Healthy Peels

Orange peels may be good for your health. Government scientists at the United States Department of Agriculture have identified a compound found in the peels that may help lower cholesterol.

Called polymethoxylated flavones, PMFs for short, the compound is found in high concentrations in the oils of orange peel residues. Research is showing PMFs may lower blood concentrations of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), a major carrier of cholesterol. High cholesterol can lead to clogged arteries, heart attacks and strokes. There is also some indication that PMFs may also have anticancer properties.

In Florida, about 150 million boxes of oranges are used to produce orange juice every year. This results in 700,000 tons of dried orange peels that are mostly sold for livestock feed at little or no profit.

--Ker Than

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Credit:  USDA Agricultural Research Service