When peeling an orange, grapefruit or lemon, we usually proceed very carefully. We try to remove even the smallest remnants of the white, slightly bitter layer that remains after removing the colored crust. But, as we will soon see, it is a big mistake…
The white spongy part – if we want to call it professionally, albedo – usually ends up in the trash can, for which we should apologize to our health. It is here that nature has hidden the highest concentration of substances that are much more valuable for the organism than the juice inside the fruit itself. Albedo is literally loaded with important flavonoids and fiber, which are directly intended to support vascular elasticity and even become an unexpected ally in the fight for a slimmer figure.
Citrus is also discussed in the following video on Erika Ištvániková’s YouTube channel, healthy nutrition and recipes:
Magic flavonoids
The main treasure hidden in the white skin are the already mentioned flavonoids, especially hesperidin and naringin. What are flavonoids? Simply put, these are natural substances with significant antioxidant effects. They give plants their specific color, be it yellow, blue or red, and in the human body they fight against . This is subsequently reflected in better health, elimination of hidden inflammatory processes and, in addition, in maintaining a more youthful appearance into old age. Furthermore, we can rely on them when trying to protect the heart and circulatory system.
For more flexible blood vessels
Flavonoids manage to improve the function of the lining of blood vessels, which then expand more easily and contract again according to the needs of the body. Flexible blood vessels mean that it is easier to maintain normal blood pressure, which the heart will appreciate. In addition, this minimizes the risk of dangerous deposits that could cause even tragic accidents. The white part of citrus, which we usually despise, can do all this.
Fiber for a more beautiful figure
But the mentioned substances are not the only benefit that albedo can offer us. It is also a rich source of fiber, especially pectin, which has the ability to bind water in the stomach and thus create a gel-like mass. It relatively easily induces a feeling of satiety and maintains it for a longer period of time. Pectin can also slow down the absorption of sugars into the blood, thus preventing the formation of the so-called and its subsequent rapid decline, which brings with it only a hard-to-overcome feeling of hunger and sweet tooth. It is clear that such a food can easily help in the effort to lose weight. This subtle citrus ingredient also helps flush excess cholesterol from your body, giving your liver and arteries a double whammy.
How to improve the taste of albedo?
Why do we actually refuse to consume this part of citrus? This is usually due to its bitter taste, which is also a sign of the presence of antioxidants, which help the body so much. So it’s a big shame to throw away albedo – we throw away a piece of our own health along with it. So if you find it unpleasant to eat it raw, you can easily “mask” it in mixed drinks or dry it and grind it into a fine powder, which you then add to tea or morning porridge. In this simple way, you will give your body a concentrated dose of vitamin C and flavonoids, which are found in much smaller quantities in the pulp itself, for which we buy citrus fruits.
Also for the pharmaceutical industry
It is certainly good to remember that extracts from the white part of the peels are also used in the industrial production of dietary supplements intended for the treatment of varicose veins and hemorrhoids. The substances contained in them strengthen the walls of even the smallest hair follicles and reduce their brittleness. So instead of buying expensive pills, just stop being so thorough when peeling citrus and keep a bit of that “bitter medicine” right on your plate.
