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Orange Nutrition And Benefits Of Eating Orange

The orange is a round, citrus fruit, which is about 3 inches or more in diameter. It has a thick, textured skin that is orange in color. A popular fresh fruit, people like to consume this globule of health because of its tangy taste and nutritive values. You can munch it or squeeze the juice out of it. There are plenty of orange juice health benefits.

Orange Health Benefits

Let’s look at some of the orange fruit health benefits:

Nutritive value: Oranges are packed with flavonoids and Vitamin C.


When eaten whole, the pith provides anti-cancer agents and important bioflavonoids. Oranges are rich in fiber too. Oranges are also rich in Vitamin A and B, iron, chlorine, manganese, zinc, sodium, phosphorous, iodine, calcium, folic acid, potassium, pectin, beta-carotene and amino acids.

Optimal health:
An orange is said to have about 170 phytonutrients and over 60 flavonoids with anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, blood clot inhibiting and antioxidant properties.


All these properties help to promote overall health.

Arteriosclerosis: The vitamin C in oranges can prevent hardening of the arteries and thus, prevent arteriosclerosis.

Preventing cancer:
Orange is rich in a compound called liminoid, which combats cancers of the colon, stomach, breast, lung, skin, and mouth. The vitamin C in oranges has antioxidant properties, which fights free radicals in the body.

Prevents cholesterol: Orange peels have alkaloid synephrine, which can cut down the production of cholesterol in the liver. The antioxidant elements in oranges combat oxidative stress that oxidizes the LDL in the blood.

Repairs damaged sperms:
Regular consumption of orange is supposed to keep a man’s sperms healthy and can prevent genetic damage in sperms, which cause birth defects in babies.

Good cardiac health: The vitamins and flavonoids in oranges reduce the risk of cardiac problems.


The hesperidin flavonoid can bring down high blood pressure.

Good for constipation: The alkaline properties in the orange stimulate the digestive juices, thus, reliving constipation.

Strengthens the immune system: Vitamin C stimulates the white cells in the blood that are responsible for fighting infections.


Prevents kidney stones: If you drink orange juice regularly, then this can reduce the chances of forming calcium oxalate stones in your kidneys.

Prevents stomach ulcers:
The vitamin C in oranges can prevent peptic ulcers and can also cut down the chances of stomach cancer.

Prevents viral infections:
Polyphenols in oranges can protect you from viral infections.

Glowing skin: Oranges protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Thus, helping you look young and glowing.


Benefits Of Oranges

Oranges are the fruit of the orange tree, originally grown in parts of China.


Through the years, the orange tree has been grown in many different parts of the world and is now considered to be fairly global with cultivation taking place in every continent of the world. The fruit of the orange tree is harvested for commercial purposes. Orange fruits are popular amongst fruit eaters and this fruit forms an important part of their diet. There are many health benefits of oranges that can be discussed once the structure of the orange has been understood.

Orange fruits may vary from one part of the world to another. There are now different breeds of oranges that have originated as a result of cross breeding with other types of plants. In general, oranges have a green to orange shaded skin which is thick and soft to touch. The skin can be torn apart by the fingers of a person to reveal the inside of the orange. The fruit within is divided into several fairly symmetrical pieces that is covered in a white colored stringy coating. This coating can be removed or consumed as per the wishes of the individual. Seeds are found in the center of the pieces of the orange and should not be eaten. The flesh of the orange fruit is pulpy and juicy. Some varieties of oranges juice better than others, but it is fairly universal in its application as a juice making fruit.

One of the most obvious benefits of oranges is the content of vitamin C in this fruit. A single fruit can provide the human body with enough vitamin C for the whole day. Vitamin C is a proven anti-oxidant and can work to help neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are responsible for the development of cancerous conditions. Free radicals are also responsible for conditions where cells get damaged. Inflammations tend to occur as a result of this. Being an anti-oxidant, vitamin C helps to prevent the oxidization of cholesterol which, in its oxidized state sticks to artery walls and causes blockages and serious health problems.

Vitamin C may not be an anti-inflammatory substance, but it is capable of helping with inflammation related conditions. Several long term health problems are associated with inflammations in the body. These include arthritis and asthma. One of the benefits of oranges is the reduction of the free radicals that actually cause the inflammation. This makes the fruit great for the prevention of inflammation, even though it may not help during an inflammatory attack. High blood pressure is another problem that can be addressed with the consumption of oranges.

The health benefits of oranges can cover other areas of an individual’s health as well. Oranges are a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber is used to provide bulk to the food that is consumed by humans. This bulk ensures that the food flows smoothly through the digestive system. The smooth flow of food is essential for proper absorption and for proper waste removal as well. The smooth flow of food through the digestive system is absolutely essential for good health and is also good for the general relaxation of bowel movements which is important for any individual.

The benefits of oranges apply to its peel as well. Orange peels are used to scrub the face of people who wish to exfoliate the skin. This is an important practice that helps the skin appear fresh and youthful. Over a period of time, this orange benefit will see an individual appear healthier. A combination of consuming the orange fruit and using the peel for the skin will bring out the best in the skin of the individual.

The immune system of the human body helps to protect it against various different illnesses and diseases that attack the body from time to time. Vitamin C is a vital tool that helps the body build up a strong immune system. The supply of vitamin C for this purpose is one of the vital benefits of oranges.

The health benefits of orange juice are less than of that of the full orange fruit. This is because orange juice tends to have less fiber in it than the original orange fruit. Pulpy orange juice scores better when it comes to the health benefits of orange juice. The vitamin C content of orange juice is mostly retained in orange juice. However, exposure to air will cause the fruit or the juice to rapidly lose its vitamin C content. Most brands of orange juice are made from reconstituted orange juice pulp.

From the above information, it is clear that oranges are truly multifaceted. The consumption of this fruit should be a part of the daily diet of an individual as it provides the body with plenty of different nutrients without adding any unwanted substances to the body. Oranges are available throughout the year with variations taking place from time to time because of seasonal changes. This availability further boosts the benefits of oranges because it can be consumed at any time of the year and can help the body with the number of different benefits provided by it. The list of benefits mentioned above is not exhaustive; there are many more orange benefits that justify the consumption of this fruit. Oranges can also be stored for a few days in a refrigerated environment without the risk of spoilage. This adds some convenience to the purchase and consumption of this fruit.

It is important to stress that the benefits of oranges are best experienced when the fruit is consumed in moderation. A single orange can provide the entire daily requirement of vitamin C based on the diet recommendation by health committees around the world. Excessive consumption of vitamin C can cause problems with the health of the individual which is why it is best consume one or two oranges daily and no more. Oranges should form a part of the diet and should not be the absolute focus of the diet.

Submitted on February 5, 2011
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