Curious about what to do with your orange peel, Lykkers? The next time you enjoy a fresh orange, don’t toss the peel away!
Packed with nutrients and beneficial compounds, orange peels offer a wide range of health, beauty, and household benefits that are often overlooked.
From boosting your immune system to freshening up your home, the peel is far more useful than you might think!
1. A Boost for Your Immune System
Just like the flesh of the orange, the peel is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system. Vitamin C is known to fight off infections and can help speed up recovery from colds. You can easily add orange peel to hot water to create a soothing, vitamin-packed tea, or zest it into your dishes to reap its immune-boosting benefits.
2. Natural Skin Care
Orange peels contain essential oils that can improve the health and appearance of your skin. These oils have antioxidant properties that help combat signs of aging and brighten the skin. You can create a simple DIY face mask by blending dried orange peel powder with yogurt or honey to treat acne, brighten your complexion, and exfoliate dead skin cells.
3. Aiding Digestion
With its high fiber content, orange peel promotes healthy digestion by aiding in the regulation of movements, preventing constipation, and supporting overall gut health. The natural oils and antioxidants found in the peel also help soothe inflammation in the digestive tract, contributing to better nutrient absorption. You can sprinkle some finely grated orange peel over salads, add it to smoothies, or make a healthy zest-infused drink to naturally improve your digestive system, while also boosting metabolism and enhancing the absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods.
4. A Powerful, Eco-Friendly Cleaner
Did you know orange peels contain d-limonene, a natural compound that acts as an effective cleaner? You can make your all-purpose cleaner by soaking orange peels in vinegar. This simple, eco-friendly solution works wonders on countertops, sinks, and even for removing grease. It’s a fresh and natural way to clean your home while leaving a citrusy scent.
5. Flavorful Kitchen Companion
Don’t forget about the zest! Orange peel can add a delightful citrus flavor to your cooking and baking. You can zest it into cakes, muffins, or marinades to elevate your dishes. Candied orange peel is another sweet treat you can easily make at home, or you can even use it to make an aromatic orange peel syrup for drinks.
Next time you peel an orange, remember that you’re discarding something that has many valuable uses. Whether for health, beauty, or cleaning, orange peels offer more than meets the eye, so don’t let them go to waste!
