Health Benefits of Oranges

Juicy and sweet and renowned for its concentration of vitamin C, oranges make the perfect snack and add a special tang to many recipes; it is no wonder that they are one of the most popular fruits in the world. Oranges are generally available from winter through summer with seasonal variations depending on the variety. Oranges are round citrus fruits with finely-textured skins that are, of course, orange in color just like their pulpy flesh; the skin can vary in thickness from very thin to very thick. Oranges usually range from approximately two to three inches in diameter. However from its juicy and sweet nature its also has health benefits. We are at Obiaks Blog list below the health benefits of Oranges:

Oranges is an excellent source of vitamin C. A single medium-sized orange can fulfil about 72% of your daily requirement for vitamin C. Since vitamin C plays a crucial role as an antioxidant by protecting your body against the damage caused by free radicals generated in the body. It therefore reduces inflammation in immune related conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Although debatable, researchers suggest that vitamin C also plays an important role in strengthening immune responses of the body, protecting against recurring cold and cough or any other common infections.

There's a reason why oranges are popularly used in the beauty industry. Several beauty products including face packs, masks and creams that are available contain orange extract as a key ingredient. That's because vitamin C present in oranges also helps prevent skin damage, by eliminating free radicals. Vitamin C, being involved in synthesis of collagen, an important component to maintain skin's overall appearance and texture, prevents premature aging and wrinkling of the skin. Apart from vitamin C, oranges are packed with vitamin A that help keep the skin membranes healthy.

Vitamin A in oranges helps keep mucus membranes in the eyes healthy. Available in the form of carotenoid compounds like lutein, beta carotene and zeaxanthin, vitamin A is protective against age-related macular degeneration, a vision-related condition that causes blindness.  Besides, it also plays an important role in allowing your eyes to absorb the light.

This is yet another health benefit of oranges which is attributed to its vitamin C level. Free radicals generated during various reactions taking place in the cells can trigger oxidation of cholesterol, causing the oxidised molecules to aggregate and stick to the walls of the arteries. This leads to build up of plaques that eventually block the arteries, causing heart attack, coronary artery disease  or even stroke. Vitamin C in oranges takes care of these free radicals and neutralises them, thus playing a role in preventing heart disease. Besides they also contain flavonoids like hesperidin that lowers cholesterol level and prevents the arteries from getting blocked. A study has shown that men and women whose blood ascorbic acid concentration levels are in the top quintile have a significantly lower risk of death from ischemic heart disease and cardiovascular disease compared to those whose ascorbic acid levels are in the lowest quintile. Oranges are well known to be excellent dietary sources of ascorbic acid.

Folate/folic acid or vitamin B9 present in oranges promote brain development and keep the vital organ in mint condition. In fact, these nutrients also make orange a healthy fruit for pregnant woman as it prevents the baby from having neurological disorders later. Oranges also contain phytonutrients called polyphenols that play a role in development of learning and memory functions of the brain.

Oranges contain a compound called D – limonene that has been shown to play an important role in preventing various types of cancer like lung cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, etc. Additionally, the antioxidants and Vitamin C help promote the body's immunity which helps in fighting cancer cells. Oranges are highly fibrous fruits, which contributes to its cancer-protecting effect. A study revealed that about 10 to 15 per cent of colon cancer cases are caused by mutations in the DNA. These mutations can prevented by consuming vitamin C rich sources like oranges. The vitamin C content of oranges is often touted for its anti-cancer potential, but vitamin C is not the only thing oranges have in their cancer-fighting arsenal; there are also the limonoids. Limonoids are the bitter compounds that underlie the sour and sweet flavors of oranges. They are highly bioavailable, and research has shown that they are effective at triggering the death of human colon cancer cells.

Oranges are a very good source of soluble and insoluble fibre, which helps keep your stomach and intestines healthy by preventing problems like irritable bowel syndrome. The fibre content in them adds bulk to the digested food and reduces transit time of feces, preventing constipation and straining.

Death is inevitable, but our legacy may live on through our offspring. The antioxidants and Vitamin C present in most fruits, including oranges improves the quality and motility of your sperm thus keeping you fertile. Another vitamin called folic acid also is an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy sperms that you can obtain from oranges. It also protects the sperm from genetic damage, which might lead to birth defects.

The rich fibre content of oranges has the ability to keep a track of sugar levels in the body, preventing diabetes. It is also a good option for those who are diabetic. Also worth mentioning is that good oranges have a sweet taste, and since diabetics aren't allowed to eat sweets or other sugary foods, they can eat oranges to tingle their taste buds. According to a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine, high fiber intake is beneficial for diabetics because it lowers blood lipid levels, reduces hyperinsulinemia, and improves control of blood sugar.

Orange has high Vitamin C content which is required for producing collagen which, in turn, is responsible for keeping the tissues in your hair together. Nobody likes bald patches on their head, and eating oranges can ensure that you do not have to part with your lovely hair as you grow older.

Hesperidin, a flavonoid found in orange juice and orange peel, has been found to have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Hesperidin has also been linked to a reduction in diastolic blood pressure after four weeks of orange juice consumption. 

Daily consumption of at least 750 ml of orange juice has been shown to be effective in decreasing levels of low-density lipoproteins, or bad cholesterol, while increasing levels of high-density lipoproteins, or good cholesterol, resulting in an improved blood cholesterol profile..

The high citrate content of orange juice is linked with its ability to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. In addition, a comparative study has found that orange juice is more effective than lemon juice in stimulating the excretion of urinary oxalates, making it a superior dietary addition for preventing kidney stones.

The abundance of vitamin C in oranges is also useful for lowering the risk of stroke, especially among men with high blood pressure and excessive weight.

Low intake of vitamin C is associated with a threefold increase in the risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis. This risk can be reduced by eating oranges every day.

Orange juice is an excellent source of folate, which, when added to a pregnant woman's diet, is known to decrease her child's risk of developing neural tube defects.