Tangerines are one of the most popular varieties of oranges in the United States. Tangerines first came to the United States when an Italian Diplomat planted tangerine trees in the city of New Orleans. Soon after, the tangerine fruit trees were taken to Florida, Arizona, Texas, and California, where they are now mostly grown and farmed.¹

As of a report done in 2023, Tangerine production was estimated to have risen to over 21 million boxes from the year 2000.² Today, many Americans enjoy tangerines as a snack or part of a recipe.

Here are 4 health benefits of tangerines, as well as some ways that you can eat more tangerines.

Improve Skin Health

One health benefit of tangerines is they can contribute to skin health. One tangerine is estimated to contain 20 mg of vitamin C, or 34% of the daily recommended value.³

Vitamin C has been found to help the body repair skin by boosting collagen, which are the cell’s building blocks. Collagen plays a role in skin elasticity, helping cells grow, and aiding the growth of the middle layer of the skin.⁴

Can aid in digestion

One small sized tangerine is estimated to contain roughly 1.3 grams of fiber, which is estimated to be 5% of your daily. Fiber plays an important role in the body’s digestive system, with tangerines containing soluble fiber, which helps the body slow down digestion.⁵

Soluble fiber is important because it can help the body lower its cholesterol levels, as well as regulate blood sugar levels. Slowing digestion is also important to help prevent hunger, which can prevent people from feeling the need to eat extra snacks throughout the day.⁶

Improves Eye Health

One benefit of tangerines is they can help with eye health. Tangerines contain vitamin A, which is a fat soluble vitamin that helps the retina and cornea function. The functions vitamin A helps power are important for maintaining the eye’s ability to see in low levels of light.⁵

Additionally, the vitamin C in nectarines can prevent cataracts. Cataracts cloud the vision and make it hard to see, but a study found that eating vitamin C can help delay the onset of cataracts.⁷

Improve Heart Health

Tangerines have been found to have components that can help the body improve its heart health. A study from the University of Western Ontario found that the Nobiletin, which is found in the peel of a tangerine, can protect the body from cardiovascular disease and cholesterol.⁸

Additionally, tangerines contain potassium, which can help the body manage high blood pressure. High blood pressure is linked to heart attacks and strokes.

Ways to Eat More Tangerines

• Eat a tangerine as a snack
• Bake a tangerine as a side dish
• Enjoy tangerines in your smoothie
• Add tangerines to your salad
• Mix tangerine slices into your yogurt
• Make frozen popsicles with tangerines
• Make homemade tangerine juice
• Create tangerine marmalade
• Bake garlic chicken or ribs with tangerines
• Make tangerine bread or muffins