Description
Benefits:
1. May
Aid Weight Loss
The fiber
in oranges can keep you full, and you end up eating less. You can
substitute this low-calorie fruit for desserts, which will not
leave you craving for sweets.
2. May Delay Skin
Aging
Oranges, like most other citrus fruits, may help prevent UV-induced
skin damage. Oranges
contain organic acids, vitamins, minerals, vitamin C, and
flavonoids. These could play a role in skin health.
Some anecdotal evidence suggests that the topical application of
oranges may also nourish the skin. Their water content may also
hydrate the skin and accelerate collagen production.
3. May Regulate Blood Pressure
Levels
Oranges (and their juice) are rich
in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Some studies
also suggest that commercial orange juice may have a significant
effect on blood pressure and other associated
ailments.
4. May Lower Cholesterol
Levels
Long-term intake of orange juice
was associated with lower cholesterol levels in men and women. The
juice could reduce total cholesterol levels and the levels of bad
cholesterol.
Oranges are rich in fiber
(pectin).
Fiber may also prevent your
digestive tract from absorbing cholesterol. It also is believed
that in addition to fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and flavonoids in
the fruit may also help lower cholesterol.
5. May Promote Heart
Health
Foods
rich in vitamin C, like oranges, can help prevent heart disease by
keeping cholesterol levels low
The vitamin C in the fruit also
keeps blood from clotting. This prevents thrombosis (local blood
clotting) and reduces the risk of a heart attack.
The potassium in oranges, as
discussed, can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of
cardiovascular diseases.
6. May Aid Diabetes
Treatment
Oranges, along with other fruits,
were considered safe to be eaten by those with diabetes. This had
to do with the healthy glycemic response the fruit had in the
body.
The pulpiness of the fruit serves
as a great source of fiber. Fiber helps in slowing down the
absorption of sugar and improving the blood sugar levels. To
completely absorb the fiber, avoid extracted juices, and go for the
whole fruits
7. May Prevent Kidney
Stones
Citrate deficiency in urine can
cause kidney stones. Oranges (and their juice) can help increase
citrate levels in your urine, reducing the risk of kidney
stones.
Oranges (and the juice) also
contain calcium that may reduce the risk of
stones.
8. May Help Treat
Anemia
The
vitamin C in oranges may promote iron absorption. Iron cannot be
fully absorbed in the body without the help of vitamin C. Snacking
on at least one orange every day may help in the
treatment.
Oranges contain folic acid as well.
Some research shows that this nutrient may help prevent
megaloblastic anemia a blood disorder that causes
fatigue.
9. May Help Boost
Immunity
Oranges are rich in vitamin C. Some
research states that this nutrient can help boost immunity. Though
there is no direct research stating oranges can promote immunity,
its vitamin C content could help.
The fruits contain many other
essential nutrients like folate and copper, which may also promote
immune health.
*0. May Reduce the Risk of Colon
Cancer
Rat studies show that orange juice
may help inhibit colon cancer. The fruit (and its juice) contain
hesperidin, which is a flavonoid with chemo preventive
potential.
The fiber in oranges may help
reduce the risk of colon cancer. Oranges also contain other
important chemo preventive agents that help in this
regard.
However, some research states that
a high intake of orange/yellow fruits may increase the risk of
colorectal cancer in men. The fiber in oranges also helps treat
constipation and aids digestion. It is believed that the less
fructose in oranges makes them less likely to cause gas. Research
is limited here, though.
*1. May Promote Eye
health
You
must have heard how orange-colored fruits and vegetables promote
eye health and protect vision. Eating oranges can offer significant
eye benefits as the flavonoids in them help boost vision
health.
*2. May Help Treat Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome
Orange
has a low glycemic index and is suitable for those with PCOS.
Oranges also improve insulin resistance, which is thought to be the
origin of PCOS.
Oranges are quite popular. They
taste refreshing, but more importantly, they contain important
antioxidants that promote human health. Though oranges are common,
they are available in different types that we may not be aware
of.
