ORANGES

Why an orange

Simply because its known to have several health benefits


It may not be the season for oranges, but this fruit has several benefits. Oranges can also be used as a major ingredient in various dishes. Nowadays orange juice is an integral part of a healthy breakfast for many, thus promoting a healthy start to the day. Generally an orange should have smoothly textured skin and be firm and heavy. Such oranges will have higher juice content than those that are either spongy or light in weight. Nutritionist Deepshikha Agarwal lists some pluses of the fruit.

BENEFITS:


Oranges are an excellent source of Vitamin C. Good intake of vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer as it helps to get rid of free radicals that cause damage to our DNA.
Vitamin C is vital for the proper functioning of a healthy immune system and is good for preventing colds and recurrent ear infections.
Anti-oxidants in oranges 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.
Fibre in oranges helps by keeping blood sugar levels under control thereby making oranges a healthy snack for people with diabetes . The natural fruit sugar in oranges, fructose, can help keep blood sugar levels from rising too high.
Consuming foods rich in beta-cryptoxanthin , an orange-red carotenoid found in high amounts in oranges, corn and pumpkin may significantly lower ones risk of developing lung cancer.
Oranges like most citrus fruits, produce more juice when warmer juice them when they are at room temperature.
Rolling the orange under the palm of your hand on a flat surface will also help to extract more juice. Vitamin C gets destroyed when exposed to air, so eat an orange once its cut.