Nutritional Benefits of Oranges We Bet You Never Knew About

You’re probably well aware that oranges have many health benefits but we’re sure you’ll be surprised to find out what some of them are. This popular fruit can be a snack, a part of your meal, a refreshing vitamin-filled drink or a base for healthy shakes. There is quite a large variety of oranges, but the sweetest ones are Navel, Bloody Orange, Persian, and Valencia. Their sweetness and freshness definitely make it so easy to enjoy the orange’s many nutritional benefits, and many nutritionists endorse adding orange juice to your daily breakfast. Oranges are well known to be a great source of vitamin C, but there is so much more to gain from this amazing fruit! Here are some benefits you may have never heard about.

Regulating Blood Pressure

Vitamin B6 and Magnesium are Good For Your Blood Pressure

Ever imagined that eating oranges can help keep your blood pressure in check? Surprised? Well, it’s true. Although they are famous mainly for their high levels of vitamin C, oranges also contain a high percentage of vitamin B6 and a considerable amount of magnesium. The vitamin B6 helps the body in producing hemoglobin, which, in turn, helps to keep your blood pressure within the recommended range.  Magnesium is generally accepted as an important mineral that contributes to your health in many respects/ Helping your body regulate blood pressure is one of its many benefits.

Reduces Cholesterol

Wait, what? What have oranges got to do with cholesterol? Well, it has everything to do with it. Going by research in both Canada and the United States, there is a group of compounds discovered in the peels of citruses called PMFs (Polymethoxylated Flavones). These compounds are said to have capabilities of reducing blood cholesterol and offers no side effects, unlike most prescription drugs. We know that eating fresh orange peels isn’t very tempting, but don’t worry, there is already a variety of supplements you can easily purchase. If You do insist on consuming the peels in their natural state, we strongly recommend that you use organic oranges, and note that while being highly rich in nutrients, citrus peels are pretty hard to digest.

You Wouldn’t Believe Just How Healthy The Peel is!

Reduces The Chances Of Having Cancer

Have you heard of D-limonene? It is a compound that researchers have found to be effective in preventing different types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, and gallstones. D-limonene is the main component in the oils found in citrus peels, including oranges. But that’s not the only element in oranges that helps to reduce the risk for cancer; The anti-oxidants and high levels of vitamin C found in oranges can be useful soldiers in service of the body’s immune system, and help repel cancerous cells. According to other research, some cancers are a result of DNA mutation, which can sometimes be prevented with vitamin C.

Preserves Eye Health

Rich in Vitamin A and Good for Your Eyes

When we think about an orange-colored plant that is beneficial for your eyes, the first one that comes to mind is usually carrots. Well, now you know that eating more oranges is also good for your eye health. The juicy fruit contains a huge residue of carotenoid (a compound of vitamin A) which helps to keep the eyes’ mucous membrane in optimal condition. But that’s not all. Vitamins A also helps the eyes in fighting macular degeneration which is related to age and sometimes causes blindness. Another perk of this important vitamin is that it helps the eyes in absorbing most of the light when there is too much lighting.

Skin Protection

Oranges contain antioxidants which are excellent in ridding the skin of any old cells that accumulate as we age. People who persist in eating at least an orange daily tend to look younger than their age because of rejuvenated skin cells that make them glow.

Being so tasty and available, oranges are a great way to increase your overall health and to protect your body from various diseases. To get more juice out of your orange, you should cut them up when they are warm – or at room temperature. Before juicing them, you might also roll them on a flat surface or on your palm to help get more juice. Also, vitamin C isn’t atmosphere friendly and can evaporate if left exposed for long, so we recommend that you consume your oranges immediately after they are cut.