Top 13 Health Benefits of Oranges: No Wonder They’re So Popular!
February 1, 2011 by Perfect Shape
Filed under Fresh Posts, Fruits
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:
- 1. Oranges are rich in fibres
The fibres in oranges are good for the digestive system and relieving constipation. Fibres also reduce cholesterol which is helpful in preventing atherosclerosis. Fibres are also good in keeping the blood sugar levels in control.
- 2. Cardiovascular health
The high content of Vitamin C, flavonoids and phytonutrients 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
Antioxidants in oranges protect the skin from cell damage and free radicals, having anti-aging actions.
- 7. Lower cholesterol
Besides the fibre 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.
Vitamin C stimulates the production of white cells in our body, thus improving the immune system.
- 10. 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.
Perfect Shape on Tue, 1st Feb 2011 10:43 PM
No. 1 fan of oranges.
What do you think about these fruits?
Skizzo on Wed, 2nd Feb 2011 8:36 PM
I always buy oranges. They’re very good.
vaughan properties on Wed, 9th Feb 2011 6:43 PM
Really awesome post for best health. I would say all the citrus fruits are really good for a healthy person. Even these help to fight with old age.Oranges are the great source of vitamin c..
Dorothy on Tue, 8th Mar 2011 4:02 AM
Does grapefruit have the same affect?
Health on Budget on Thu, 11th Aug 2011 10:02 PM
I always buy oranges for my snack in the afternoon. Instead of buying candy or other sugary snack, oranges are much better as outlined in your article. They are cheap too especially if you buy them bulk in Costco or farmer’s market.
Sam on Wed, 1st Feb 2012 10:22 AM
There is a new “poer orange” on the market. We say “pink is the new orange” The Cara Cara has all this and more.
uhweka danjuma on Wed, 14th Mar 2012 10:42 PM
with what i have read,orange is very escencial for healthy living thanks