15 Benefits of Eating Oranges

The orange fruit is a citrus fruit which contains a whole lot of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the well-being of the human body. Orange belongs to the Rutaceae family, and it is related to fruits such as lemon, yuzu, grapefruits, pomelo, and tangerine. The orange fruit is known for its juicy and delicious taste and high vitamin C content. There are various types of oranges, let`s take a look.

Navel Orange

The navel orange is the most common type of orange; it gets its name from the navel-like apex of the orange which resembles the navel of a human being. The slightly protruding apex of the orange makes it easy to peel and consume. The navel orange is usually big in size and it is sourer than the other types of oranges.

Blood Orange

The fact that it is called an orange does not necessarily mean the color is orange. Although the color of some orange juice is orange, the blood orange variety is blood colored. Blood oranges usually come in medium sixes and have a tart and sweet taste, unlike the navel orange that is slightly bitter. This type of orange is sweet and juicy, thereby, making it suitable for people who would like to have something sweet to snack on. It can also be used to garnish cakes and dessert.

Mandarin Orange

The Mandarin orange has a loose soft skin which is easy to peel. It has a sweet, tart taste and also has lesser acidity. Clementines and tangerines also belong to the mandarin family tree even though they have different taste and characteristics that differentiate them from mandarin orange.

Tangerine

Tangerines are much smaller in size and sweeter. Tangerines have soft and thin skins designed to make peeling easier. They have more vitamin C than the regular orange and are a good choice for a snack.

Clementine

Clementines are small and have no seeds, making them the best choice of snack for children as they are not a choking hazard. They`re usually referred to as ‘cuties’ because of how small they are. Clementines have oval shapes which have a flat apex and can also be peeled.

Health Benefits of Oranges

Rich in Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an ascorbic acid which is required for the development and repair of damaged body tissues; it also improves collagen formation, speeds up healing, absorbs iron, boosts the immune system function and maintains the health of the bones, cartilage, and teeth. Oranges contain a high amount of vitamin C that the body needs to function properly and efficiently.

Rich in Folate

Oranges are rich in folate/folic acid which is beneficial to the human body, especially to pregnant women and their unborn children. It improves the development of the brain and vital organs of the unborn child and reduces the risk of having a child that has underdeveloped organs or brain which may cause deficiencies in such children.

Promotes Weight Loss

Oranges are high in fiber, especially pectin, which is a dietary fiber. They have no fat or calorie and are also rich in minerals and vitamins such as niacin, thiamine, magnesium, copper, and vitamin B6 which all promote weight loss. These minerals do not only promote weight loss, but they also provide the body with the nutrients necessary for development and body function.

Collagen Formation

Collagen is needed for good skin health, and it is also the structural component of the blood vessels, ligaments, tendons, and bones. Vitamin C aids collagen formation and oranges are rich in vitamin C. Inadequate vitamin C levels in the body can cause one to be deficient, thereby, leading to scurvy which causes gum bleed, easy bruising, loss of tooth/teeth and severe pain in the joints. Orange consumption can boost one’s collagen formation.

Improves Heart Health

The cardiovascular system is quite important, hence care and attention should be given to it. An orange contains minerals and vitamins that the body needs to function; it contains a fair amount of potassium which is an electrolyte mineral responsible for the regulation of the heart function. Potassium deficiency can cause one to develop an arrhythmia, which is the abnormal rhythm of the heart. The consumption of oranges can reduce one’s LDL cholesterol level (bad cholesterol) which can cause one to have cardiovascular problems and the interruption of blood and oxygen flow to the body.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Oranges have antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and fight free radicals in the blood that can cause harm to the body. Oranges also prevent one from having atherosclerosis and insulin-resistance if consumed with foods that are high in carbohydrate and fat.

Rich in Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a vitamin that the eye needs to function properly. Oranges contain vitamin A alongside alpha carotenoids, beta carotenoids, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein which are minerals that can help prevent macular celebration and help maintain a healthy mucous membrane and the skin of the eye.

Boosts the Immune System

Oranges contain a high amount of vitamin C which helps to boost the function of the immune system which in turn fights diseases and infections. They also contain polyphenols that are capable of protecting the body from viral infections.

Protects the Skin From UV Rays

The combination of vitamin A and C can protect the skin from UV rays which can cause skin cancer and sunburn. Exposure to the sun or UV rays may damage the skin, but this can be avoided by consuming oranges, which is a rich source of vitamins A and C.

Reduces the Risk of Cancer

Oranges have a fair amount of a compound that is capable of preventing cancers such as cancer of the lungs, breast, and skin. The D-limonene compound is one that works alongside vitamin C, and the antioxidants in oranges to fight cancer cells and boost the immune system.

Prevents Constipation

The high amount of fiber in oranges protects the bowel from having an irritable syndrome that may cause or trigger constipation. It not only prevents constipation, but it can also treat constipation and stomach ulcers.

Prevents Hair Loss

Collagen is needed for the better circulation of blood in the body, which can improve hair growth. Vitamin C promotes the production of collagen and oranges are rich in vitamin C. The folic acid and inositol in oranges can also ensure the growth of hair, thereby, preventing hair loss.

Regulates Blood Pressure

Vitamin B6 triggers the production of hemoglobin and magnesium which can keep the blood pressure in check, and oranges are rich in vitamin B6.

Provides the Body with Alkaline

The body needs alkaline to promote the digestion process, and oranges possess the right amount of alkaline that is beneficial to the digestive system of the human body.

Improves Sperm Quality

Sperm quantity is different from sperm quality. The quantity of the sperm does not guarantee good and high-quality sperm. Oranges contain vitamin C and antioxidants that can improve the quality and motility of the sperm, which can help increase one’s fertility chances.

Final Words…

Oranges have got a lot of benefits that can help improve the quality of life of a person. They contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can prevent illnesses and diseases. Oranges should, however, be consumed in moderation.