Originally cultivated in China and later in all countries with tropical temperament, oranges are found in at least 100 varieties. Orange is one of the best fruit in the winter, supplying vitamin deficiencies, and is a very nutritious fruit. Oranges have remineralizing actions, muscular and nervous system tonic, anti-infective, enhances the body’s natural defenses, helping smooth functioning of the digestive system, diuretic and laxative effects, is recommended for diabetics.
Vitamin C is vital for a strong immune system. Its main role is to protect us from diseases, so vitamin C contained in oranges does good for our body in different conditions: colds, flu, and various infections.
Below are some of the health benefits of oranges:
Reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol:
The most important active ingredient is hesperidin which has a significant role in reducing high blood pressure, “bad” cholesterol and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is present in orange peel and skin that wraps the core. A trick for using the orange peel is to raze it and to use it in salads, in tea, yogurt, or soups and other foods to enjoy the health benefits it brings.
Prevents osteoporosis:
A glass of orange juice will help prevents bone degradation and thus to prevent osteoporosis. This is a problem that older men may face because testosterone levels will decrease with age. Experts have noted an increase in bone density in those who regularly drink orange juice.
Positive effects in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diabetes, multiple sclerosis:
It was found that citrus benefit in many diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, arthritis, asthma, macular degeneration, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cholera, gingivitis, bad lung function, cataracts, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. It also help prevents obesity.
Protects the heart:
A diet that includes many citrus will protect the heart from cardiovascular disease because it contains folate, potassium (which lowers blood pressure, protects the heart from heart attacks and heart rhythm disorder) and vitamin C. One serving of fruit and vegetables reduces the risk of stroke by 4% and if we increase the number of servings to 5-6 per day, the greater the protection will be, reaching up to 19%.
It has anticancer properties:
After several studies was found that certain compounds in oranges are effective in the fight against esophageal cancer, oropharyngeal (mouth and throat cancer) and stomach cancer. The researchers found that the risk of these cancers is by 40-50% lower. A glass of orange juice daily will prevent stomach ulcers. Eat a diet with foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges or kiwis.
Prevents kidney stones:
Has been proved that women who consumed 500g of orange, grapefruit or apple juice on a daily basis, were significantly reduced their risk of developing kidney stones.
Takes care of our respiratory health:
Consumption of foods rich in beta-cryptoxanthin, a carotenoid that is found especially in oranges, corn, pumpkin, papaya, red pepper and peaches may decrease the risk of lung cancer. A study made on adults who consumed foods rich in this carotenoid shows that the risk of developing lung cancer is decreased by 27%.