In addition, vitamin C enhances phagocytes - immune cells that ingest bacteria and other harmful compounds - and microbial killing, which also strengthens your immune response ( 12).įor example, studies have linked the intake of 1–2 grams of vitamin C per day with reduced severity and duration of the common cold ( 9, 13). Therefore, it helps you maintain a healthy level of these cells to fight off infections ( 9, 11, 12). Research shows that the vitamin influences T cells’ development and function and blocks pathways that lead to their death. Vitamin C in tangerines may help protect your immune system from viruses and bacteria by acting upon T cells, a type of white blood cells that protect your body ( 9).

They’re also good sources of other vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and B complex vitamins. Tangerines are water-rich fruits packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.

Tangerines are also one of the most concentrated sources of beta-cryptoxanthin, an antioxidant that is converted to vitamin A in the body and is behind tangerines’ and other fruits’ orange color ( 3).Īdditionally, tangerines provide potassium and B complex vitamins, namely B1, B6, and B9, or thiamine, pyridoxine, and folate, respectively ( 2, 3).

Here’s the nutrient profile of 1 medium (88-gram) tangerine ( 2):Īs you can see, tangerines are a great source of vitamin C - the nutrient that’s arguably behind most of tangerines’ health benefits. Despite their small size compared with other citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits, tangerines are nutrient- and water-rich - in fact, they’re about 85% water ( 2).

Tangerines and clementines