Orange: Benefit And Harm

Orange: a bit of history, its chemical properties and calorie content

The famous orange fruit is loved by many not only for its taste. By the way, according to statistics, every second Russian calls this particular citrus fruit his favorite. The benefits of an orange for the body are known to all. The juicy pulp is refreshing, energizing and uplifting. Contraindications to its use are much less than medicinal properties.

Initially, the orange tree looked very different. It was low, covered with thorns and had bitter-sour fruits. They were not eaten, but trees began to be cultivated because of the beautiful bright color of the fruit. It happened in China in 2300 BC. Gradually, the Chinese crossed trees with the brightest and sweetest fruits, and received new varieties.

In Europe, the orange was only recognized in the 15th century. Everyone appreciated the unusual and beautiful fruit, and made attempts to grow a tree in a new climate. For this, special greenhouses had to be built to protect the overseas fruit from the cold. They were called greenhouses (from the word orange - "orange").

We borrowed the Russian name "orange" from the Dutch. They called it "appelsien" - which literally translates as "an apple from China".

The main suppliers of oranges are still countries with a hot tropical and subtropical climate: India, China, Brazil, and the warm states of America. In countries with a cold climate, oranges can only be grown in greenhouses, because the trees freeze in the open air.

Oranges are 85% structured water, which is good for the body. It contains many useful substances:

• vegetable fiber;

• pectin;

• phytoncides;

• antioxidants;

• organic acids;

• essential oil;

• monosaccharides;

• vitamins A, C, PP E and group B;

• iron, zinc, potassium, copper, calcium and other elements.

A large amount of pectin has a beneficial effect on the intestines and on the work of the digestive tract. In addition, pectin suppresses hunger, fights indefatigable appetite and prevents the development of decay processes in the intestines.

There are many more nutrients in the peel than in the pulp. The white partitions inside do not need to be thrown away, they are much healthier than the pulp.

Orange is called a real pantry of minerals, vitamins and biologically active substances. In addition, they are available to us all year round. It is especially useful to eat them in the cold season, when there is no opportunity to enjoy local fruits. Of course, you should not forget that manufacturers can process fruits in every possible way so that they retain their freshness and presentation longer.

The calorie content of an orange is small - 40 kcal. It would seem that the benefits are obvious for those who want to lose weight. But you should not get carried away with citrus fruits, as they contain too much sugar. Orange juice is healthy, but its calorie content is 110 kcal, so it is better for those who lose weight to drink less high-calorie drinks. In addition, all freshly squeezed juices, due to the lack of fiber in them, have a very strong effect on the pancreas, loading it extremely hard. There is a large release of insulin for the consumption of such an amount of fructose, such an “insulin bomb”.

Useful properties of orange

1. Ascorbic acid in large quantities helps fight viral infections. Vitamin C protects the body from microbes, improves immunity, and has antioxidant properties. If a person regularly consumes fruits or citrus juice, his liver is cleansed.

2. Fruit rejuvenates the body. Nails, hair, especially the skin are put in order. In addition, the consumption of fruits cleanses the intestinal tract, removes toxins and eliminates slagging. This is where weight loss comes from.

3. Pectin and fiber in the composition of the orange help with various diseases of the stomach and intestines. They envelop the mucous membrane, help to accelerate peristalsis in case of constipation, nourish beneficial microorganisms in the intestines. By the way, it is pectin that gives orange jam such a jelly-like structure.

4. Lemonoids, which are rich in oranges, stop the division of malignant tumor cells. Also, substances block the access of blood to cancer tissues, as a result of which remission is noticed in patients. Citrus fruits protect the heart muscle from failure, strengthen vascular membranes, and calm the nervous system.

5. The accumulation of bioflavonoids protects the body from premature aging. Free radicals, heavy toxins, and possible volatile compounds are stopped from the internal organs. Citruses are useful for people who work at a polluted enterprise.

6. Sodium with potassium, iron and copper ensure the smoothness of blood pressure. Enzymes maintain indicators at the correct level, reduce values ​​​​in case of sudden changes (relevant for hypertensive patients). At the same time, all of these elements increase physical endurance and brain activity.

1. The white layer between the skin and the pulp contains synephrine. The alkaloid compound is responsible for the removal of cholesterol and the breakdown of its plaques. Against this background, blood sugar levels decrease, insulin is produced evenly. From this, citrus is beneficial for diabetics.

2. Citrus fruits reduce the likelihood of atherosclerosis, cardiac ischemia, bradycardia, heart attacks and strokes. Incoming minerals partially thin the blood and eliminate blockage of blood vessels (important for people with varicose veins).

3. Folic acid contained in the composition of the fruit ensures the correct course of pregnancy. The element helps the central nervous system of the fetus to form correctly, eliminating the risk of congenital abnormalities.

4. Phytoncides, which are concentrated in the orange shell (zest), are considered natural antioxidants. Elements reduce fever during fever, kill disease-causing organisms, and promote rapid recovery. Therefore, oranges should be eaten after an operation or illness in order to recover faster.

5. Citrus fruits of all types are valued by people for their ability to regenerate bones. If you have noticed violations of the musculoskeletal system, you must include an orange in the daily menu. It will strengthen the enamel of the teeth, fill the voids in the bones, lubricate the joints and cartilage.

6. Regular consumption of fruits along with the zest will increase all metabolic processes. Citruses speed up the digestion of food by increasing the production of gastric juice. That is why it is useful to consume fruits for people with chronic constipation.

7. The value of an orange is noticed in a cosmetology direction. Incoming vitamins retain moisture and oxygen in the skin structure, smooth out deep creases and fine wrinkles, remove dark bruises and swelling under the eyes.

8. The benefits for men are due to the accumulation of folic acid, which affects the motility and volume of sperm. Also, other elements increase blood flow to the genitals, as a result of which prostate diseases are prevented.

Contraindications and harm of orange

Orange, which has the ability to increase acidity, is dangerous for patients with gastritis and ulcers. In order not to provoke pain, heartburn, belching, you can drink a small amount of juice diluted with water. You can also try eating an orange with other foods so as not to overly irritate the stomach lining.

The abundance of glucose and fructose in the fetus makes it dangerous for diabetics, especially in the acute stage of the disease. In this regard, it is freshly squeezed orange juice that poses the greatest danger, since the lack of fiber causes a strong rise in glucose.

The orange fruit can cause allergies if the body has a predisposition to citrus intolerance. The resulting rash, irritation may be the result of an allergic reaction.

Sugar and acid, which are almost the main components of the product, are dangerous for tooth enamel. Rinsing the mouth after eating orange and other citrus fruits will protect the enamel on the teeth.

The reasons for an allergic reaction to it can be different: the inability of the body to digest and absorb the product due to the lack of necessary enzymes, the presence of chronic diseases of the digestive system, the saturation of the fetus with chemical components that are not accepted by the body.

The reaction to the fetus may manifest itself:

• rashes on the face and body;

• severe itching;

• redness of the skin;

• eczema and conjunctivitis.

An allergic person after eating an orange may feel dizzy, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, reaching fainting. Someone after an orange feels sharp pains in the abdomen, nausea, which can later turn into vomiting and diarrhea. Such intolerance rarely disappears with age in a person, so after use it is necessary to observe the reaction of the body.

Benefits of orange for women

Citrus fruit will be very useful for the fair sex due to its composition. The antioxidants included in its composition slow down the aging process and help maintain the skin in good condition. Regular consumption of oranges keeps it soft and supple. Also, these substances do not allow the development of cancer. In addition to antioxidants, orange citrus contains limonoids, which also do not allow free radicals to actively develop and protect the female body from the appearance of cancer of the mammary glands, stomach and intestines. It is recommended that pregnant women include oranges in their diet. Due to the presence of vitamin B9, disturbances in the development of the unborn baby can be avoided.

Benefits of oranges for men

As mentioned above, vitamin C contributes to the production of sperm and improves its quality. Therefore, this fruit must be in the daily diet of men when planning a child. It is enough to eat 1-2 oranges every day to avoid genetic damage to sperm, which, in turn, can lead to birth defects in the baby.

Is orange peel healthy?

Orange peel has a bitter taste and cloying taste. The content of essential oil in it made the upper part of the peel rough.

To prepare the zest, you need to remove the white part of the peel, which has no value. But the juicy zest remaining after processing is considered a pantry with the main supply of ascorbic acid and solid fibers, on which the successful functioning of the digestive organs depends. It is in the zest that phosphorus and calcium are also found.

Even distant ancestors noticed that wounds and ulcers healed faster if an orange peel was applied to them. This is explained by the presence in them of citric and platinic acids, phytoncides. By properties, they are similar to antibiotics that kill harmful microbes, but are natural and therefore safer.

It is known that the use of orange peel relieves heartburn and nausea, improves metabolic processes in the body.

Many studies have been conducted and the antioxidant and anti-cancer effects of orange peel essential oil have been proven. The essential oil has an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of cancer cells, in particular lung and prostate cancer cells.

Useful properties of zest:

1. Asthmatics will get relief by taking the powder from the zest, which will remove accumulated mucus from the airways. An orange peel placed in a room will help a patient with SARS and fill the room with a pleasant aroma.

2. The ability of essential oils to destroy harmful microbes allows people suffering from intestinal disorders and increased acidity of gastric juice to feel relief after regular use of orange peel. Its benefits have been proven to unload the liver, strengthen the protective properties of the body, get rid of sleep disorders, feelings of fear and stress.

3. Problems with violations of the water-salt balance, with edema, accumulation of toxins and toxins in the body are solved if a person constantly consumes orange peel or the product itself.

1. Masks and scrubs prepared with its use help in getting rid of fine wrinkles. The face and neck begin to look fresh. A mask of heavy cream with zest powder will help in skin rejuvenation.

2. An infusion made from orange peel will help women who experience pain during menstruation.

3. People who want to get rid of unnecessary kilograms need to use zest. The metabolism in the body is activated due to the beneficial substances present in it. This leads to a decrease in weight, for which it is enough to brew the peel in a glass of boiling water and after a while drink it on an empty stomach at the beginning of the day and in the second part of the day.

4. The zest helps to break down fats, which is the main condition for ridding the waist and hips of fat deposits.

5. Grated orange zest can be frozen and then used as a seasoning in salads, pastries and other dishes.

There are no contraindications when using the peel, unless the person is allergic to this type of product.

Orange peel is useful as an additional remedy for various health problems.

orange in medicine

The health benefits of oranges have been proven by numerous studies. It is an additional component to traditional medicine in the treatment of various diseases, however, there is a list of diseases in which the use of an orange is prohibited.

Inflammation of the pancreas requires the exclusion from the patient's diet of any product that can lead to irritation of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. Pain, heartburn, bloating, severe vomiting and diarrhea - such a reaction of the body is possible after drinking an orange or juice from it, because they act as an irritant.

When the stomach is affected by gastritis, oranges have a negative effect on its mucosa. Therefore, its use in food is prohibited, especially at times of exacerbation of the disease. But in cases of low acidity, small doses of this product are acceptable.

For a normally functioning intestine, this citrus is very useful. The abundant fiber content promotes a feeling of satiety and activates the processes of bowel cleansing.

When a person has problems with the release of the intestines due to constipation, a couple of oranges eaten before bedtime will be the best assistant in this. Regular use of the product will make the stool normal, and the work of the intestines will be complete. Sour taste is an essential part of the diet in the presence of constipation.

Swelling and redness of the joints with gout occur due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in them. Vitamin C helps to relieve some of the symptoms of the disease and slow down its development. The increased content of ascorbic acid in orange makes it a very important and necessary product in the daily diet of such patients.

Patients suffering from this disease are contraindicated in acidic foods, which include an orange.

Application in traditional medicine

1. Fever, high temperature - pour 3-4 orange slices into 100 ml of warm water and infuse for 30 minutes. Take every 2 hours.

2. SARS - crushed fruit pour 400 ml of boiling water and insist for 30 minutes, then strain. Apply 100 ml before each meal.

3. Hangover - add raw yolk to 200 ml of orange juice and mix.

4. Weakened immunity - add 1 tsp to 200 ml of orange juice. honey and 3 drops of essential oil. Take morning and evening.

5. Constipation - squeeze the juice from an orange and mix with crushed pulp. Take before bed.

6. Lack of appetite - pour 4 g of leaves and flowers into 200 ml of water, take 70-80 ml 3 times a day.

1. Migraine - chop 3 fruits with peel, add 100 g of horseradish roots and 1 kg of sugar. Pour 1 liter of white wine and boil for 1 hour, then strain. Take 60 ml 2 hours after each meal.

2. Infected wounds, ulcers, burns - crush the fruit and use externally 2-3 times a day.

3. Pustular skin diseases - squeeze the juice and use it as an ingredient for masks and compresses 1 time per day.

4. Diseases of the upper respiratory tract - pour boiling water over the peel of oranges and breathe in steam 2-3 times a day

5. Gastritis with low acidity - pour 200 ml of boiling water over orange peel, calamus and centaury roots, wormwood (in the same ratio). Warm up in a water bath for 15 minutes, drink 100 ml 30 minutes before the main meal.

6. Hypertension - squeeze juice and add ½ tbsp. honey, take 70 ml 3 times a day.

What is useful fruit for beauty

In appearance care, orange is used both as a food product and as an ingredient in cosmetic procedures.

Orange reduces oiliness of the hair, nourishes it along the entire length, improves the structure and soothes the scalp:

• acids in the composition of the fruit smooth and nourish the hair, contribute to their restoration;

• vitamins C and K accelerate hair growth, make them strong and shiny, preserve the brightness of the color of dyed hair;

• orange juice moisturizes and strengthens hair shafts, gives strength, volume and shine.

Application of orange:

• Aroma combing. Combing with drops of oil provides silkiness and elasticity, gives the hair a pleasant aroma.

• Masks with pulp, zest and juice of the fruit. There are many recipes for anti-dandruff masks, for thin, dry hair, for hair loss, for strengthening hair, etc.

• Oil masks in which orange oil is mixed with other oils. Such masks help to restore the structure of the hair.

• Adding orange oil to ready-made shampoos, balms, and conditioners enhances their effect.

• Rubbing orange oil into the hair roots for 10 minutes relaxes, expands the pores and allows the skin to breathe.

Masks with orange are suitable for all types of hair: dry, normal, oily, weakened.

Orange due to its natural composition improves the condition and color of the skin, gives it youth, and also contributes to:

• regeneration of skin cells;

• narrowing of enlarged pores;

• giving firmness and elasticity to the skin;

• oxygen exchange;

• getting rid of acne, acne;

• skin whitening;

• alignment of its texture;

• production of natural collagen.

Citrus has anti-inflammatory properties, which is important for sensitive skin.

Using orange to improve skin condition:

• washing and rubbing with orange juice;

• peeling with fruit acids;

• baths with citrus peel;

• orange skin masks

To prevent premature aging of the skin, it is advised to eat one orange per day and use it in skin care.

There are many diets with orange. Together with eating the fruit, wraps and scrubs with citrus oil are used. These procedures make the skin elastic, relieve cellulite.

How to choose and store oranges

The orange season in Russia lasts from December to March. It is recommended to choose freshly harvested fruits containing the maximum amount of nutrients.

Points to pay attention to when buying an orange:

1. Color. It does not affect the taste of the fruit, but it should be bright and uniform, with a smooth surface without dents or defects. Oranges with thick pores are less juicy.

2. The weight. The heavier the fruit, the juicier it is.

3. The size. Small fruits have a sweet and juicy taste. Excessively large oranges are most likely grown with the help of chemistry.

4. Aroma. The fruit should smell good.

5. If the fruit is too soft, it is likely that it has begun to spoil.

6. A hard orange is unripe and sour in taste.

7. Thick-skinned fruits are easy to peel, but less sweet.

At home, at room temperature, oranges retain their properties for a week. To prolong the freshness of fruits, it is recommended to store them in a refrigerator or a cool room. Under such conditions, they retain quality for up to 2 months. Bright lighting and direct sunlight negatively affect the storage of oranges.

Optimum temperature - +2 ... + 6 ° C, humidity - 85%.

Orange essential oil: properties and uses

This product enjoys the widest range of applications in cosmetology, aromatherapy and traditional medicine. The substance can be used as a sedative, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic.

1. Essential oil of orange has a powerful antimicrobial effect. It has been proven effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa microorganisms.

2. Orange oil is used to relieve pain in the joints, muscles, headaches, neuralgia, pain during menstruation in women. It is an excellent pain reliever and antispasmodic.

3. The product will prove to be an invaluable remedy for restoring the body after ailments. Stomatitis, colds, respiratory diseases will not resist the onslaught of the antiseptic properties of the oil. It will be effective to use this product to relieve eye muscle strain. Periodontal disease and bleeding gums will heal faster if orange essential oil is used.

4. Restoring the work of the stomach, improving peristalsis, stimulating the removal of toxins, reducing the processes of putrefaction in the stomach, eliminating the absorption of harmful substances, improving appetite - this is the range of effects of essential orange oil on the digestive system.

1. The effectiveness of the oil in providing a choleretic, diuretic effect expands the scope of its application. It prevents, among other things, the formation of stones in the gallbladder, the appearance of constipation, and helps with poisoning.

2. Those who want to acquire an ideal figure know about the ability of orange essential oil to normalize fat and carbohydrate metabolism, to counteract the appearance of unnecessary kilograms, obesity, and cellulite. It inhibits the development of atherosclerosis, edema, and prevents the growth of cholesterol levels.

3. The heart and blood vessels receive additional strength for normal functioning if orange oil is used in their treatment or for prevention. As a result, blood circulation is stimulated, blood is cleansed, blood pressure is normalized.

4. For people who experience problems with sleep, body fatigue, internal discomfort, nervous strain, frequent stressful conditions, the oil will help to calm down. It will also positively affect the activity of the nervous system, cure insomnia.

5. As a tonic, orange oil is recommended for use in case of decreased efficiency, to increase concentration and attention.

6. A drop of orange oil will have a therapeutic effect when rinsing the mouth with sore throat. With this disease, dry inhalation with a few drops of essential oil is effective. You need to drop the oil on the cloth and inhale it with your mouth with your eyes closed.

7. Viruses will die faster if the oil is used in hot inhalations to treat infections.

8. Orange oil in an aroma lamp can relieve anxiety, improve sleep, if you take no more than half an hour for the procedure.

9. Orange oil in combination with other similar components is useful for massage.

1. A drop of orange oil diluted in three tablespoons of milk added to a baby's bath will have a calming effect.

2. Essential oil applied to stones in a bath or sauna is useful. It is not recommended to exceed the time spent in such a bath - no more than five minutes.

3. A few drops of oil and half a glass of water can be used for compresses to relieve pain in the internal organs, joints.

4. When used internally as an additive to tea or juice, twice a day is sufficient. With this use, orange essential oil will have a beneficial effect on the entire human body.