Helps Relieve Constipation
Tangerine threads are rich in dietary fiber, which is effective in preventing and relieving constipation. Fiber stimulates bowel movements, helping waste pass smoothly through the digestive system. Dietary fiber plays a key role in regulating absorption and excretion within the intestines, ensuring healthy bowel function. Constipation occurs when the colon’s peristalsis slows down, making it difficult to pass stool. Eating fiber-rich foods like tangerine threads can enhance bowel movement and alleviate constipation symptoms.
A study conducted by King's College London showed that participants who consumed more than 10g of dietary fiber daily for over four weeks significantly improved their constipation symptoms. This research demonstrates the critical role of dietary fiber in promoting bowel movements and eliminating harmful substances from the intestines. The fiber in tangerine threads not only promotes intestinal motility but also helps remove toxins, positively affecting gut health.
Additionally, improving gut health can enhance overall digestive function, relieving issues like indigestion and bloating. Consuming tangerine threads without removing them is a wise choice for maintaining gut health.
Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Tangerine Threads
Tangerine threads are rich in vitamin C and vitamin P (bioflavonoids). These components act as powerful antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress in cells and providing anti-cancer benefits. Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and inhibit cancer cell growth. As a result, consuming tangerine threads may help prevent cancer, especially cancers related to the digestive system, such as colon cancer.
Vitamin P also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation and alleviate allergic reactions. This can help relieve symptoms of viral infections like colds and flu. By reducing inflammation caused by viral infections and strengthening the immune system, tangerine threads play an important role in improving the body’s resistance to diseases. Vitamin C also boosts immunity, making it particularly useful in preventing and treating colds.
While consuming tangerines can help prevent colds, eating the threads together with the fruit increases the absorption of vitamin C, making it more effective in strengthening immunity. Regularly consuming tangerine threads is an essential way to enhance the immune system's anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects.
The Best Way to Consume Tangerine and Its Threads
Many people juice or blend tangerines when consuming them. However, the nutrients in tangerine threads are most effectively absorbed when eaten raw. Juicing or blending tangerines can separate or remove the threads, so eating them intact is the best way to absorb all the nutrients from the fruit. This is crucial to maximizing the health benefits of tangerines.
However, it is important not to overeat tangerines. They are high in fructose, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise rapidly if consumed in large quantities. The Korean Nutrition Society recommends eating about three-quarters of a medium-sized tangerine, approximately 100g, as a snack. Consuming a moderate amount helps control sugar intake, especially for those with diabetes.
Why You Should Eat Tangerine Threads
Tangerine threads are not unnecessary parts of the fruit. Many people remove them because they feel tough or tasteless, but in fact, they contain various beneficial components. The health benefits provided by tangerine threads, such as improved vascular health, constipation relief, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects, are important for maintaining overall well-being. Consuming tangerine threads without removing them can lead to significant long-term health benefits.
To make the most of tangerines' health benefits, it's best to eat them without removing the threads. This is a simple yet effective way to manage your health in your daily routine. By developing the habit of consuming tangerine threads, you can boost your immune system and help prevent various diseases during the winter season.
Enjoy the Health Benefits of Tangerine Threads
Tangerines are a popular winter fruit, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help prevent colds and relieve fatigue. However, to consume tangerines more healthily, it is essential to eat the threads along with the fruit. The hesperidin, fiber, and vitamins in tangerine threads support blood circulation, prevent constipation, and provide anti-cancer benefits. Therefore, it's important to develop the habit of eating tangerines with the threads still intact.
This winter, enjoy tangerines more healthily by consuming them with the white threads attached. These threads are not something to be removed but rather a vital source of nutrition that should be included for better health.
