Anti-Cancer Orange Peels

Don’t toss those organic orange peels! Studies show the peels contain valuable anti-cancer properties that inhibit lung cancer cell growth, breast cancer cell growth and pancreatic cancer cell growth. They also have powerful antifungal properties inhibiting aflatoxin B1, a poisonous and cancer-causing chemical caused by mold.

An Egyptian study revealed over 200 phytochemicals in orange peel, leaves and flowers. The rind of an orange contains high levels of the phytochemical d-limonene. Cancer researchers have made surprising discoveries about d-limonene. A 2015 study in Molecular Pharmacology reveals how scientists used d-limonene to help trigger an anticancer immune response. A 2009 study in the Journal of Molecular Nutrition and Food Research reported the d-limonene in orange peel suppressed the growth of lung cancer cells. While a 2014 US study of 43 women with operable breast cancer tumors, given two grams of d-limonene daily for two to six weeks prior to surgery, experienced anti-cancer activity.

Another study in 1984 on rats found that high doses of d-limonene resulted in a 72 per cent reduction of mammary tumours.  Orange essential oil is produced by cells from the rind of an orange fruit. Scientists have also found orange essential oil to be a powerful antioxidant to fight free radicals in the body, iincrease the absorption of vitamin C and help the body detox.A 2003 study in India found that white blood cell count increased in mice fed d-limonene .

Rinds can be juiced fresh, or added to smoothies, frozen or fresh. A simple way to dehydrate rinds is to place the dry orange peel on a window sill for up to two weeks to dry. Peels break easily once dry. Place in a grinder or Magic Bullet and grind into a powder that can be used in baked goods, smoothies or vinaigrettes.