Oranges are the most popular among all the citrus fruits. This tangy fruit definitely impresses with its delicious juicy taste and its high concentration of vitamin C as well as other nutrients. Oranges are widely popular and account for about 70% of the world’s citrus production. Their amazing taste not only makes them a popular snack but also a major ingredient in several dishes. Even the orange peel contains volatile oil glands in pits which have several health benefits. Orange juice is widely used as a preservative as well as to impart flavor to various dishes.
Orange Fruit Benefits for Health:
1. Takes Care Of Your Cardiovascular System:
Oranges are rich in potassium, an electrolyte mineral that controls the heart function. Low levels of potassium can lead to abnormal heart rhythm known as arrhythmia. Apart from this, drinking orange juice can reduce the levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol which collects in your arteries and blood vessels, causing heart problems, cardiovascular issues, and interrupting the flow of healthy blood and blood oxygen flow.
2. Controls Blood Pressure:
This orange skinned fruit contains potassium in significant amounts. A vital ingredient of the human cells and body fluids, potassium helps to control heart rate and blood pressure by countering sodium actions.
3. Eye Health:
Oranges are rich in vitamin A as well as various flavonoid contents along with antioxidant particles like alpha and beta carotenes, beta cryptoxanthin, zea-xanthi, and lutein that help in maintaining a healthy mucus membrane and skin of the eye as well as prevent macular degeneration.
4. Prevents Kidney Disease:
Regular consumption of orange juice prevents kidney diseases and reduces the risk of kidney stones.
5. Improves Immunity:
A single orange provides more than 100% of the daily requirement of vitamin C. This nutrient boosts immunity by warding off diseases and infections. They are also abundant in polyphenols which protect against viral infections.
6. Prevents Stomach Ulcers:
Being a very good source of fiber, oranges can keep your stomach and intestines healthy as well as prevent ailments like stomach ulcers and constipation.
7. Beneficial In Pregnancy:
The folate or folic acid present in these juicy fruits promotes brain development and keeps the vital organs of the baby healthy. Drinking 1/3 cup of orange juice each day provides about 40 mcg of folates to expectant mothers, which is equivalent to 10% of the recommended daily value.
8. Improves Sperm Quality:
The antioxidants and vitamin C present in oranges improve the quality and motility of sperm, thus helping to maintain fertility.
9. Aids Weight Loss:
Oranges are fat and calorie free and contain a large amount of dietary fiber called pectin. Besides, it contains vital nutrients like thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium and copper. All these contents contribute to weight loss as well as boost the body with vital nutrients and vitamins.
10. Boosts Collagen Production:
Collagen synthesis declines with the progression of age and due to sub exposure, leading to skin damage. Eating a medium orange in a day provides enough vitamin C and citric acid to boost collagen production. This, in turn, helps in lowering the damages to your skin.
11. Anti-ageing Benefits:
Oranges contain citric acid, a key component of the alpha hydroxyl acid group that can reduce wrinkles and soften your skin. It is often used in chemical peel products to remove dead cells and make your skin look younger. Vitamin C, on the other hand, boosts the production of collagen, thus keeping your skin firm and moist. When applied topically, it hydrates your skin, thus reducing wrinkles to provide a youthful appearance.
12. Treatment of Oily Skin:
If you have oily skin, you can take the juice of 2 oranges and place it in ice cubes tray. Rubbing these frozen orange cubes on your face will brighten up your dull and lackluster face, while refining your pores and reducing the oiliness of your face. This is also effective in controlling acne.
13. Prevents Hair Loss:
The vitamin C of oranges triggers the production of collagen, thereby preventing the separation of tissues of your hair. The better circulation to the scalp ensures better hair growth. Folic acid and inositol present in this orange hued fruit prevents hair loss, thus ensuring better hair.