Citrus fruits are just some of the fruits that give us freshness in summer. We take them in the form of skewers and fresh fruit, cut into pieces, in various smoothies or desserts. They have many useful substances that improve our health.
Citrus fruits grow on trees and shrubs. Some of them are hybrids of three main trees such as: mandarin, pomelo and lemon. If you like to eat oranges, lemons, grapefruits or other citrus fruits, here's what you need to know about them:
They protect the heart
These fruits are full of flavonoids, which are strong antioxidants and neutralize free radicals in the body. Consumption of citrus protects against heart attack and improves blood circulation in the arteries. They carry good cholesterol and prevent the formation of bad cholesterol.
They heal the skin from the inside
They have a high content of vitamin C . An orange contains over 100% of its recommended daily allowance, and some varieties even much more. It helps our body heal wounds and participates in the formation of cells that connect our bones, tendons and ligaments. Vitamin C is also involved in the absorption of iron from the food we eat, and helps in the treatment of colds.
They are rich in folic acid
The folic acid contained in fruits helps our body synthesize DNA. They have also been linked to a reduced risk of developing depression or Alzheimer's disease.
Participate in fat melting
Citrus fruits contain a large amount of water-soluble and insoluble fiber, which fights fat. Fruits are also recommended for constipation, and grapefruit in particular is useful for reducing waistline and weight loss in general.
They regulate blood sugar
Citrus helps regulate blood sugar and maintain a low glycemic index . If we want to add more citrus to our menu in the summer, it is better to take them sliced, rather than in the form of juices, fresh juices or smoothies. Most of them have added sugars, unless we make them ourselves at home.
They help us live longer
A study shows that middle-aged women and men who eat citrus twice a day a week can prolong their life compared to those who consume fruit in smaller quantities and less often.