 |
| Orange tree with ripe orange fruits |
 |
| Orange juice extraction |
 |
| Orange fruits |
 |
| Orange juice and whole fruit |
Orange is among the most popular fruits around the world known to have numerous health benefits. Oranges can be taken not only as a snack but also as a major recipe ingredient in various dishes. Nowadays orange juice is an integral part of a healthy breakfast thus promoting a healthy start for the day. Orange are available in two categories — sweet and bitter, with the former being the type most commonly consumed. An orange should have smoothly textured skin and be firm and heavy for its size. This will have higher juice content than those that are either spongy or lighter in weight.
BENEFITS OF EATING ORANGE
HIGH IN VITAMIN C
Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C. One orange offers 116.2 per cent of the daily value for vitamin C. Good intake of vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer as it helps to get of free radicals that cause damage to our DNA. Healthy immune system: Vitamin C, which is also vital for the proper function of a healthy immune system, is good for preventing colds and preventing recurrent ear infections. Prevents and repairs skin damage: Loads of antioxidants in oranges help protect skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging. An orange a day can help you look young even at 50.
REGULATES BLOOD PRESSURE: Oranges, being rich in Vitamins B6, help support the production of haemoglobin and also help keep blood pressure under check due to the presence of magnesium.
LOWERS CHOLESTEROL:
According to a study by US and Canadian researchers, a class of compounds found in citrus fruit peels called Polymethoxylated Flavones (PMFs) have the potential to lower cholesterol more effectively than some drugs without side effects.
REGULATES BLOOD SUGAR:
Fibre in oranges help by keeping blood sugar levels under control thereby making oranges a healthy snack for people with diabetes. Moreover, oranges have simple sugars. The natural fruit sugar in oranges, fructose, can help keep blood sugar levels from rising too high after eating. Its glycemic index is 40 and normally whatever foods fall under 50 are considered to be low in sugar. However, that does not mean you go about eating too many oranges at a go. Eating too much can spike insulin and may even lead to weight gain.
LOWERS THE RISK OF CANCER: Oranges contain D- limonene, a compound that is known to prevent cancers like lung cancer, skin cancer and even breast cancer. Vitamin C and antioxidants present in oranges are both important to build body’s immunity – they help in fighting cancer. The fibrous nature of the fruit also makes it cancer protective. According to a study, up to 15 per cent of cancer cases happen because of mutations in the DNA, which can be prevented with Vitamin C.
ALKALIZES THE BODY:
While the basic nature of oranges is acidic before you actually digest them, they have a lot of alkaline minerals that play a role in the process of digestion. This property of oranges is similar to that of lemons, which are without
doubt among the most alkaline foods.
MAINTENANCE OF THE EYE:
Oranges are a rich source of carotenoid. The Vitamin A present in them play an important role in keeping the mucus membranes in the eyes healthy. Vitamin A is also responsible to prevent age-related mascular degeneration, which in extreme cases can lead to blindness. It also helps eyes to absorb the light.
PREVENTS CONSTIPATION:
Oranges have both soluble and insoluble fibre. This helps in keeping your intestines and stomach function smooth, preventing irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, the fibre helps treat constipation to a greater extent. Useful tip Oranges like most citrus fruits, produce more juice when warmer — juice them when they are at room temperature. Rolling the orange under the palm of your hand on a flat surface will also help to extract more juice. Vitamin C gets destroyed fast when exposed to air, so eat an orange quickly once cut up.
History of oranges Oranges have a very interesting history. The first set of oranges was grown in the north eastern part of India, southeast Asia and the south of China. They first cultivated in China in 2500 BC. It was in first century AD, that Roman took young orange trees from India to Rome. Christopher Columbus planted orange orchards in Haiti. He had bought the seeds in 1493. By year 1518, Panama and Mexico also got their first taste of oranges and shortly thereafter Brazil started growing their own. America plants its first orange trees in 1513. It was done by Juan Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer. The sweetest variety of oranges are Valencia, bloody orange, Navel and the Persian variety.
Comments