Are Clementines Good for You?
Yes, clementines are healthy! They are low in calories and high in water, making them a great snack. Miranda Galati, a dietitian at Real Life Nutritionist, told Parade that they help keep you hydrated. They are also packed with vitamin C, which is good for your skin, immune system, and overall health. A single clementine can provide about 40% of your daily vitamin C needs.
Clementines also help with collagen production, which can aid in healing wounds and repairing tissue, says Blanca Garcia, a dietitian at Health Canal. Vitamin C is essential because our bodies can’t make it on their own. It also helps with nerve function and acts as an antioxidant, balancing free radicals in our bodies.
Additionally, clementines contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can help with constipation and blood sugar control. They also have phenolic compounds that feed good gut microbes and reduce inflammation, according to Kim Kulp, a dietitian at The Gut Health Connection. Another benefit of soluble fiber is that it can lower LDL cholesterol, the “bad” kind, says dietitian Shelby Greenville.
Clementines are also good for your eyes. They contain beta carotenoids, which are found in yellow, orange, and red foods, and help with eye health, says dietitian Kim Shapira.
Eating clementines daily can improve your skin, help your wounds heal faster, keep your bowels regular, strengthen your bones, and boost your energy, says Mindy Haar, a dietitian at the New York Institute of Technology. With most people not getting enough fiber, the 3 grams of fiber in two clementines can help you reach your daily fiber intake.
How Many Clementines Can You Eat In a Day?
Dietitians say eating two to three clementines per day is good for you. If clementines are your main source of vitamin C, eating three will cover your daily requirement, according to Haar.
However, if you are on certain medications, check with your doctor before eating too many clementines. Alyssa Pachecho, a dietitian, points out that clementines may have the same compound as grapefruits, which can interact with certain medications like statins.
What Happens If You Eat Too Many Clementines?
Eating too many clementines can lead to digestive issues due to their fiber content, and potentially weight gain since they can be calorie-dense if consumed in excess, says dietitian Elysia Cartlidge. Clementines typically have about 7 grams of sugar each, and consuming excessive amounts of sugar, even from natural sources, might pose issues for those with elevated blood sugar levels, according to Cartlidge.
Clementines and other citrus fruits are highly acidic, which can erode your tooth enamel and eventually lead to decay and cavities, warns Cartlidge. Jackie Newgent, a dietitian, also notes that if you have gastrointestinal problems, the acid from the fruit may contribute to heartburn and esophagus irritation.
For more details, check out the full article on Parade.
https://parade.com/health/what-happens-if-you-eat-clementines-every-day