These days wherever you look, one sees oranges, kinnows, sweet lime and grapefruits. It is so beneficial to eat in season so please eat them both for health and taste.
It is said that during medieval times, citrus fruits ( oranges, kinnows, lemons, grapefruits) were considered by nobility to be beneath them, and the health benefits alone kept these fruits on the tables of the peasants. It is no coincidence that the noble classes health started failing and the peasant class flourished and grew healthier and stronger. Today we realise the health benefits of these fruits and look forward to eating all of them in season. APART from being laden with nutrients they are delicious and colourful.
Vitamin C: All citrus fruits are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which boosts our immune system. During these COVID-19 days and the cold season, it is very important to boost your immune system and protect yourself.
Fibre: Citrus fruits contain a lot of fibre. Two thirds is soluble fibre which helps control blood glucose levels and one third is insoluble fibre which adds bulk to our digestive system and keeps our motions regular.
Also due to the fibre content, we feel full and satisfied longer so it is useful in weight loss.
Heart Health: Citrus fruit contain Flavonoids, plant compounds that promote heart health. Citrus fruits (especially Grapefruit) helps lower ” bad ” LDL cholesterol as well as triglyceride level.
CAUTION: If you are taking statins do not eat grapefruit as it may interfere with the medication.
Low Glycemic Index: Citrus fruits are relatively low on the Glycemic Index, so your blood sugar may not rise as much with some other foods. Glucose gets released into your bloodstream slowly. It is better to eat the fruit than to drink the juice. Juice has less fibre than whole fruit and also gets released quicker into your bloodstream.
Brain Health: Specific Flavonoids such as Hesperidin and Apigenin are found in citrus fruits and are known to protect brain cells and brain function. Flavonoids found in citrus have anti-inflammatory capabilities that protect against deterioration of the Nervous system.
Cancer Prevention: It is seen that Betacrytoxanthin and Hesperidin found in Mandarin oranges inhibit tumor growth in tongue, lung and colon tissues.
Potassium Rich: Citrus fruits contain a great deal of Potassium which helps in reducing your risk of stroke.
Helps absorb other nutrients better:
Vitamin C in oranges boost the viability of Catechins ( the healthy antioxidants) also found in Green Tea. Citrus fruits also helps your body absorb iron- a mineral important for the immune system and helps produce red blood cells in the body.
Hydrating: Citrus fruits have a high water content- 85 percent plus- which helps the bodies system s function properly.
Skin health: Vitamin C in citrus prevents pigmentation and ultraviolet induced photodamage. Peel of citrus is great for exfoliating and cleansing the skin. Ascorbic acid in Vitamin C helps regenerate collagen, which maintains the elasticity of the skin.
I have not illuminated the health benefits of lemon as it is a super food that requires to have an entire post devoted to itself. That follows next.
All the best and happy healing from Naturally Dimpi.