Healing Foods Database » Oranges
Oranges
The orange is the fruit of the citrus species Citrus × sinensis in the family Rutaceae. It is also called sweet orange, to distinguish it from the related Citrus × aurantium, referred to as bitter orange. The sweet orange reproduces asexually; varieties of sweet orange arise through mutations.
Health Benefits
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.
Anti-oxidants 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!
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.
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 prescription drugs without side effects.
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 in one go. Eating too much can spike insulin and may even lead to weight gain.
Oranges contain D- limonene, a compound that is touted 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.
Nutrition Details
- Potassium
- Amount per serving: 174mg
- Serving size: 1 small orange
- Vitamin A
- Amount per serving: 4%
- Serving size: 1 small orage
- Vitamin C
- Amount per serving: 85%
- Serving size: 1 small orange
- Vitamin B-5
- Amount per serving: 5%
- Serving size: 1 small orange
NaturalHealth365 Articles About (or that mention) "Oranges"
Chemical manufacturer seeks EPA approval to apply highly toxic pesticide on Florida oranges
(NaturalHealth365) It’s hard not to automatically associate Florida with oranges. In fact, … Chemical manufacturer seeks EPA approval to apply highly toxic pesticide on Florida oranges
Prevent macular degeneration by eating oranges, new study reveals
(NaturalHealth365) Age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness … Prevent macular degeneration by eating oranges, new study reveals
Sources
Generally, we try to use only the following sources to obtain information for our Healing Foods Database:
Please Note:
We always recommend organic, local foods and all of the information contained in our healing foods database is based on organic varieties of each healing food you find here.
Description Credit: Wikipedia. Wikipedia is used only for general food descriptions and we do not endorse Wikipedia as a source for other health-related information.