Sunny Mandarin has long become an essential part of the New Year - the most magical holiday that is loved and expected not only by children, but also by adults. Fragrant orange balls glisten in the middle of the solemnly decorated table, peep out from colorful packages of delicious gifts for children, picturesquely hang from fluffy Christmas tree branches. The bright color, refreshing smell and medicinal properties of mandarin help people to fight depression at any time of year, when little light, cold and sad.
Motherland Mandarin
Mandarin belongs to the genus citrus. This is an evergreen tree or shrub, which many people believe to be China, which may be related to the legend. In medieval China, only high-ranking dignitaries - tangerines - could enjoy this wonderful fruit. The name underlines the exceptional position of mandarin in a number of fruits. However, according to another version, the mandarin was grown in India much earlier than in the Celestial Empire.
Mandarins from Abkhazia and Turkey are most often found in our markets and in shops. Outwardly they do not differ. Medium-sized fruits have a bright yellow color and a strong aroma. But the Abkhazian tangerines are sweeter, and the flesh is more tender. They are allowed to ripen. Turkish is removed before they finally ripen, so at the beginning of the season the fruits are sour, but gradually become sweeter. Enterprising sellers often issue Turkish mandarins for Abkhazian ones to sell them more expensively.
Mandarin composition and its medicinal properties
The pulp of mandarin contains many useful substances. With influenza, colds, asthma and bronchitis, mandarin will have a restorative and antipyretic effect due to its high content of vitamin C. Freshly squeezed mandarin juice, drunk since morning, will help clear the lungs of mucus. It also has a pronounced diuretic property.
The vitamins of group B contained in mandarin contribute to memory improvement and sleep normalization. Provitamin A is known for its antioxidant and immune-stimulating properties. Vitamin K is responsible for the elasticity of blood vessels. Vitamin D is needed to prevent rickets in children, especially in the absence of natural sunlight. It is enough for two mandarins a day, so that the body gets a whole range of useful substances that strengthen immunity, lowering the level of cholesterol and charging cheerfulness and optimism.
The mandarin contains calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus and many other minerals. In addition, depending on the variety, as well as growing conditions, mandarin contains about 12% of sugars. At the same time, the glycemic index of the fetus is low - only 30. Mandarin is a low-calorie product. In 100 grams of pulp contains only 40 kilocalories. It has a beneficial effect on metabolism, improves digestion, promotes the burning of excess fats.
An important advantage of mandarin is the ability to "get rid" of nitrates, which are fed by producers. The citric acid contained in it destroys nitrates. Also, other organic acids, phytoncides, pectins, flavonoids are found in it. Even with prolonged storage, medicinal quality mandarins are preserved. Mandarin - it's all good. Not only the flesh, but the shell, in which the lobules are embedded, and the peel - in a word, everything finds its application. In the whitish shell of the fetus contains glycosides, which strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
Mandarin rind is also rich in useful substances, but at home, its use is unsafe. All the blame pesticides, which are repeatedly treated with trees, to protect them from fungal diseases. The last treatment should be carried out long before the ripening begins. However, these norms are not always maintained. Another danger is a wax-like substance, which, for better safety, is covered with mandarins.
Nevertheless, the valuable tangerine peel did not go unnoticed. It is used by pharmacists in the manufacture of medicines. Essential oil is obtained from it, which has found wide application not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology, perfume industry and cooking. In the industrial production of harmful impurities in essential oil, there is no mandarin, since all the prescribed GOSTs are observed.
Mandarin Essential Oil
The oil obtained from the rind of mature mandarins has a yellow, orange or slightly reddish color. The rind of unripe fruit is also suitable for the production of essential oils. This oil has a green color and is not so intense in effect. Essential oil of mandarin can not be used in its pure form. It is mixed in certain proportions with a carrier oil (in other words, a base oil, which can be any vegetable oil) and only then applied to the skin.
Mandarin oil is an excellent healing remedy that increases the defenses of the body, working capacity, helping to cope with the consequences of overexertion. Used for increased fatigue, irritability. It helps to cleanse the body of toxins, normalizes metabolic processes, stimulates blood circulation, improves liver function, helps digest vitamins, has a pronounced antiseptic property. It can be used for colds in the form of inhalations or in special aromatic lamps.
Essential oil mandarin is successfully used in programs to combat obesity, cellulite and stretch marks. The recommended dose is five to seven drops of oil per fifteen grams of the base. Beneficial effect is the adoption of warm baths with the addition of three to five drops of essential oil. You can add a few drops into the water and spray it in the room with a spray gun. In some cases, mandarin essential oil is consumed internally, but this is possible strictly according to the doctor's prescription.
Restrictions in use
Unfortunately, despite all the valuable properties of mandarin, the citrus "pedigree" does not allow to use this useful tasty fruit to everyone and in unlimited quantities. There is a high probability of allergic reactions. Children need to give tangerines with caution and little by little. At what age - it can tell you only a doctor. If it comes to mandarin juice, then at the initial stage should be limited to one or two drops. There are contraindications for gastritis, ulcers and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the period of exacerbation.
Sachet of mandarin crusts
But you can not enjoy the juicy color and invigorating aroma of this cheerful fruit. You can make sachet - dry perfume. To do this you will need dried mandarin crusts and a beautiful, better silk, pouch. It can be put on the shelf of the laundry cupboard, used in a room or car as an element of decor or take with you in your purse. Together with the children you can make a funny aroma-hedgehog, inserting in the fruit umbrellas-cloves. A fragrant spice in combination with a natural citrus smell will bring a flavor of the holiday to your house.