benefits of oranges

Oranges are one of the most popular fruits around the world. While they are delightful as a snack or as a recipe ingredient, for many Americans, it is their juice that is most associated with good health, having a reputation for being an integral part of a healthy breakfast.Oranges are round citrus fruits with finelytextured skins that are, of course, orange in color just like their pulpy flesh. They usually range from about two to three inches in diameter.

Oranges originated thousands of years ago in Asia, in the region from southern China to Indonesia from which they spread to India. Although Renaissance paintings display oranges on the table in paintings of The Last Supper, the assumption that they were grown in this region at this time seems to be erroneous since oranges were not cultivated in the Middle East until sometime around the 9th century.

Insecticide sprays are widely applied over orange crops. Therefore, it is recommended to wash the fruits in cold running water before use. Organic orange fruits are devoid of these chemicals and are best suited for zest preparation.

Oranges are rich in citrus limonoids,proven to help fight a number of varieties of cancerincluding that of the skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon. Orange fruit juice is a well cherished drink all over the world. However, raw fruits are considered wholesome than their juice in terms of antioxidant benefits. Soluble and insoluble fiber content is also lessened to a great degree in the juice.

Drinking orange juice regularly prevents kidney diseases and reduces the risk of kidney stones. Drink juice in moderate amounts. The high sugar content of fruit juices can cause tooth decay and the high acid content can wear away enamel if consumed in excess.

According to two studies in Japan eating mandarin oranges reduces liver cancer.This may be due in part to vitamin A compounds known as carotenoids. If you wish to go for fresh orange juice, then prepare it yourself at home instead of commercial drinks that may contain preservatives and artificial colorants. Bring the fruit to room temperature if kept in the refrigerator.

Since theyandre full of soluble fiber, oranges are helpful in lowering cholesterol. Oranges are round citrus fruits with finelytextured 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.

Oranges are full ofpotassium, an electrolyte mineral is responsible for helping the heart function well.When potassium levels get too low, you may develop an abnormal heart rhythm, known as an arrhythmia. Orange fruit contains a variety of phytochemicals. Hesperetin, naringin, and naringenin are flavonoids found in citrus fruits. Naringenin is found to have a bioactive effect on human health as antioxidant, free radical scavenger, antiinflammatory, and immune system modulator.

Oranges are full of vitamin C which protects cells by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals cause chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease. Orange fruit also contains a very good amount of minerals like potassium and calcium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure through countering sodium actions.

Studies show that the abundance of polyphenols in oranges protects against viral infections. 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.