Health Benefits of Clementines
Beginning in mid-November, clementines begin to make their appearance in grocery stores and markets. They are usually seedless, easy to peel and make for a great quick snack. Apart from being valued for its sweet taste, clementines offer a number of health-related benefits. Clementines are rich in vital nutrients including minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. They are also a good source of antioxidants such as limonoids, flavones, and glycosylates. Below are just a few examples of the many benefits of clementines.
· Skin Care
Clementines help support skin health because of the high amounts of vitamin C the fruit contains. Studies have shown that vitamin C supports the synthesis of collagen, a structural component vital for the maintenance of healthy skin. Antioxidant properties of vitamin C also help protect the skin against the damage induced by UV exposure.
· Help Boost Immunity
Eating clementines helps in the body’s disease-fighting ability by helping strengthen the immune system. The high amounts of vitamin C and other phytonutrients in clementines provides antioxidative protection against the damaging action of free radicals.
· Support Cardiovascular Health
Clementines contain potassium which helps support heart health. Potassium helps normalize cardiac arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat and it also assists in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and helping to prevent hypertension.
· Electrolyte Balance
Clementines help maintain the electrolytic balance within the body, again due to the presence of potassium. Eating potassium-rich clementines helps the body maintain a natural water balance between the cells and the body fluids, which is extremely critical for the healthy functioning of the entire system.
For a great clementine smoothie recipe, click here. https://cookieandkate.com/clementine-sunshine-smoothie/
Denise Boyd, BSc, Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RNH) with a specialization in Cognitive and Immune Support.