Oranges are classified into two general categories, sweet and bitter, with the former being the type most commonly consumed. Popular varieties of the sweet orange include Valencia, Navel, Persian variety and blood orange.
Health benefits of oranges
- The fruit is low in calories, contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, but is rich in dietary fiber, pectin, which is very effective in persons with excess body weight.
- Pectin, by its action as bulk laxative, helps to protect the mucous membrane of the colon by decreasing its exposure time to toxic substances as well as by binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon.
- Pectin has also been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels by decreasing its re-absorption in the colon by binding to bile acids in the colon.
- Oranges, is an excellent source of vitamin C Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant.
- Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and also, scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the blood.
- Orange fruit contains a variety of phytochemicals, Hesperetin and Narigenin are flavonoids which acts as antioxidant, free radical scavenger, anti-inflammatory, and immune system modulator.
- Oranges also contain very good levels of vitamin A, and other flavonoid antioxidants such as alpha and beta carotenes, beta-cryptoxanthin, zea-xanthin and lutein. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is also essential for vision.
- Consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps body to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
- It is also a very good source of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, pyridoxine and folates. These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish.
- Orange fruit also contains a very good amount of minerals like potassium and calcium. Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids helps control heart rate and blood pressure.
- Regularly consuming vitamin C retards the development of hardening of the arteries.
- A compound in oranges called liminoid, has been found to help fight cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon. The high vitamin C content also acts as a good anti-oxidant that protects cells from damages by free radicals.
- The alkaloid synephrine found under the orange peel can reduce the liver's production of cholesterol. Whereas the anti-oxidant fights oxidative stress that is the main culprit in oxidizing the LDLs in our blood.
- Even though the orange "tastes acidic", it actually has an alkaline effect in the digestive system and helps stimulate the digestive juices, relieving constipation.
- An orange a day is sufficient for a man to keep his sperm healthy. Vitamin C, an anti-oxidant, protects sperm from genetic damage that may cause a birth defect.
- A high intake of flavonoids and vitamin C has been known to halve the risk of heart diseases.
- The strong content of vitamin C stimulates white cells to fight infection, naturally building a good immune system.
- Drinking orange juice daily can significantly drop the risk of formation of calcium oxalate stones in the kidney.
- The anti-oxidant in orange help protect the skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging.
- Consuming vitamin C rich foods helps to lower the incidence of peptic ulcers and in turn, reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
- The abundance of polyphenols have been shown to provide protection against viral infections.
- Oranges are rich in phytonutrient compounds which are known for their healing abilities.
- Limonoids in oranges helps in fighting cancers of the mouth, stomach, lungs, skin, breast and colon.
- Orange is rich in beta-cryptoxanthin. This prevents lung cancer and promotes a healthy respiratory system.
- Regular consumption of this wonder fruit is known to prevent rheumatoid arthritis.
- Oranges are rich in folic acid. This nutrient is necessary for healthy blood and brain.
- Orange juice is known to reduce craving for alcohol. It helps in reducing addiction to alcohol.
- Consumption of oranges is known to reduce mucus secretion from the nose.
- Oranges are known to support the production of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all parts of the body.
- Oranges contain vitamin B1 (thiamin) which plays a major role in converting blood sugar into energy.
- Oranges are also found to be good for asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis and pneumonia.
- Orange juice is very much useful at the time of fever. Even if we eat 10-12 oranges daily in fever, there is no harm.
- Influenza can be cured by orange.
- Orange reduces the thrist and heat in body.
- Orange reduces the yellowishness and heat in the urine.
- The oil obtained from skin or pith of orange are used as pesticide. Even they are used in paediatrics medicines.
- Drinking one glass of ornge juice during bedtime in night and early in the morning reduces the problem of diarrhoea.
- Drinking the water in which the leaves of orange tree are baked can reduces the fever.
- The vomitting and nausea problem of pregnant ladies are reduces by orange.
- The pimples which are generated at the youth face can be cured with the help of applying the skin or pith of orange on face.
- Insecticide sprays are widely applied over orange crops. Therefore, it is recommended to wash the fruits in cold running water before use. Organic orange fruits are devoid of these chemicals and are best suited for zest preparation.
- Excessive consumption of any citrus juices can leach calcium from the body system, causing decay of the bones and teeth.
- The famous saying "Nectar becomes poison when consumed in excess" holds good here also. Excessive consumption of oranges can drain out calcium from the body, there by causing damage to bones and teeth. It may also cause mucus build up in the throat.
- The skin or the pith of the orange has as much vitamin c as the orange so one must try to eat it. You can add some spices to it, if you think it is not edible.Although we often don't eat orange peel in significant quantity, it is good to know that citrus peels contain some oils that may interfere with the effects of vitamin A.
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