- A viral video claims that coating an orange with cayenne pepper and cinnamon and eating the whole thing — including the peel — can cure constipation in minutes
- Experts say that the fiber in oranges, like any food, cannot relieve constipation as quickly
- If you are constipated for more than three weeks, see your doctor
A viral video claims that eating a whole orange – including the peel – can instantly cure constipation.
The idea comes from Instagrammer @Lilsipper’s 2022 video that recently went viral. In it, she claims that coating orange slices with cinnamon and cayenne—and eating the whole thing, including the well-washed peel—can cure constipation “in about five minutes.”
The woman behind the Instagram account, Bethany, shares low-sugar recipes for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, which can cause constipation, according to the Mayo Clinic.
In the caption for her video – which has more than 400,000 likes – Bethany explains that “Oranges contain naringenin, a flavonoid that has been shown to help with constipation.”
And as for spices, she says, “Cayenne pepper and cinnamon contain capsaicin, which triggers your TRVP1 receptors (located in your mouth, but also throughout your body and GI tract) and stimulates your GI tract—so things get going pretty fast! ”
But is it true or is it pulp fiction?
“The fiber in orange peels is nothing special compared to other fibers,” said Amy Brownstein, MS, RD, registered dietitian and owner of Nutrition Digested. Health.
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And it certainly won’t work right away, according to Danielle VenHuizen, MS, RDN, registered dietitian and owner of Food Sense Nutrition. “For a person prone to constipation, there is no way that consuming high-fiber foods will produce immediate effects,” she told Health. “Fiber just doesn’t work that way.”
She added that the studies showing naringenin’s effect on gut function were only done in mice and rats, not in humans, as the National Library of Medicine study shows.
And while cinnamon and cayenne pepper can kick things up a notch, they might cause more discomfort than relief, VenHuizen told the outlet.
Oranges.
Richard Newstead/Getty
“Capsaicin, in high doses, can trigger receptors that tell the gut to start moving,” she said, adding, “Increasing TRVP1 receptor activation by ingesting cinnamon and cayenne could contribute to greater GI pain and discomfort rather than directly stimulating the digestive tract. .”
When it comes to eating orange peel, it is generally safe (although bitter); but experts warn of potential chemicals on the fruit’s surface.
“Pesticides are a concern when you eat oranges,” Brownstein said Health. “If you decide to eat orange peel, wash the peel thoroughly and eat it occasionally.”
Forever chemicals are found in popular supermarket foods — including brands like Annie’s Organic and Del Monte
If you’re constipated — which the Mayo Clinic describes as having three or fewer bowel movements per week — you should eat foods high in fiber, which include fruits, as well as vegetables, beans and whole-grain breads.
The Mayo Clinic especially recommends prunes.
You should also stay hydrated — and avoid caffeinated beverages.
But if you have blood in your stool, abdominal pain, and are constipated for more than three weeks, the Mayo Clinic recommends seeing your doctor for further testing.
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Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education