WHAT IS AN ORANGE?
An orange is a type of citrus fruit which people often eat. Oranges are a very good source of vitamins, especially vitamin C. Orange juice is an important part of many people's breakfast. The "sweet orange", which is the kind that are most often eaten today, grew first in South and East Asia but now grows in many parts of the world.
Oranges are round orange-coloured fruit that grow on a tree which can reach 10 metres (33 ft) high. Orange trees have dark green shiny leaves and small white flowers with five petals. The flowers smell very sweet which attracts many bees.
An orange has a tough shiny orange skin. Inside, the fruit is divided into "segments", which have thin tough skins that hold together many little sections with juice inside. There are usually ten segments in an orange, but sometimes there are more or less. Inside each segment of most types of orange there are seeds called "pips". Orange trees can be grown from pips, but some types of orange trees can only be grown from "cuttings" (a piece cut off a tree and made to grow roots). The segments and the skin are separated by white stringy fibrous material called "pith". In most types of oranges, the skin can be peeled off the pith, and the segments can be pulled apart with the fingers to be eaten. In some oranges it is hard to take the skin off. Orange skin is often called "orange peel".
Oranges are the most popular among all the citrus fruits. This tangy fruit definitely impresses with its delicious juicy taste and its high concentration of vitamin C as well as other nutrients. Oranges are widely popular and account for about 70% of the world’s citrus production. Their amazing taste not only makes them a popular snack but also a major ingredient in several dishes. Even the orange peel contains volatile oil glands in pits which have several health benefits. Orange juice is widely used as a preservative as well as to impart flavor to various dishes.
Orange Fruit Benefits for Health:
Oranges are rich in potassium, an electrolyte mineral that controls the heart function. Low levels of potassium can lead to abnormal heart rhythm known as arrhythmia. Apart from this, drinking orange juice can reduce the levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol which collects in your arteries and blood vessels, causing heart problems, cardiovascular issues, and interrupting the flow of healthy blood and blood oxygen flow.
2. Controls Blood Pressure:
This orange skinned fruit contains potassium in significant amounts. A vital ingredient of the human cells and body fluids, potassium helps to control heart rate and blood pressure by countering sodium actions.
3. Prevents Cancer:
The citrus limonoids present in oranges are proven to fight various types of cancers like, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon cancers. Research conducted in Japan has proved that eating mandarin oranges can reduce liver cancer due to the presence of vitamin A compounds called carotenoids. They also contain flavonoid antioxidants like beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein that provide protection against lung and oral cavity cancers.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
The abundant amount of vitamin C in oranges is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce oxidant injuries and improve body’s resistance against infectious agents. Vitamin C fights the harmful and pro-inflammatory free radicals present in the blood. Drinking orange juice along with a high carbohydrate or high fat meal is a good preventive measure against insulin resistance and atherosclerosis.
5. Eye Health:
Oranges are rich in vitamin A as well as various flavonoid contents along with antioxidant particles like alpha and beta carotenes, beta cryptoxanthin, zea-xanthi, and lutein that help in maintaining a healthy mucus membrane and skin of the eye as well as prevent macular degeneration.
6. Prevents Kidney Disease:
Regular consumption of orange juice prevents kidney diseases and reduces the risk of kidney stones.
7. Beneficial For Diabetics:
Diabetics are unable to absorb glucose because the beta cells in their pancreas either fail to produce insulin or are unable to respond to the production of insulin. The high content of fiber and high glycemic index of oranges make them beneficial for diabetic patients. Orange peels have a lower percentage of sugar that can bring down their blood sugar levels.
8. Improves Immunity:
A single orange provides more than 100% of the daily requirement of vitamin C. This nutrient boosts immunity by warding off diseases and infections. They are also abundant in polyphenols which protect against viral infections.
9. Prevents Stomach Ulcers:
Being a very good source of fiber, oranges can keep your stomach and intestines healthy as well as prevent ailments like stomach ulcers and constipation.
10. Beneficial In Pregnancy:
The folate or folic acid present in these juicy fruits promotes brain development and keeps the vital organs of the baby healthy. Drinking 1/3 cup of orange juice each day provides about 40 mcg of folates to expectant mothers, which is equivalent to 10% of the recommended daily value.
11. Improves Sperm Quality:
The antioxidants and vitamin C present in oranges improve the quality and motility of sperm, thus helping to maintain fertility.
12. Aids Weight Loss:
Oranges are fat and calorie free and contain a large amount of dietary fiber called pectin. Besides, it contains vital nutrients like thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium and copper. All these contents contribute to weight loss as well as boost the body with vital nutrients and vitamins.
13. Collagen Formation:
Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen formation which is the structural component of bones, ligaments, tendons and blood vessels. Deficiency of vitamin C can lead to scurvy, a disease characterized by easy bruising, gum bleeding, tooth loss and immense joint pain. At least 90 mg of vitamin C in a day is recommended to prevent scurvy. Thus, eating oranges is a healthy way of boosting your vitamin C intake.
Orange Fruit Benefits for Skin:
The rich presence of vitamin C along with other antioxidants makes oranges a preferable munches for glowing youthful skin. Apply it externally or just munch on a few slices – either way you are bestowed with just goodness.
14. Boosts Collagen Production:
Collagen synthesis declines with the progression of age and due to sub exposure, leading to skin damage. Eating a medium orange in a day provides enough vitamin C and citric acid to boost collagen production. This, in turn, helps in lowering the damages to your skin.
15. Anti-ageing Benefits:
Oranges contain citric acid, a key component of the alpha hydroxyl acid group that can reduce wrinkles and soften your skin. It is often used in chemical peel products to remove dead cells and make your skin look younger. Vitamin C, on the other hand, boosts the production of collagen, thus keeping your skin firm and moist. When applied topically, it hydrates your skin, thus reducing wrinkles to provide a youthful appearance.
16. Bye Bye Acne And Blackheads
The high levels of vitamin A in oranges protects your skin from invading bacteria and viruses while vitamin C helps reduce skin swelling, thus minimizing the occurrence of pimples. Citric acid is a powerful exfoliating agent that can eliminate the dead skin cells and cleanse your pores, thus helping to prevent acne. You can prepare a face scrub from orange peels which have been dried in the sun for few days. Grind these into a fine powder. To prepare the face pack, combine ½ teaspoon of orange peel powder with 1 teaspoon yoghurt and add a few drops of lemon juice. Apply it on your face and allow it to dry. Rinse off with cold water.
17. Sun Protection:
Vitamin C and vitamin A in oranges are powerful antioxidants that can reverse sun damage, thus protecting your skin from cancer and other harmful effects. Exposure to sun results in breaking down of vitamin A in your skin, leading to skin damage. Consumption of orange can help replace this vitamin A and repair the damage while vitamin C improves the immunity of your skin against the sun, thus preventing sun damage. To get rid of sun tan, you can add some orange juice to the mixture of orange peel powder and yoghurt given above and apply it on the affected area. This will reduce sun tan and also help lighten your complexion.
18. Treatment of Oily Skin:
If you have oily skin, you can take the juice of 2 oranges and place it in ice cubes tray. Rubbing these frozen orange cubes on your face will brighten up your dull and lackluster face, while refining your pores and reducing the oiliness of your face. This is also effective in controlling acne.
Orange Fruit Benefits for Hair:19. Prevents Hair Loss:
The vitamin C of oranges triggers the production of collagen, thereby preventing the separation of tissues of your hair. The better circulation to the scalp ensures better hair growth. Folic acid and inositol present in this orange hued fruit prevents hair loss, thus ensuring better hair.
20. Great Conditioner:
Mix equal amounts of orange juice and water, and add one spoon of honey. Apply it on your shampooed hair and allow it to stay for 5 to 10 minutes. Then wash off to get healthy, hydrated, shiny and beautiful hair.
21. Treatment of Dandruff:
The juice of orange peel for hair is effective in controlling dandruff. You can also make a pulp of this peel and apply it as a hair pack. This will cleanse the scalp and help you get rid of dandruff.
HOW HELPFUL WAS THIS ARTICLE, LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENT BOX BELOW.
0 comments:
Post a Comment