About Oranges
The orange comes from the family Rutaceae, whose species is Citrus × sinensis. These smoothly rounded fruits have finely-textured orange colored skins with pulpy flesh inside. Oranges are some of the world’s best known sources of vitamin C. They also contain low calories, zero saturated fats or cholesterol yet contains r vital anti-oxidants, vitamins among a host of other health benefits as we shall see in this article.
Health Benefit 1: Anti-cancer
Oranges aid in combating cancers such as skin, lung, breast, colon and stomach cancers owing to the citrus limonoids in them. Limonoids are photochemical, abundant in citrus fruits such as oranges. Oranges also contain Nomilin, a substance that aid in killing cancer cells.
Health Benefit 2: Fights Kidney Diseases
Research has shown that intake of orange juice may hinder a certain kinds of kidney stones. Citrate (citric acid) binds with calcium present in the urine, hence lowering the amount of calcium present to form calcium oxalate stones. It also stops tiny calcium oxalate crystals from developing and morphing into larger stones.
Health benefit 3: Lowers Risk of Liver Cancer
Oranges combat liver cancer owing to their plentiful supply of vitamin A as well as carotenoids.
Health Benefit 4: Reduces Cholesterol Levels
Owing to their high amount of soluble fiber, oranges are aid in lowering cholesterol. An averagely sized orange will supply you with 1.8 grams of soluble fiber.
Health Benefit 5: Promotes Cardiovascular Health
The high amount of potassium in oranges assists in heart function. Potassium is an electrolyte which assists in maintaining moral heart rhythm, preventing an irregular heart rhythm condition known as arrhythmia.
Health Benefit 6: Reduces Risk of Diseases
Oranges contain vitamin C which guards the cells from free radicals. Left alone, these radicals cause oxidative stress, triggering onset of serious diseases such as heart diseases and various cancerous conditions.
Health Benefit 7: Combats Viral Infections
The abundant amount of polyphenols in oranges shields our bodies against viral infections such as flu and common cold.
Health Benefit 8: Treats Constipation
Oranges are rich dietary fiber which promotes production of digestive juices, thereby relieving constipation.
Health Benefit 9: Eye Health
The high amount of carotenoids assists in promoting good eye sight when they are converted to vitamin A. This vitamin A prevents eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration.
Health Benefit 10: Maintains Normal Blood Pressure
Oranges contain a flavonoid known as hesperidin which assists in maintaining normal blood pressure. Magnesium in oranges is also useful in this function.
Health Benefit 11: Skin Health
Rich in a powerful and effective beta-carotene, oranges prevent cell damage in the skin from the free radicals and also averts premature aging.
Health Benefit 12: Body Alkalinity
The acidity in citric acid makes oranges acidic. However, oranges, just like lemons also contain alkaline compounds which also aid in balancing the body ph. Alkalinity is important in the body are important so as to prevent occurrence of diseases which thrive in acidic environment.
Health Benefit 13: Source of Energy
Oranges are sweet hence contain simple sugars, just like other like other fruits. The good news is that fructose in oranges does not cause a surge in blood sugar, making the orange score low in the Glycemic index at 40. It is therefore a safe fruit to eat even for diabetics.
