Have you heard of sour oranges? Some people also call them 'Seville oranges'. As the name suggests, this is a very sour fruit. That's why it's a bit difficult to eat it. But marmalade made from these sour oranges is very famous. Not only that, these sour oranges are also found in some food supplements and some essential oils that claim to help you lose weight. So is this really good for our body? Or should we be concerned about this? Let's talk about this in detail today.
What are the health benefits of sour oranges?
Although bitter oranges are used in various dietary supplements and oils, scientists are still researching their potential benefits and side effects. Simply put, there are pros and cons to consider.
It is generally considered safe to eat sour oranges. However, there is one very important point here. If you have high blood pressure, or are at high risk for conditions like heart disease or stroke, you should definitely talk to your doctor before eating sour oranges.
Now let's see what benefits this can bring.
Weight Management
Bitter oranges are used as a main ingredient in some weight loss pills and capsules on the market. When combined with a proper diet and exercise, this may help with weight management. However, more research is needed to confirm how effective and safe this is. Therefore, it is not a good idea to use products containing these without supervision, thinking that they will help you lose weight.
Can it help people with low blood pressure?
Bitter oranges contain a chemical compound called synephrine. This compound can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, people who usually have low blood pressure or those with certain medical conditions, such as POTS, may find that consuming a small amount of bitter oranges can help manage their symptoms.
But remember, the effects of bitter oranges are still being studied, so if you're considering using them to lower your blood pressure, never make decisions on your own. Consult your doctor first.
A treatment for fungal skin infections
Bitter oranges are not just for eating. The oil extracted from them is also used to apply to the skin. In particular, this oil can be used as a treatment for fungal infections such as athlete's foot, which occurs between the toes. Since bitter oranges are relatively inexpensive, this can be beneficial for those with fungal skin infections.
Nutrition and things to be aware of
There is not yet enough scientific data on the nutritional content of bitter oranges. However, they are naturally low in fat and calories. Therefore, for someone trying to maintain a healthy diet, they can be added to a nutritious dessert.
However, we should be especially careful about the compound called 'synephrine' that we talked about earlier. This chemical called 'synephrine' is somewhat similar to the chemical found in the herb 'ephedra'. This 'ephedra' is banned by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because it can dangerously raise blood pressure.
Scientists are still researching whether the synephrine compound in bitter oranges also affects blood pressure in the same way.
Therefore, if you have high blood pressure or are at risk for it, it is very important to consult your doctor before adding bitter oranges to your diet.
How do you use sour oranges?
Because sour oranges have a very sour taste, very few people like to eat them plain without adding sugar or anything else.
- Making Marmalade: This is the most popular method. By using both the pulp and the peel of the fruit, you can get the nutrients from the whole fruit without wasting it. If you are making marmalade at home, remember to wash the fruit thoroughly. This will remove any chemicals used during cultivation.
The table below shows several ways to enjoy sour orange marmalade.
| How to use | Description |
|---|---|
| With bread | You can eat it spread on a slice of toasted bread. |
| With crackers | Spread on crackers for a light snack and enjoy. |
| With cheese | It tastes wonderful when combined with cheese. |
| With meats | It can be used as a sauce when cooking pork or chicken. |
- Topical Oil: Another way to reap the benefits of bitter oranges is to apply an oil made from it to your skin instead of eating the fruit. This oil can be purchased at pharmacies. Some people may experience a slight stinging sensation when applying the oil directly to their skin. Therefore, it is wise to test it on a small area of skin first. Other than that, there have been no serious side effects reported from using this oil on the skin.
Take-Home Message
- Bitter orange is used for weight loss and fungal skin infections, but research is still ongoing into its true benefits.
- The chemical 'synephrine' contained in it can increase blood pressure and heart rate.
- Most importantly: If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or are at risk for it, be sure to consult your doctor before using anything (food, supplements, oil) containing bitter orange.
- Because they are very sour, they are usually used as a processed food, such as marmalade, or as an oil applied to the skin.
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