12 Reasons to Eat Oranges

12 Reasons to Eat Oranges

The orange is a hybrid of ancient cultivated origin, possibly between pomelo (Citrus maxima) and mandarin (Citrus reticulata).It is an evergreen flowering tree generally growing to 9–10 m in height (although very old speciments have reached 15 m).The leaves are arranged alternately, are ovate in shape with crenulate margins and are 4–10 cm long.The orange fruit is a hesperidium, a type of berry.

1. An orange is one of nature’s “Power Fruits”. Adding an orange to your diet every day can have amazing benefits.
2. Studies have shown that the pectin present in oranges can help to suppress appetite for up to four hours after eating. This means that oranges are an excellent food for dieters.
3. Oranges help to activate the body’s own detoxification process and even the skin and zest of this fruit contain anti-oxidants which help to transport oxygen around the body and protect the skin from free radicals which cause signs of aging. In other words, eating oranges can help to keep the wrinkles away.
4. Recent research also suggests that oranges contain a natural skin cancer fighting chemical. This isn’t an alternative to using sunscreens, but it does help.
5. Oranges are an excellent source of dietary fiber and can be added to salads. Slices of orange can really liven up a boring salad, especially if you are watching your weight.
6. Tests have shown that oranges contain large quantities of citrus lumonoids which are thought to give some protection from cancers of the mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon.
7. Limonoids have also been shown to reduce cholesterol levels in human cells.
8. Oranges are a good source of vitamin B folate which helps to prevent birth defects and protects the heart.
9. One orange provides more than 7% of the daily requirement of potassium which is needed to keep the fluid levels within the body in proper balance.
10. An orange is a real powerhouse of phytochemicals which may help to prevent age related illness. Phytochemicals are plant chemicals that appear to offer no nutritional benefit for the body, but combine together to give protection to cells. This is already seen in plants and scientists believe that the same effect occurs in human cells.
11. Oranges contain water soluble pectin which helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
12. An average sized orange contains approximately 50mg of vitamin C, which is around two thirds of our daily requirement. Vitamin C helps with wound healing and resistance to disease.