Health Benefits of Oranges

What Are the Health Benefits of Oranges?

The combination of the high amount of anti-oxidant (vitamin C) and flavonoids in oranges make it one of the best fruits in helping to promote optimal health. Here are 15 amazing health benefits of eating oranges.

The Health Benefits of Oranges:

(Health Benefits of Eating Oranges*)

1. Prevents cancer

A compound found in oranges and other citrus fruits, called D-limonene has been found to be effective in the prevention of some cancers such as, skin cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, mouth cancer, and colon cancer.

The high vitamin C content also acts as an anti-oxidant that protects cells from damages by free radicals.

2. Lowers cholesterol

One of the most important flavonoids in oranges is hesperidin. Hesperidin and the pectin in oranges have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol.

The concentration of hesperidin is considerably higher in the inner peel, rather than in the orange’s flesh.

Pectin appears to slow the body’s absorption of fats and lower cholesterol levels.

3. Lowers high blood pressure

Studies have shown that the flavonoid hesperidin and the magnesium in oranges can also lower high blood pressure.

4. Cardiovascular benefits

Oranges contains dietary fiber, folate, and herperidin, which all directly promotes the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Eating an orange a day helps to keep your cardiovascular system healthy.

5. Treats arthritis

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, oranges help in relieving arthritis pain and the stiffness of muscles and joints. 

6. Proper brain development

Oranges are a good source of folate or folic acid which helps in the proper development of the brain. Definitely great for mind health.

7. Keeps sperm healthy

Orange contains folate, an essential nutrient for keeping a healthy sperm count and for protecting the sperms from genetic damage that may cause birth defect.

8. Strengthens the immune system

The strong content of vitamin C in oranges stimulates the production of white blood cells in our body, thus improving the immune system.

9. Prevents kidney stones

Regular consumption of orange juice can significantly reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. In a preliminary study involving nine healthy and four participants with kidney stones, it is suggested that orange juice consumption may be more effective than other citrus juice in the prevention of kidney stones.

Further studies are needed to evaluate these results and of course, if kidney stones are not a problem for you, you would want to avoid oranges in juice form as drinking orange juice will spike your blood sugar.

10. Promotes weight loss

Oranges are extremely low in calories. A medium orange contains just 65 calories, making it a good addition to a healthy diet for weight loss.

They also have high fiber content, which can make you feel full longer, so you’ll eat less.

11. Maintains healthy skin

The antioxidants in orange help protect the skin from free radical damage known to cause the signs of aging.

12. Protects against infections

Due to its abundance of flavonoid polyphenols, oranges may help protect against bacterial or viral infections.

13. Relieves constipation

The high fiber content of oranges helps stimulate the digestive juices, thus relieving any signs of constipation.

14. Maintains bone and teeth health

Oranges are also rich in calcium, which helps protect and maintain bone health, as well teeth health.

15. Prevents ulcers

Due to its high fiber content, oranges can also help protect against ulcers.

Studies suggest that eating an orange a day may help prevent the formation of stomach ulcer.