Starting the month off with a health kick? Is losing a couple of pounds on the agenda? You may have heard that clementines are helpful in shedding extra weight. Wondering if this information is reliable?
It certainly is. Clementines are a great fruit to boost your weight loss goals. They are rich in Vitamin C, fiber, and flavonoids. These aid proper digestion and bowel movement. Healthy gut function, in turn, reduces bloating and inflammation.
Flavonoids prevent fat accumulation and storage. They also help the body utilize more energy for each activity.
Clementines are low in calories – a great substitute for processed snacks. Incorporate it into low-fat meals for a balanced diet.
Clementines vs Mandarin calories
Clementines have marginally fewer calories than Mandarins. One clementine has anywhere from 35- 47 kcals. A mandarin has 53 kcals. Clementines may be a slightly better option. Clementines have less sugar and twice as much Vitamin C compared to mandarins.
Mandarins have almost double the fat content per serving. They also have more carbohydrates. This makes clementines better suited for a low-calorie and low-carb diet. Clementines also have less sodium.
Sodium can cause water retention. Mandarin has a higher magnesium and calcium content. Other than these differences, both fruits are not too different. They have similar vitamin, mineral, and micronutrient content.
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Do clementines have carbs?
Yes, they do. All foods have some amount of carbs, no matter how minimal. Clementines have 9-10 grams of carbohydrates. About 1 gram of the carbs is fiber. This is comparable to other low-carb fruits like watermelon, peaches, and berries.
One clementine contributes only 0.02 or fewer calories from its carbs. Compare this to the average daily calorie requirement of 2000-2500 calories. Clearly, the carbs are negligible to boot! This nutritious little orb fills you up in the healthiest way possible.
How many grams of sugar in a clementine?
Clementines have about 9 grams of sugar per fruit. The natural sugar and fructose content are quite low. They outdo other citrus fruits in this category. For example, regular oranges have around 14 grams of sugar. Grapefruits and mandarins have 11 grams.
These comparisons do account for size differences. These are relative sugar densities. For example, a single strawberry has 1 gram of sugar. Eight of them will have sugar equivalent to one clementine.
The only citrus fruits with lower calories are lemons and limes. They have only 2 grams of sugar. But they certainly can’t be eaten whole. Or as a fruit!
Do clementines have vitamin C?
Yes, clementines are packed with the goodness of Vitamin C. They have about an average of 40-50 mg (milligrams) of Vitamin C per fruit. Some prime varieties may even have close to 70 mg. This depends on their size and the quality.
They meet about 40-60% of the daily Vitamin C intake requirements for an adult. Other orange varieties may have anywhere between 50-100 mg of this vitamin. A single standard orange will meet 100-130% of your daily dietary needs.
Vitamin C is fundamental to weight loss. It helps to burn fat in the body more effectively. Adequate Vitamin C helps metabolize excess fat into energy. So you burn more calories when exercising.
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Do clementines have vitamin D?
No, clementines do not contain Vitamin D. Vitamin D is generally minimal or absent in citrus fruits. Clementines don’t even have a single microgram of Vitamin D. But Vitamin C can help the body absorb Vitamin D and calcium. This could be from food or sunlight.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a greater incidence of belly fat. Citrus fruits may not have this nutrient, but store-purchased juices might. Orange juice is often fortified with Vitamin D. This is a good alternative to get your dose of the sunshine vitamin.
Do clementines have potassium?
Yes, clementines are rich in potassium. They contain approximately 130-180 milligrams of potassium. Other varieties of oranges like tangerines also have similar quantities.
Clementines contain a third of the potassium content of miniature or baby bananas (like Lady Finger bananas). Potassium is a wonder nutrient when it comes to weight loss. It flushes out excess water. So water weight because of fluid retention is eliminated.
It also strengthens muscles. Building lean tissue helps to torch more calories. It also gives you more energy. Higher energy in turn raises metabolism.
Do clementines cause gas?
Yes, Clementines can cause gas, but only if over-consumed. They are acidic citrus fruits. The acids will over-stimulate the stomach. This can cause acid reflux. Excess fiber leads to gas formation in the intestines. So eat them in moderation.
With controlled portions, clementines actually reduce gas, pain, and indigestion. About 2 or 3 clementines per day are all right. They should be part of a healthy, diverse diet. Citrus allergies may also cause gas and vomiting side effects.
Can clementines make you fat?
No, it is unlikely for Clementines to make you fat. They are a low-calorie food. It also has a low energy density. The ratio of calories to the weight of the fruit is very low. Most of the weight is water. They also do not contain any saturated or trans fats. And natural fats are also minimal at 0.15 grams.
But clementines still do contain sugars and a few calories. So capped at a few, they are nutritious and wholesome. But overeating can spike sugar levels. This won’t help you slim down. But since they are fiber-rich they have more benefits than drawbacks.
Do you see why clementines are called cuties or sweeties? They really are the best! So go ahead and pick some up for a delicious, guilt-free treat! It literally makes your workout juicier and more fruitful!
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I am Anand, and I am a business owner and consultant in my day job. I have spent years studying what’s inside the products we buy. ‘Feedrer’ is a wordplay on you-know-who and talks about all things food.