Health Benefits Of Eating Oranges

There are many citrus fruits, the most common of which is orange . Its juicy inner part contains ascorbic acid, vitamins B1, B2, A and P. The fruits and the juice itself are rich in minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium), also citric acid, pectin and phytoncides (natural plant "antibiotics"). .

The flesh and the juice of delicious citrus have a mild laxative, diuretic and choleretic effects, as well as antisclerotic action, accompanied by reduced permeability of the walls of blood vessels and their strengthening.

Health benefits of oranges

The anthocyanins contained in oranges, acting as antioxidants, reduce the risk of developing a number of diseases, including cardiovascular and cataracts. In addition, exercise prevents cell hypoxia. Such antioxidant properties are characteristic not only for the flesh, but also for the skin of the fruit.

The antibacterial function is due to the fact that orange juice is able to stimulate the activity of macrophages.

Alcoholic extract of orange peel can prevent the development of nephropathy, as well as improve skin regeneration in people with diabetes.

Flavonoids in orange juice are useful for preventing heart and vascular diseases, as they have antioxidant, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. Citrus juice stops the inflammatory reaction in the vascular system due to the use of fatty foods. The probable reason for this is the decrease in lipid peroxidation caused by the antioxidants in the juice.

The flesh of the orange is recommended in the diet menu for beriberi and anemia.

Oranges are  traditionally used for the prevention and treatment of hypo- and avitaminosis. The juice stimulates the appetite and improves digestion and is therefore recommended for low acidity of gastric juice, with a tendency to chronic constipation.

In addition, oranges contain a large amount of pectin, which contributes to the release of the intestine, preventing the development of putrefactive processes in them and reduce the amount of absorbent substances harmful to the body. Regular use of these citrus fruits helps reduce blood cholesterol.

Research and oranges

Scientists are actively studying the orange, as it is a source of a large number of useful elements. For example, citrus helps to improve the condition of the liver. Studies show that citrus juice helps prevent fatty degeneration of the liver, as well as slowing the disease.

It has been suggested that oranges are also useful in the treatment of asthma. The antiasthmatic effect was demonstrated in an experimental study of hesperidin and naringenin contained in citrus juice.

Oranges and weight loss

It is believed that oranges help burn fat, respectively for rapid weight loss. In fact, this mechanism is indirect and is manifested through the action of a substance called naringenin. Nutritionists explain that when it enters the liver of a full person, a signal is triggered, which tells the body that it is hungry and in order to gain energy, it must start burning fat. But again, nutritionists warn that tangible results of "orange weight loss" can have only if you suddenly eat dozens of fruits, which is difficult and unsafe, like any other abuse, of course.

Oranges in cooking

Oranges are included in many recipes for various dishes, both main and desserts. These citrus fruits are combined with vegetables, fish and meat, including poultry. The peel of the fruit is also used for salads, it is also used to make baking extracts, it is also added as a spice.

Harm and contraindications

Consumption of oranges should be limited if you suffer from ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, also in allergic reactions to any of their ingredients.

The danger associated with the consumption of orange and orange juice is mainly related to three factors:

Even eating an orange slice or taking a few sips of juice changes the pH, which leads to an increase in the level of acidity in the mouth and there is a risk of destruction of tooth enamel. Packaged juices are even more dangerous in this regard, as they contain a lot of sugar. It is recommended to drink citrus juice through a straw to reduce contact with the teeth, and after consuming the fruit to rinse your mouth with water - this will reduce the concentration of acid.

Excess citrus poses a potential risk of gastritis. Of course, much depends on the individual's tolerance to the product: if one person can take 10 oranges juice every morning on an empty stomach and this does not bring him a problem, then another is very likely to develop gastritis under the same conditions. The abuse of oranges would do more harm than good to the body.

The substance naringin, which is part of oranges, reacts with human liver enzymes. As a result of the interaction, the expected effect of the drug is disrupted, the action of which is difficult to predict. And with the addition of alcohol to the orange-cocktail cocktail, liver cirrhosis can develop in literally a few weeks. Even ordinary paracetamol can be dangerous if taken with orange juice. There are similar warnings regarding the juices of other citrus fruits.