Nutrition from Oranges

Nutrients in this fruit are varied and beneficial. It is one of the most popular citrus fruits which is juicy, tangy and sweet. Today we enjoy many types of oranges such as navel, valencia and bitter orange. The taste and scent is distinctive, one that never fails to delight. With the ease of transportation, we are able to enjoy the fruit year round in practically all corners of the world

Some Facts About Oranges

The fruit is commonly known for its vitamin C content. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects you from cell damage, an inevitable process as we age. According to lead researcher, Serena Guarnieri, "It appears that vitamin C is not the only chemical responsible for antioxidant protection." In this fruit, vitamin C works synergetically with other nutrients (for example, cyanidin-3-glucoside, flavanones and carotenoids) to boost cell protection. And this protection is more portent than vitamin C acting on its own.

But, there is a lot more goodness in this fruit. It comes packed with various minerals and phytonutrients.

The fruit contains various phytonutrients. They include a number of flavanones (herperidin and naringenin), anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, and polyphenols.

The herperidin in this fruit lowers high blood pressure as well as cholesterol. What's more it has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is associated with a host of diseases and conditions. Once inflammation is controlled, the healing process is on its way.

Another benefit of this fruit is its high fiber content. Fiber is an essential part of our daily diet. It helps in so many ways. It is good in managing cholesterol and diabetes. It is also the single most important ingredient to fight constipation.

I'm sure experts will continue to uncover more benefits of the fruit in the near future.

How to enjoy the orange fruit

As always, eat it fresh, ripe and natural (without any cooking).

Juice it and take a glass of it half an hour before food or a few hours after food. Enjoy it straight after juicing it before it gets oxidized.

Peel and segment it. Add it to other cut fruits, pour some plain yogurt over it to make a refreshing bowl of fruit salad.

The zest or rind gives a distinctive flavor in many orange recipes.

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