Citrus species

  • 23 Dec - 29 Dec, 2017
  • Mag The Weekly
  • Cookery

Nutritional Profile

Orange provides 47 calories per 100gm; 0.1g fat, 0.9g of protein, 12g of carbohydrates and 181mg of potassium.

Interesting facts

· Oranges have been grown since ancient times and originated in Southeast Asia. It is believed that Christopher Columbus was the first to bring orange seeds to America during his second voyage to the region in 1493.

· As of 2010, Brazil grows one-third of all the world’s oranges.

· Around 85% of all oranges produced are used for juice.

· There are now over 600 varieties of oranges worldwide.

· Because oranges do not spoil easily and are full of vitamin C, during the years of world exploration, sailors planted orange and other citrus trees along trade routes to prevent scurvy, which is a disease that develops from a deficiency of vitamin C.

Health facts

· Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C which is the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body. It disarms free radicals and prevens damage in the aqueous environment both, inside and outside the cells.

· Vitamin C, which is also vital for the proper function of a healthy immune system, is good for preventing colds and may be helpful in preventing recurrent ear infections.

· A diet high in citrus fruit provides a statistically significant protective effect against some types of cancer. Citrus appears to offer the most significant protection against esophageal, laryngeal and stomach cancers, reducing the risks up to 40-50%.

· Citrus fruits also offer protection against cardiovascular diseases. Folate in them helps lower blood pressure, protecting against stroke and cardiac arrhythmias.

· An orange has over 170 different phytonutrients and more than 60 flavonoids, many of which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and blood clot inhibiting properties, as well as strong antioxidant effects.

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