Honeybells: Health Benefits & Nutritional Facts

Their season is short, but Honeybells are well worth the wait. We’re betting you’ve never tasted a citrus fruit so incredibly refreshing as this juicy tangerine/grapefruit cross…named for the honey-sweetness of its juice and bell shape, the easy-to-peel, hard-to-find Honeybell is a citrus sensation that’s sweeping the nation!

But Honeybells are more than their vibrant flavor, fun shape and bright scent…they’re also a superfood as full of health benefits as they are of great taste. Premium Hale Honeybells are worth the extra effort in so many ways!

Honeybells 101: Nutrition Facts

Honeybells are a mandarin hybrid that are high in vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. They also contain antioxidants and folic acid.

While the amounts of calories, carbs, sugars and nutrients vary according to the size of the fruit in questions, below are some nutrition facts for one raw, peeled, medium-sized Honeybell (or one cup of Honeybell sections):

• Calories: 47
• Water: 87%
• Protein: 1g
• Carbs: 11g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fiber: 2.4g
• Fat: .12g

Carbs in Honeybells

Carbohydrates (also known as carbs) are the body’s main source of energy and an important part of a healthy diet, but not all carbs are equal. “Bad” carbs are the simple refined sugars added to processed foods, while “good” carbs (like those found in Honeybells and other fruits) contain naturally occurring sugars. They are digested more slowly, and so don’t raise blood glucose as quickly as “bad” carbs.

Due to their high fiber and polyphenol counts, most fruits (including Honeybells) are low on the glycemic index (which measures how food affects the rise in blood sugar levels after it’s consumed). Though sweet, citrus fruits like Honeybells tend to be lower on the GI scale than other fruits (like apples. The natural sugar in Honeybells is easily broken down by the body and used for fuel instead of being stored in the body and converted into fat. Honeybells also won’t cause blood sugar levels to spike the way that processed sugar can. This means that, when enjoyed in moderation, Honeybells can be a delicious and healthy part of a low-sugar or diabetic-friendly diet.

Fiber in Honeybells

Honeybells are a good source of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber lowers your blood sugar levels and helps keep your digestive system running smoothly. Another benefit of fiber is that foods rich in fiber promote a feeling of fulness. Fiber-rich foods (like fruit) help you maintain or even lose weight as they leave you feeling satisfied. This means that snacking on a fresh Honeybell will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you feeling full longer than a sugar-laden candy bar.

Vitamins and Minerals in Honeybells

Because Honeybells are a hybrid citrus fruit, they contain a variety of healthy benefits. Below are just some of the nutrients found in Honeybells and how they can benefit your health:

• Vitamin C. A single, medium-sized Honeybell contains 53.2mg of vitamin C (more than have the daily recommendation), which supports the immune system and collagen production. Maintaining vitamin C levels is critical for the immune system, and as the body doesn’t store vitamin C, it’s important to replenish your supply daily. Enjoying Honeybells in season is a great way to do this during the time you need it most – cold and flu season.
• Vitamin A. A one-cup serving of Honeybell sections contains 21 RE vitamin A. Vitamin A helps keep your eyes healthy and has been shown to help prevent certain eye conditions. It also keeps your skin and hair healthy and assists in helping your immune system to function properly.
• Folate. One 3½ ounce Honeybell contains over 30mcg of folate. Folate is an essential nutrient for a healthy heart. It can reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiac conditions. Folate also plays a role in brain and mental health, helping to protect you from cognitive disorders as you age.
• Calcium. A serving of Honeybell sections contains 40 mg of calcium. Calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Calcium also plays a role in helping your blood to clot and your muscles working properly.
• Potassium. Honeybells contain potassium, which can help prevent strokes.
• Folic acid. Honeybells contain folic acid, which can help reduce the risk or symptoms of asthma and bronchitis.
• Antioxidants. Honeybells are rich in antioxidants, which help balance free radicals in the body and reduce inflammation. A diet high in antioxidants has been shown to reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease and certain types of cancers, as well as boosting immunity.

More Health Benefits of Honeybells

In addition to providing your body with much-needed vitamins C and A as well as folic acid and potassium, Honeybells can, when eaten regularly, reduce your risk of developing several major illnesses like asthma and bronchitis, as well as reduce the symptoms of such diseases. The high juice content in Honeybells (just two Honeybells produce a full glass of juice) helps keep you hydrated, and drinking the delicious juice can help lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease. Eating Honeybells is also helpful for people trying to manage diabetes.

Honeybells contain an essential, naturally occurring citrus bioflavonoid known as hespederidin. Also referred to as “Vitamin P,” hespederidin is both anti-inflammatory and anti-allergen, and has been shown to improve the health of your body’s capillaries and connective tissues as well as speed healing in bruises and minimize symptoms associated with hay fever and even cancer treatments. The hespederin and vitamin C in Honeybells work together to reduce the appearance of aging by helping to maintain the health of collagen for smoother skin.

Honeybells: An All-Around Amazing Citrus Fruit

From incredible flavor to incredible health benefits, it’s easy to see why Honeybells are one of the most sought-after citrus fruits. Their tangy-sweet flavor can be treasured even by those who have to limit their grapefruit consumption due to the fruit’s compounds that interfere with the efficacy of certain medications, because Honeybells lack the properties associated with such interactions.

Do your body and your taste buds a favor this season by ordering fresh, premium Hale Honeybells for yourself and your loved ones. (They make great gifts, too!)

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