Bitter Orange: Uses and Health Benefits
Bitter orange can be an excellent supplement to help you lose weight when combined with a healthy diet and exercise because it speeds up your metabolism.
For many years, the uses and advantages of bitter orange have been documented. It is a citrus fruit of the species Citrus aurantium, a hybrid of mandarin and grapefruit (Citrus maxima) (Citrus reticulata).
East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Syria, and Southeast Asia are its original home regions. On the other hand, it is now commonly grown throughout the Mediterranean area and in some parts of North America. It is frequently used for both culinary and medicinal purposes and is also referred to as "Seville orange" or "sour orange."
In particular, it’s a basic ingredient in the popular British marmalade, as its pectin content allows it to thicken the recipe. In addition, because of its bitter taste, it is used in various savory dishes. Would you like to know more about its uses and benefits? Below, we share them in detail.
For many years, the uses and advantages of bitter orange have been documented. It is a citrus fruit of the species Citrus aurantium, a hybrid of mandarin and grapefruit (Citrus maxima) (Citrus reticulata).
East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Syria, and Southeast Asia are its original home regions. On the other hand, it is now commonly grown throughout the Mediterranean area and in some parts of North America. It is frequently used for both culinary and medicinal purposes and is also referred to as "Seville orange" or "sour orange."
In particular, it’s a basic ingredient in the popular British marmalade, as its pectin content allows it to thicken the recipe. In addition, because of its bitter taste, it is used in various savory dishes. Would you like to know more about its uses and benefits? Below, we share them in detail.
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Benefits of bitter orange to help you lose weight
How can bitter orange be consumed?
One of the ways to take advantage of the benefits of bitter orange can be through the preparation of a delicious and aromatic tea.
An infusion of bitter orange.
Side effects of bitter orange
The consumption of this citrus fruit should be moderate. Due to its stimulants, it can increase blood pressure or raise the heart rate. Therefore, it’s contraindicated for people with cardiovascular problems.
Additionally, it is not advised to consume it if you are taking medicine because it could have adverse effects. As a result, it is advised that you seek medical advice before consuming bitter orange.
Where may one purchase it?
Due to its popularity, bitter orange is now a product that is more regularly available on the market, whether in the form of fruit, essence, or capsules.
You can find it dried and prepared for infusions in some locations. Although many currently do, it's less frequent to locate it in supermarkets. If you're interested in buying it, a health food or herbalist's shop is usually where you'll find it more readily.
Benefits of bitter orange to help you lose weight
The natural presence of citric acid in certain fruits, such as oranges or lemons, was one of the reasons for its study.
However, this fruit provides benefits that can favor our health. One of its properties is its ability to help us control our weight. This is confirmed by research such as that published in 2012 by the International Journal of Medical Sciences.
Apparently, both the bitter orange itself and one of its components, p-synephrine, could be beneficial in weight control. This means that it could help us stay within a healthy range, depending on our body mass index.
Research has shown that bitter orange has properties that play an important role in metabolism. In fact, it could help you lose weight.
Research results show that bitter orange extract, as well as p-synephrine, increase metabolism and energy expenditure in the body.
However, this fruit provides benefits that can favor our health. One of its properties is its ability to help us control our weight. This is confirmed by research such as that published in 2012 by the International Journal of Medical Sciences.
Apparently, both the bitter orange itself and one of its components, p-synephrine, could be beneficial in weight control. This means that it could help us stay within a healthy range, depending on our body mass index.
Research has shown that bitter orange has properties that play an important role in metabolism. In fact, it could help you lose weight.
Research results show that bitter orange extract, as well as p-synephrine, increase metabolism and energy expenditure in the body.
How can bitter orange be consumed?
One of the ways to take advantage of the benefits of bitter orange can be through the preparation of a delicious and aromatic tea.
An infusion of bitter orange.
Ingredients:
4 sour oranges cut in halves.
1 liter of water.
Procedure:
First, cut the sour oranges. It can be in halves (with its peel) or in slices (with its peel). The second option is usually the most chosen.
Pour a liter of water into a pot and heat it.
When the water comes to a boil, add the bitter oranges.
Leave them in the pot to cook for about 10 minutes. For the first 5 minutes, the pot should be without its lid and the other 5 with a lid.
Once this time has passed, uncover the pot, turn off the heat and let it cool down a little.
Strain carefully.
Serve and drink this liquid several times a day, in moderation and preferably with the three main meals.
You can also use this drink as a natural refreshment to drink between meals with or without a snack.
It isn’t recommended that you add sugar or sweeteners. If you’re going to consume it before going to the gym, going running, or doing any other physical activity, you could add a touch of honey, which is a food rich in calories and, therefore, energizing.
4 sour oranges cut in halves.
1 liter of water.
Procedure:
First, cut the sour oranges. It can be in halves (with its peel) or in slices (with its peel). The second option is usually the most chosen.
Pour a liter of water into a pot and heat it.
When the water comes to a boil, add the bitter oranges.
Leave them in the pot to cook for about 10 minutes. For the first 5 minutes, the pot should be without its lid and the other 5 with a lid.
Once this time has passed, uncover the pot, turn off the heat and let it cool down a little.
Strain carefully.
Serve and drink this liquid several times a day, in moderation and preferably with the three main meals.
You can also use this drink as a natural refreshment to drink between meals with or without a snack.
It isn’t recommended that you add sugar or sweeteners. If you’re going to consume it before going to the gym, going running, or doing any other physical activity, you could add a touch of honey, which is a food rich in calories and, therefore, energizing.
Other uses of Bitter Orange
Bitter orange can also be used as a condiment, and in the preparation of jams and liqueurs. It brings benefits no matter how it’s consumed. However, in relation to its ability to help you lose weight, the most recommended way is by taking an infusion.
Is it possible to lose weight with bitter orange alone?
Like many other products, bitter orange should only be used as a supplement to help you lose weight. There are no miracle products, nor fat burners as such.
This fruit can help you burn fat through the activation of your metabolism, the elimination of retained fluids, and better digestion. However, for it to work with favorable results, it’s important to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and foods with fiber. In addition, the consumption of junk food should be avoided and daily physical activity should be increased.
Bitter orange can also be used as a condiment, and in the preparation of jams and liqueurs. It brings benefits no matter how it’s consumed. However, in relation to its ability to help you lose weight, the most recommended way is by taking an infusion.
Is it possible to lose weight with bitter orange alone?
Like many other products, bitter orange should only be used as a supplement to help you lose weight. There are no miracle products, nor fat burners as such.
This fruit can help you burn fat through the activation of your metabolism, the elimination of retained fluids, and better digestion. However, for it to work with favorable results, it’s important to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and foods with fiber. In addition, the consumption of junk food should be avoided and daily physical activity should be increased.
Side effects of bitter orange
The consumption of this citrus fruit should be moderate. Due to its stimulants, it can increase blood pressure or raise the heart rate. Therefore, it’s contraindicated for people with cardiovascular problems.
Additionally, it is not advised to consume it if you are taking medicine because it could have adverse effects. As a result, it is advised that you seek medical advice before consuming bitter orange.
Where may one purchase it?
Due to its popularity, bitter orange is now a product that is more regularly available on the market, whether in the form of fruit, essence, or capsules.
You can find it dried and prepared for infusions in some locations. Although many currently do, it's less frequent to locate it in supermarkets. If you're interested in buying it, a health food or herbalist's shop is usually where you'll find it more readily.
READ MORE: Powerful Health Benefits of Sweet Orange Peels
Resources
Maksoud S, Abdel-Massih RM, Rajha HN, Louka N, Chemat F, Barba FJ, Debs E. Citrus aurantium L. Active Constituents, Biological Effects and Extraction Methods. An Updated Review. Molecules. 2021 Sep 26;26(19):5832. doi: 10.3390/molecules26195832. PMID: 34641373; PMCID: PMC8510401.
Bitter Orange. (2020). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Available in https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/bitter-orange
Morton J. Sour orange. Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Purdue University.
Suntar I, Khan H, Patel S, Celano R, Rastrelli L. An Overview on Citrus aurantium L.: Its Functions as Food Ingredient and Therapeutic Agent. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018 May 2;2018:7864269. doi: 10.1155/2018/7864269. PMID: 29854097; PMCID: PMC5954905.
Jia S, Hu Y, Zhang W, Zhao X, Chen Y, Sun C, Li X, Chen K. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of neohesperidin derived from Citrus aurantium L. in diabetic KK-A(y) mice. Food Funct. 2015 Mar;6(3):878-86. doi: 10.1039/c4fo00993b. PMID: 25620042.
Gandhi GR, Vasconcelos ABS, Wu DT, Li HB, Antony PJ, Li H, Geng F, Gurgel RQ, Narain N, Gan RY. Citrus Flavonoids as Promising Phytochemicals Targeting Diabetes and Related Complications: A Systematic Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. Nutrients. 2020 Sep 23;12(10):2907. doi: 10.3390/nu12102907. PMID: 32977511; PMCID: PMC7598193.
Restuccia, C., Oliveri Conti, G., Zuccarello, P. et al. Efficacy of different citrus essential oils to inhibit the growth and B1 aflatoxin biosynthesis of Aspergillus flavus. Environ Sci Pollut Res 26, 31263–31272 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-06169-9
Dosoky, N., & Setzer, W. (2018). Biological Activities and Safety of Citrus spp. Essential Oils. In International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Vol. 19, Issue 7, p. 1966). MDPI AG. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19071966
Domaszewska-Szostek A, Puzianowska-Kuźnicka M, Kuryłowicz A. Flavonoids in Skin Senescence Prevention and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jun 25;22(13):6814. doi: 10.3390/ijms22136814. PMID: 34201952; PMCID: PMC8267725.
Bent S, Padula A, Neuhaus J. Safety and efficacy of citrus aurantium for weight loss. 2004. In: Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE): Quality-assessed Reviews [Internet]. York (UK): Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (UK); 1995-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK70345/
Fugh-Berman A, Myers A. Citrus aurantium, an ingredient of dietary supplements marketed for weight loss: current status of clinical and basic research. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2004 Sep;229(8):698-704. doi: 10.1177/153537020422900802. PMID: 15337824.
Suntar, I., Khan, H., Patel, S., Celano, R., & Rastrelli, L. (2018). An Overview onCitrus aurantiumL.: Its Functions as Food Ingredient and Therapeutic Agent. In Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (Vol. 2018, pp. 1–12). Hindawi Limited. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7864269
Resources
Maksoud S, Abdel-Massih RM, Rajha HN, Louka N, Chemat F, Barba FJ, Debs E. Citrus aurantium L. Active Constituents, Biological Effects and Extraction Methods. An Updated Review. Molecules. 2021 Sep 26;26(19):5832. doi: 10.3390/molecules26195832. PMID: 34641373; PMCID: PMC8510401.
Bitter Orange. (2020). National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Available in https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/bitter-orange
Morton J. Sour orange. Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Purdue University.
Suntar I, Khan H, Patel S, Celano R, Rastrelli L. An Overview on Citrus aurantium L.: Its Functions as Food Ingredient and Therapeutic Agent. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018 May 2;2018:7864269. doi: 10.1155/2018/7864269. PMID: 29854097; PMCID: PMC5954905.
Jia S, Hu Y, Zhang W, Zhao X, Chen Y, Sun C, Li X, Chen K. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of neohesperidin derived from Citrus aurantium L. in diabetic KK-A(y) mice. Food Funct. 2015 Mar;6(3):878-86. doi: 10.1039/c4fo00993b. PMID: 25620042.
Gandhi GR, Vasconcelos ABS, Wu DT, Li HB, Antony PJ, Li H, Geng F, Gurgel RQ, Narain N, Gan RY. Citrus Flavonoids as Promising Phytochemicals Targeting Diabetes and Related Complications: A Systematic Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. Nutrients. 2020 Sep 23;12(10):2907. doi: 10.3390/nu12102907. PMID: 32977511; PMCID: PMC7598193.
Restuccia, C., Oliveri Conti, G., Zuccarello, P. et al. Efficacy of different citrus essential oils to inhibit the growth and B1 aflatoxin biosynthesis of Aspergillus flavus. Environ Sci Pollut Res 26, 31263–31272 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-06169-9
Dosoky, N., & Setzer, W. (2018). Biological Activities and Safety of Citrus spp. Essential Oils. In International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Vol. 19, Issue 7, p. 1966). MDPI AG. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19071966
Domaszewska-Szostek A, Puzianowska-Kuźnicka M, Kuryłowicz A. Flavonoids in Skin Senescence Prevention and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Jun 25;22(13):6814. doi: 10.3390/ijms22136814. PMID: 34201952; PMCID: PMC8267725.
Bent S, Padula A, Neuhaus J. Safety and efficacy of citrus aurantium for weight loss. 2004. In: Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE): Quality-assessed Reviews [Internet]. York (UK): Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (UK); 1995-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK70345/
Fugh-Berman A, Myers A. Citrus aurantium, an ingredient of dietary supplements marketed for weight loss: current status of clinical and basic research. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2004 Sep;229(8):698-704. doi: 10.1177/153537020422900802. PMID: 15337824.
Suntar, I., Khan, H., Patel, S., Celano, R., & Rastrelli, L. (2018). An Overview onCitrus aurantiumL.: Its Functions as Food Ingredient and Therapeutic Agent. In Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (Vol. 2018, pp. 1–12). Hindawi Limited. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7864269
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