Why Oranges Are “Eating” People on TikTok Now

Individuals use a variety of shower rituals in their regimens, such as hair masks and cold rinses. Nonetheless, eating an orange in the shower is one unique one that has gained popularity on social media.

Simply said, the idea is to turn on your shower, grab an orange, and begin peeling and eating the fruit while savoring the delicious citrus flavor. Some people attribute the trend to a 2015 Reddit post from a since-deleted user that spoke about the “feel good” effect of shower oranges, even though it’s difficult to pinpoint who did this experiment initially. “Shower Orange” was a subreddit that was started in the same year.

Thanks to an increasing number of films promoting the benefits of this bathing habit, the shower orange idea has lately gained traction on TikTok

Maggie Michalczyk, a certified dietician, told HuffPost, “I first saw this concept on TikTok.” The video showed someone peeling an orange while taking a hot shower and had no explanation whatsoever. From viewing the video, it seemed to be really soothing, and I could just smell the zesty orange. I realized it would be really stimulating and that I had to give it a try.

Using the easy-to-peel Sumo Citrus, Michalczyk attempted the shower orange method. She also discovered she liked how the steam from the shower accentuated the aroma.

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A lot of health rituals seem to be popular, and the dietitian said, “I think a lot of people are willing to try anything that’s somewhat simple to do, but that could make you feel a little bit more energized or motivated.” The idea of eating an orange while taking a shower appealed to me because, as someone who lives in Chicago where there is little sunshine in the winter, I’ll do anything to get a pick-me-up on a gloomy day.

All right, so what are the supposed health advantages of eating an orange while taking a shower? Does science underpin them? Exist any drawbacks to this procedure, too? Michalczyk breaks it down below with input from other nutrition experts.

Your senses are stimulated more fully.

Oranges are being eaten in the shower as a TikTok craze, according to certified dietitian and nutrition writer Alyssa Northrop. This is because the heat from the shower is thought to improve the oranges’ flavor and aroma.

The shower is supposed to raise you, and fruit does too.

The invigorating, fragrant citrus fragrance of an orange may be released by peeling it while taking a warm shower, according to Michalczyk.

The outcome might be an especially delicious orange scent and an at-home shower that seems more like a luxurious hotel or spa visit.

“According to registered dietitian nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner, the humidity in the shower may absorb the orange’s essential oils, which are particularly released during peeling, and spread the aroma throughout the shower’s relatively small area.”

But she thinks there’s less chance the orange’s flavor or taste would be more pronounced in the shower.

“Since the majority of the essential oils are in the peel and not the flesh that you’re eating, this is not likely to make as big of a difference in the shower,” according to Blatner.

One way to produce a greater citrus fragrance is via the heat and steam of the shower.

By using Getty Images, APINYA Phuangphem / EYEEM

One way to produce a greater citrus fragrance is via the heat and steam of the shower.

Showering solves the problem of the sticky mess less.

If an exceptionally juicy orange happens to fall through, Northrop advised eating it in the shower to avoid any sticky residue.

After eating a shower orange, you can simply wash your hands right away, so there’s really no need to worry about having sticky hands.

Indeed, Blatner said, “it’s messy to peel and eat an orange, but you can easily rinse it off when you’re in the shower.”

Even still, the mess left by the orange’s remnants still exists.

Just a few drops of citrus essential oil applied to the shower floor may have a comparable impact, according to Blatner. “So you can enjoy the potential mood boost from the citrus scent without having to deal with the peel or seeds.”

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A calming kind of self-care is provided by the procedure.

“Eating oranges while taking a shower makes me think of steam baths with cucumber slices over your eyes or using essential oils in saunas,” Northrop said. It is capable of converting an ordinary chore into a fragrant, calming self-care ritual.

Shower orange, as said, might give off a more spa-like vibe. Also connected to health advantages is a certain scent.

Citrus is invigorating, elevating mood, and relieving tension, according to Michalczyk. “Scent is a really powerful way to impact our emotions,” she said.

To have a comparable calming effect, she suggested experimenting with the water temperature and adding dried eucalyptus to the shower.

To reap the benefits of a cold shower or plunge, which reduce stress and inflammation with the invigorating and calming nature of peeling and orange at the start of your shower when it’s hot, Michalczyk suggested trying something new. “I haven’t tried, but could be a good energy-boosting combo,” Michalczyk said. Hence, peeling an orange while taking a hot, steamy shower would provide the calming and invigorating effects of the citrus scent. At the very last minute, you might switch the water cold to reap the advantages of reduced stress and inflammation associated with cold exposure.

Tangerines are good for your health.

This practice also ensures that you are consuming more healthful citrus in your diet. The vitamin C content of oranges is excellent.

According to Northrop, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that just 10 to 12% of American individuals are reaching the recommended daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. It is recommended by the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans that most individuals have two and a half cups of vegetables and two cups of fruits per day. Therefore, I support this trend if it raises people’s consumption of oranges high in fiber and vitamin C.

It’s not very attentive, however, to eat an orange while taking a shower.

I place a strong emphasis on mindful eating in my practice. Thus, if individuals are multitasking by taking a shower and having an orange for breakfast, I see a possible drawback to this trend, Northrop said. “I would much rather people shower at the same time, instead of focusing on the taste, smell, texture, and experience of the orange itself.”

Long-term practicality is probably not going to allow for a mindful experience if you set aside time to focus on the flavor and sensation of eating the orange, as opposed to cleaning up in the shower. Also, it’s not the safest practice to multitask while taking a shower, particularly if you fall easily.

“Coupling” meals with other activities, such as taking a shower, working at a desk, or watching TV, is not recommended, according to Blatner.

The reason for this, according to her explanation, is that sometimes the activities might become like a “cue” to eat. It is thus your goal to avoid having to eat just before or after a shower. For the sake of the experiment, it’s okay to eat an orange while in the shower once; just don’t make it a routine. Eating at a table while sitting is the ideal way to savor food from a plate.