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CURIOUS // What is the difference between tangerines and clementines?

Clementines and tangerines are the most popular citrus fruits, usually confused with each other. Why? Because they are very similar in appearance and can sometimes taste similar. But what is the difference between tangerines and clementines?

Clementines are a type of mandarin. These are a cross between tangerines and sweet oranges.

The difference between tangerines and clementines is mainly that clementines are the smallest variety of tangerine. Compared to tangerines, clementines have a soft skin, making them easy to peel. They are extremely sweet, seedless and have a smooth, shiny orange-red skin.

Due to their high flavonoid content, citrus fruits appear to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, dyslipidemia, and coronary heart disease. The potential mechanism of action could be related to the intracellular pathways involved in the direct cardiovascular and cardiometabolic effects mediated by naringenin, hesperetin and eriodictyol or their glycosylated derivatives. Study indicates carotenes in citrus fruits, like cryptoxanthin, may help reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, according to Food Structure.

Research suggests that, like all citrus fruits, tangerine and clementine may play a role in preventing some types of cancer. These citrus fruits contain colored and colorless carotenes such as phytoene and phytofluene and various groups of xanthophylls such as monohydroxycarotenoids. One study shows that the carotenoids in citrus fruits have been linked to a lower risk of cancer, especially in the digestive and upper respiratory tracts.

Even though tangerines have a moderate glycemic index, they also have antidiabetic properties.

In animal studies, citrus flavonoids have been shown to improve glucose tolerance, increase insulin secretion and sensitivity, and decrease insulin resistance. These flavonoids may also decrease hepatic glucose production and intestinal glucose absorption, increase peripheral glucose absorption, reduce inflammation, and modulate the activity of enzymes and transporters involved in glucose and lipid metabolism.

Both tangerines and clementines can cause an allergic reaction․

Symptoms are often localized, meaning you feel them exactly where the raw fruit touches your skin. Intense tingling and itching of the lips, tongue and throat are among the symptoms.

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