Health benefits of oranges

 

Immune system

Most citrus fruits have a good deal of vitamin C, and oranges have high levels even compared to their tangy brethren. Vitamin C protects cells by scavenging and neutralising free radicals. Free radicals may lead to chronic conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Not only may oranges help to reduce the risk of chronic conditions, but they may also boost a person’s immunity when dealing with everyday viruses and infections like the common cold.

Skin

Vitamin C also helps to keep skin looking beautiful, by helping fight against skin damage caused by the sun and pollution. It is vital to collagen production and may help to reduce wrinkles and improve the skin’s overall texture, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Cholesterol

All the fiber in oranges may help to lower cholesterol levels, because it picks up excess cholesterol compounds in the gut and pushes them out in the elimination process.
A 2010 study  published in the journal, ‘Nutrition Research’, found that drinking orange juice for 60 days decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol or “bad cholesterol”) in people with high cholesterol.

Heart

Oranges contain vitamin C, fiber, potassium and choline, which are all good for your heart, so the fruits may give your ticker a big boost. Potassium, an electrolyte mineral, is vital for allowing electricity to flow through your body, which keeps your heart beating. Lack of potassium can lead to arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat.
According to one 2012 study, people who consumed 4,069 mg of potassium each day had a 49 per cent lower risk of death from heart disease compared with those who consumed only about 1,000 mg of potassium per day.

•Source: Livescience.com