Orange is a member of the Citrus fruits, as such, they have long been valued for their wholesome nutritious and antioxidant properties. It is scientifically established fact that citrus fruits, especially oranges, by virtue of their abundance in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, have many proven health benefits. Moreover, it is now beginning to be appreciated that the other biologically active, non-nutrient compounds in the citrus fruits such as phyto-chemical antioxidants, soluble and insoluble dietary fiber helps in cutting risk for cancers, chronic diseases like arthritis, obesity, and coronary heart diseases.
Nutrients in oranges are plentiful and diverse. The fruit is low in calories, contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, but is rich in dietary fiber, and high in vitamin C. Oranges contains many other nutrients unknown to many, I used to think, it was only a good source of vitamin C, upon investigation I found out that there are other numerous benefits here are 14 health benefits of oranges apart from vitamin C. Other nutrients in fresh orange include:
1. PECTIN: Pectin, by its virtue as a 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
2. VITAMIN A: Oranges also contain very good levels of vitamin A, and other flavonoid antioxidants, Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is essential for vision. Consumption of natural fruits rich in flavonoids helps the body to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
3. SOURCE OF B.GROUP VITAMINS: 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.
4. SOURCE OF CALCIUM AND POTASSIUM: Orange fruit also contains a very good amount of minerals like potassium and calcium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure through countering sodium actions
12 HEALTH BENEFITS OF FRESH ORANGES
1. HELPS FIGHT CANCER: Oranges are rich in citrus limonoids, proven to help fight a number of varieties of cancer including that of the skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon.
2. PREVENTS KIDNEY DISEASE
Drinking orange juice regularly prevents kidney diseases and reduces the risk of kidney stones.
3. HELPS LOWER CHOLESTEROL
Since they’re full of soluble fiber, oranges are helpful in lowering cholesterol.
4. HELPS BOOST HEART HEALTH
Oranges are full of potassium, an electrolyte mineral is responsible for helping the heart function well. When potassium levels get too low, you may develop an abnormal heart rhythm, known as an arrhythmia.
5. BOOST IMMUNITY
Oranges are full of vitamin C which protects cells by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals cause chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease.
6. FIGHTS AGAINST VIRAL INFECTIONS
Studies show that the abundance of polyphenols in oranges protects against viral
infections.
7. RELIEVES CONSTIPATION
Oranges are full of dietary fiber which stimulates digestive juices and relieves constipation.
8. IMPROVES VISION
Oranges are rich in carotenoid compounds which are converted to vitamin A and help prevent macular degeneration.
9. REGULATES HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
The flavonoid hesperidin found in oranges helps regulate high blood pressure and the magnesium in oranges helps maintain blood pressure.
10. PROTECTS SKIN
Oranges are full of beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant protecting the cells from being damage which also protects the skin from free radicals and prevents the signs of aging.
11. HELPS ALKALINE THE BODY
Although oranges are acidic before you digest them, they contain many alkaline minerals that help to balance out the body after they are digested. In this respect, they are similar to lemons which are one of the most alkaline foods available.
12 PROVIDES SMART CARB
Oranges like all fruits have simple sugars in them, but the orange has a glycemic index of 40 anything under 55 is considered low. This means as long as you don’t eat a lot of oranges at one time, they won’t spike your blood sugar and cause problems with insulin or weight gain.
Remember that all good food and fruits must be consumed in moderation to get the health benefits. At least one orange in a day for an adult.
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