Royal orange (kumquat): its benefits and harms
Royal oranges or kumquats, also called Japanese oranges, are small oranges that are eaten with their peel, and their size is much smaller than the known regular oranges, and it has multiple benefits for the body and important nutritional values that we will learn about in the following lines.
Nutritional values of kumquat fruit
This small fruit has great nutritional values, as five grains of it contain about 70 calories, along with 2 grams of protein, about 6.5 grams of saturated fiber, and 16 grams of carbohydrates.
As for the vitamins and minerals found in the famous kumquat fruit, the proportions are as follows for every 100 grams, which is equivalent to 5 grains, which are:
- Vitamin C: 73%, which is a high percentage of the daily value of the vitamin, which is important for immunity.
- Calcium: about 6% of the daily recommended ratio.
- Manganese: about 7% of the recommended daily allowance.
- Vitamin A: the ratio is about 6% of the daily ratios.
Not only that, but the fruit contains small percentages of other important vitamins such as vitamin B and vitamin E, as well as potassium and zinc.
Benefits of royal orange
There are many different benefits that will benefit your body if you decide to eat this fruit with a sweet-tasting skin and pungent juice, as it gives your body:
1. Disease resistance
The royal orange fruit has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in flavonoids as well, all of which are important elements in preventing diseases, including some serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
The essential oils in baby oranges may also help leave scents on the hands, the most important of which is limonene, which has antioxidant effects in the body.
2. Boost immunity
The royal orange fruit may help support immunity due to the appropriate amount of vitamin C and zinc that are important for immunity, as well as some plant compounds that may help increase the activity of immune cells known as natural killer cells, according to an animal study.
It is also worth noting that activating this type of cell may help destroy cancer cells and defend the body against infection.
3. Fight obesity
Plant compounds found in small oranges can also help fight obesity and related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
According to a study conducted on mice, the results showed that kumquat extract may play a role in curbing the growth of the size of fat cells, and may even maintain weight stability, but it is also mentioned that more studies are still needed to confirm the results.
4. Moisturizes the body and helps it feel full
Because of the high content of water, which reaches 80%, and thus helps moisturize the body, also this high percentage of water, in addition to fiber, may help to enhance satiety, which helps to make it a suitable fruit for dieting, especially since it is low in calories.
Benefits of kumquat peel
It is worth noting that the kumquat peel is richer in flavonoids, compared to the pulp, and the peel contains small proportions of important and beneficial omega-3 fats for the body.

How to take royal orange (kumquat)
The common way to eat these small oranges is to eat them in their skins, discarding the seeds. You can make a small hole to get rid of the pungent juice if you can’t stand it. However, this fruit can be used in different ways and eaten, by making it as a jam or preparing it as a pickle. You can also use it with desserts or add it to your food as desired.
Tips when eating and buying royal oranges
- Make sure to choose firm oranges, not soft ones.
- You can make the shells softer by placing them in boiling water for 20 seconds and then rinsing them in cold water.
- Store the fruit at room temperature for several days, or you can keep the fruit for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
- It is preferable to choose organic fruits, because the peel is eaten, and if this is not available, you must wash the fruits well, to get rid of any trace of pesticides.
- When cutting, peeling, or cooking fruit, it should be refrigerated within 1 to 2 hours.
Kumquat damage
Fruit that is eaten raw, such as Japanese oranges, may contain some types of germs that may cause disease, such as Escherichia coli and salmonella, so the fruit must be washed well if you do not cook it.
Also, if you are allergic to citrus fruits in general or their peel, you will have to avoid these fruits or consult a doctor first before eating them.
In the end, we always encourage eating healthy food, and fruits rich in nutrients, especially those that contain vitamin C, which is important for immunity, and we wish you health and safety always.