The pith is the white part of the orange between the peel and the fruit. It is rich in fiber and contains significant amounts of vitamin C, flavonoids and other beneficial compounds. Eating orange pith can add more nutritional value to your diet, but it can also have a bitter taste.
pith rich in
- fiber
- calcium
- Vitamin C
- flavonoids
Benefits of pith
Rich in Vitamin C
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which is also found in their pith. However, removing the pith means losing bioavailable vitamin C, which aids the immune system, collagen production, iron absorption, wound healing and skin repair.
Rich in fiber
Removing the pith from the fruit eliminates approximately 30% of its fiber content, primarily in the form of pectin. Pectin has a variety of health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, enhancing blood sugar control, and improving gut health. It acts as a prebiotic, nourishing the good bacteria in your gut.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants prevent oxidation in the body. The pith contains flavonoids and naringenin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Naringenin also reduces carbohydrate absorption, causing a slower insulin response. This is beneficial for conditions such as metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.
