Calories in Satsuma Orange

Mandarin orange is a popular variety of orange family and it is recognized by various names in various countries. Crosses between mandarin and different citrus fruits have given rise to different types of oranges like Clementines, tangerines and Satsumas. In China, mandarins have been in use since thousands of years. They were considered as fruits to be enjoyed by rich people. In the early 1900's, export to European countries increased the popularity of mandarins.

Satsuma Orange

The Fruit
As this type of orange was first cultivated in the Satsuma province in Japan, the fruit got the name 'satsuma orange'. The Japanese have been enjoying delicious Satsumas since 15th century. These oranges are mostly seedless and their flesh is sweet but very delicate. These loose skinned oranges need careful handling. They are easier to peel and segment, than others. The evergreen tree of Satsuma flowers in springs. The tree gets covered with fruits and looks very attractive. At the onset of winter, the fruits are harvested. About 200 cultivars of Satsuma are popular, for example, Owari and Mikan; the pulp of which is used to produce canned mandarins. Satsumas are slightly smaller than the normal oranges. They are known as 'honey citrus of Chinese'. They might come with light orange color with a tinge of green but the flesh is always bright orange. Their skin is pebbly in texture and their shape can be flat or even oblong.

Calories

• 100 g of Satsuma contain about 25.6 calories, 9.5 g carbohydrates, 0.6 g protein, 0.2 g fat and 1.3 g fiber.
• 1 medium fruit (about 70 g) contains about 18 calories.
• 1 Sunkist Satsuma Mandarin (109 g) contains 50 calories. It does not contain fat and sodium. It provides 11 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein, 2 g dietary fiber, 10 g sugar and 200 mg potassium.
• The orange is packed with vitamin C. It can provide 110% daily value of vitamin C.
• Besides, it is a good source of folic acid (Folate), pantothenic acid, thiamin, niacin and riboflavin.
• It is rich in calcium, vitamin A, iron and copper.
• It is high in potassium that helps conduct electrical impulses within the body.

Nutritional Benefits

• B vitamins help boost the immune system. They promote the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose and thus help boost energy. They help maintain more stable moods. B vitamins prevent defects in the fetus.
• Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin which cancels the effects of free radicals on the body, and strengthens the immune system. It offers smooth skin, healthy eyes and improved overall health.
• B vitamins and fiber help improve digestive health. They prevent constipation. B vitamins stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid. They promote break-down of fat and proteins.
• Copper promotes proper utilization of iron in the body and helps maintain bone health, thyroid function. It protects the blood vessels from rupturing, and also protects the nerves.
• The vitamins and minerals help prevent hair loss, strengthen the hair and nails, improve the texture and quality of the skin. These nutrients help improve memory and the ability to concentrate.
• Iron improves the production of hemoglobin that transports oxygen to body cells. This improves your health and energy levels.
• Potassium is necessary for smooth muscle contraction, heart function, digestive health, etc.

It can be safely concluded that Satsuma orange is a low calorie fruit, packed with essential nutrients. You can consume these oranges as a snack, and can lower your daily calorie intake significantly. Calories in Satsuma orange being low, the fruit can be included in any type of weight loss diet. In China, mandarin oranges are considered as symbols of abundance and good fortune. Perhaps, the ancestors knew about their 'low calorie high nutrient' structure. Daily consumption of an orange can bring about significant changes in both health and looks.