Health Benefits of Bitter Orange

Bitter orange got its name from the fact that the peel can have a very pungent taste. Native to Southeast Asia, it is now grown in so many parts of the world. A testament to the popularity of bitter orange everywhere is the myriad of names by which it’s called — sour orange, seville orange, zeste d’orange, naranja amarga, kijitsu are just a few of them.

Just like other citrus fruits on the face of the planet, bitter orange is also something that supplies the body with superb amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. That is why the inclusion of bitter orange in one’s everyday diet can strengthen the immune system and bring about so many other health benefits.

These days, bitter orange is also turned into essential oil — the peel of the fruit is the source of volatile oils that contain active compounds with various perks to bring. There are also numerous bitter orange supplements that have high concentrations of the all-natural chemicals that make the said fruit offer all sorts of impressive properties.

Below are just a few of the benefits associated with the use of bitter orange:

It Helps Improve Digestion

One of the traditional uses of bitter orange is for the facilitation of the digestive process. As a result, not only does the body get to absorb all of the nutrients in food, but indigestion is also kept from striking. Some people count on bitter orange each time they are having bouts or diarrhea, constipation and excess gas (flatulence).

It Cures Various Cosmetic Issues

Bitter orange is a popular all-natural beauty product. For instance, it is commonly employed to control the production of facial oil. A lot of teens and adults alike swear by the effectiveness of bitter orange in dealing with pimples and acne. Many also love it for its ability to improve various aging signs of the skin.

It Also Treats Skin Infections

Thanks to the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of bitter orange, it can help in the management of various skin infections as well as the unfavorable symptoms they tend to come with. As an example, bitter orange is known as an excellent fighter of skin fungal infections such as ringworm, jock itch and athlete’s foot.

It Lifts the Mood When Inhaled

Bitter orange essential oil — or even the peel itself — can help in warding off mild cases of depression when it’s sniffed. Also, it is said that the smell of bitter orange is capable of reducing pain, which means that it helps combat various aches without causing side effects, unlike most painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

It Get Rid of Congested Air Passages

Smelling bitter orange is also a good idea each time you have the common cold and your air passages are congested. All you have to do is add a few drops of bitter orange essential oil to a basin of hot water. Bring your face a few inches closer to it, drape a large towel over your head, and inhale the steam for relief.

It Helps Promote Weight Reduction

There are lots of weight loss supplements on the current market that contain bitter orange because of its ability to suppress the appetite as well as facilitate the metabolism of fat cells. However, still the best way to eliminate excess pounds is by going for healthy eating habits and getting your dose of exercise on a regular basis.

Just a Few Words of Caution

Adding bitter orange to the diet is perfectly fine. In fact, doing so can be beneficial to the health. However, the intake of bitter orange supplements should be done carefully because they contain increased concentrations of active compounds found most especially in the peel of bitter orange. For instance, the blood pressure may increase.

Make sure that you inform your doctor about your plan on taking special preparations containing bitter orange if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The same should also be done if you are diagnosed with a medical condition, and currently taking a prescription drug for its management.

 

 

 

Sources: herbal-supplement-resource.com

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