Tangerines: Complete Mineral Profile

Tangerines ‐ Mineral Information

Introduction

Tangerines, scientifically known as Citrus reticulata, are a species of citrus fruit originating in Southeast Asia. They belong to the Rutaceae family, which includes other citrus fruits such as oranges and limes. With its tart yet sweet flavor, tangerines have become an increasingly popular fruit worldwide. Nutrient-dense and packed with essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, tangerines offer numerous health benefits to both children and adults alike. When eaten regularly, these delicious little fruits can play an important role in overall well-being by contributing to improved heart health and aiding digestion. This paper seeks to explore the many nutritional aspects of tangerines and explain how their consumption can be beneficial for our bodies, specifically focusing on the minerals obtained from eating tangerines.

Vitamins and Minerals Found in Tangerines

The most concentrated nutrient found in tangerine is vitamin C, at 10.1 milligrams per 100 grams of fruit. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage due to free radicals and can reduce inflammation associated with certain ailments. Other significant vitamins in tangerines include folate (7.2 mcg/100 g) and niacin (0.13 mg/100 g). Both are involved in maintaining healthy immune systems. Minerals present in tangerines also contribute to good health. These include calcium (21 mg/100 g), magnesium (9 mg/100 g), potassium (155 mg/100 g), phosphorus (12 mg/100 g), sodium (5 mg/100 g), and zinc (0.09 mg/100 g). Each of these minerals has different roles in preserving body functions, treating medical conditions, or mitigating symptoms.

Benefits of Calcium

As already mentioned, tangerines contain 21mg/100g of calcium. An adequate intake of calcium is vital in order to gain optimum benefit from this mineral. The main function of calcium is to ensure strong bones and teeth. It does this by supplementing dietary lacking in dairy products, as well as providing the building blocks needed for bone formation and maintenance. In addition, it aids cell metabolism, blood clotting, muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, and hormone release – all essential processes for proper bodily functioning. Adequate intake of calcium may also help to lower cholesterol and maintain normal blood pressure levels. Finally, calcium is a key factor in preventing osteoporosis. Consuming enough calcium every day can substantially strengthen bones, making them less likely to fracture due to weak density and structure.

Benefits of Magnesium

Another key mineral found in substantial quantities in tangerines is magnesium; approximately 9mg/100g of Magnesium. Similar to calcium, magnesium plays an integral role in promoting healthy bones. It contributes to increased processing of calcium and phosphate into bones, allowing them to grow stronger, denser, and remain durable over time. In addition, magnesium is necessary for neuromuscular transmission and contractions, making it one of the primary contributors to ensuring proper skeletal muscular activity. Furthermore, magnesium maintains cardiovascular health by reducing arterial stiffness and regulating pulse pressure. This can reduce risk factors associated with hypertension and stroke.

Benefits of Potassium

Tangerines contain impressive levels of potassium - roughly 155mg/100g. Increasing your daily consumption of potassium is essential for sustaining optimal health due to its various properties. Not only does it bolster energy production by facilitating glucose delivery throughout the body, but it stimulates nerve fibers required for proper communication and coordination between multiple organs. Research suggests that increasing potassium consumption could lead to positive effects on kidney stone prevention and management. Higher amounts of potassium in the diet have been shown to decrease urinary citrate excretion and oxalate concentrations, thus significantly lowering kidney stone probability. Similarly, some trials propose that appropriate potassium intake reduces the impact of abdominal bloating and digestive discomfort through better osmotic environment control.

Benefits of Phosphorus

Encompassed within tangerines’ nutrition profile is 12mg/100g of phosphorus, a trace element responsible for several functions across the body. Primarily, phosphorus aids in producing cellular energy via ATP synthesis. This means enhancement of metabolic activities, resulting in increased productivity and sensory capabilities involving motor skills and duration activities. Aside from energy production, phosphorous can promote oral hygiene when absorbed by tooth enamel in alkaline saliva. On top of strengthening tooth hard tissue and protecting it against degradation caused by acids foods and bacteria, phosphorus also boosts cerebral functions such as cognitive acuity, speech, and vision. Moreover, it participates actively in muscle repairs and increases physical strength, endurance, and flexibility.

Benefits of Sodium

Although consuming large amounts of sodium can be dangerous for people who suffer from certain underlying health issues, small amounts of sodium is necessary for everyday biological functions - like tangerines’ 5mg/100g. A tiny bit of sodium is components in maintaining water balance in the human body and registering osmotic pressure. Additionally, it promotes proper nervous system conductivity when provided in moderate doses. Fake versions of ordinary table salt often contain additional ingredients to boost texture or color. Home cooked food utilizing natural salt eliminates those additives while qualifying as an ideal source of sodium.

Benefits of Zinc

Finally, zince occurs in tangerines in almost negligible traces: 0.09 mg/100g. Nonetheless, zinc can play a meaningful role in public health since its deficiency undermines general wellbeing. Its appetizing taste intensifies flavors in aromatic dishes, and even more importantly, bolsters immunity due to its participation in red and white cell production along with tumor killer molecule secretion. Another major advantage of regular zinc intake is skin protection from oxidative stress, leading to healthier looking complexion. Last but not least, zinc proves to be a powerful ally in combating male infertility, potentially doubling pregnancy rates depending on therapeutic dosage.

Conclusion

In summary, tangerines are an excellent example of an exceptionally nutritious food that provide numerous health benefits. Their abundance in beneficial vitamins and minerals make them an optimal aid in supporting a healthy lifestyle, with chief contribitors being vitamin C, folate, niacin, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and zinc. Collectively, eating tangerines can enhance overall mood, boost energy and metabolism, improve immunity and cognition, and reduce the risk of kidney stones, among other advantages. Thus, incorporating tangerines into one’s daily meal plan is a wise decision worthy of consideration.