Tangerines are delicious and refreshing citrus fruits that are rich in many useful nutrients. They contribute to the health of all parts of the body - from DNA cells to those that build bones and the heart . These fruits are comparable to oranges, but contain even more vitamin A and iron and slightly less vitamin C.
Tangerines are rich in compounds known as flavonoids . They are known to prevent the growth of carcinogenic cells and stop the proliferation of tumors .
Flavonoids are those antioxidants that neutralize free radicals - unstable molecules that cause disease. These antioxidants also have the potential to prevent heart disease.
Flavonoids can also improve blood circulation in the coronary arteries, thus preventing the formation of blood clots , as well as the oxidation of "bad" cholesterol - a risk factor for very dangerous heart disease.
One medium-sized tangerine contains 23.5 mg of vitamin C - an antioxidant that is also extremely useful in combating damage caused by free radicals.
This vitamin is also essential for the synthesis of collagen , which helps heal wounds, and is also very important for bones, tendons, blood vessels . Vitamin C also helps absorb iron from food.
The same amount of citrus fruit contains 599 international units of vitamin A - a group of retionides, which are associated with the functioning of immunity, vision, reproductive health and communication between cells.