Oranges are some very popular fruits among
North Americans and Europeans. Orange juice in particular is pretty
common and massively consumed. Americans drinks about 2.5 times more
orange juice than apple juice. But have you ever thought what exactly the health benefits of oranges are?
One orange contains all the daily requirements of Vitamin C. It is
rich in fiber, folate, calcium and vitamin B6. So, we could say that oranges are packed with nutrients…but wait, there’s more.
Here’s a list of top 13 health benefits of oranges:
1. Oranges are rich in fibers
The fibers in oranges
are good for the digestive system and relieving constipation. Fibers
also reduce cholesterol which is helpful in preventing atherosclerosis.
Fibers are also good in keeping the blood sugar levels in control. So, fibers in oranges are definitely in the list of top
health benefits of oranges.
2. Cardiovascular health
The high content of Vitamin C, flavonoids and phyto-nutrients in citrus fruits reduce the risk of heart disease.
3. Blood pressure
Magnesium and a flavonoid called hesperidin in oranges help regulate high blood pressure.
4. Blood and oxygen
Oranges are rich in Iron and Vitamin B6, essential in the production
of red cells in the blood, which carry oxygen from lungs to cells.
Oranges also help prevent lung cancer.
5. Bones and teeth
Oranges are also rich in calcium, associated with a healthy bone structure and teeth.
6. Skin health
Skin health is one of the most important
health benefits of oranges. Antioxidants in oranges protect the skin from cell damage and free radicals, having anti-aging actions.
7. Lower cholesterol
Besides the fiber intake, oranges also help in reducing cholesterol
through synephrine, an alkaloid found in orange’s peel. Antioxidants
also contribute to the reduction of cholesterol.
8. Folate intake
One orange provides about 10% of the necessary daily folate intake. Folic acid is helpful in skin health and brain development.
9. Immune system
Vitamin C stimulates the production of white cells in our body, thus improving the immune system.
10. Kidney health
A lot of people don’t know that among the top
health benefits of oranges
is also kidney health. Regular consumption of oranges significantly can
significantly reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.
11. Prevent ulcer
Vitamin C is efficient in preventing stomach ulcer.
12. Viral infections
Mostly due to the abundance of the flavonoid polyphenols, oranges
protects against viral infections. So, try to eat as much oranges in the
flu season (like now)!
13. Preventing other diseases
Oranges are helpful in preventing several other diseases, like:
arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia, rheumatism and
diabetes.
