In truth, this might not be the best choice-especially when it comes to fresh, juicy oranges. Experts say that oranges and other citrus fruits are some of the best things we can feed our bodies.
Not only can the vitamins and flavonoids found in oranges aid in eye health, they may also help to regulate metabolic disorders.
But that’s not all.
The antioxidants found in oranges can even help to maintain healthy, glowing skin. And the nutrients that oranges contain might even reduce the risk of several types of cancer.
Here are ten great reasons to add oranges to your diet today.
1. Eye Health
We all hear that carrots are essential to eye wellness. But did you know that oranges can play a part in eye health as well?
Oranges are loaded with vitamin C, which is key to eye health. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), vitamin C is key to the keeping the blood vessels in the eyes healthy. In addition, vitamin C may lower the risk of cataracts.
In fact, one study shows that the addition of vitamin C over a number of years may actually lower the risk of cataracts by 64 percent. Studies also show that the progression of age-related macular degeneration can be slowed by 25 percent through the use of vitamin C combined with other antioxidants.
So load up on oranges to boost your eye health. Consider adding this citrus fruit to any meal, or make it a tasty snack.
2. Metabolic Disorders
Oranges are filled with citrus flavonoids. And studies show that flavonoids may be helpful in treating metabolic disorders.
Some research demonstrates that these agents may have anti-inflammatory responses. In addition, they may lower lipids and help to regulate insulin sensitivity.
If you’ve been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (otherwise known as prediabetes), add oranges to your routine. Though research in this area is limited, the numerous health benefits of oranges make this fruit a go-to choice for health.
3. Neurodegenerative Diseases
Guess what? The benefit of flavonoids found in oranges doesn’t stop with metabolic disorders. Research also shows that flavonoids could have neuroprotective effects. Two reasons for this may be the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities of dietary flavonoids.
Flavonoids are also considered “brain foods” because they can “traverse the blood-brain barrier.” As a result, scientists think that flavonoids may have the ability to protect against neurodegeneration. This means that flavonoids could be a key research point when it comes to fighting neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
4. Cancer Prevention
Are you scared that you might someday develop cancer? In truth, an orange a day just might help to keep cancer away. In fact, one study concluded that eating citrus fruits can reduce the risk of certain cancers by nearly 50 percent when it comes to mouth, larynx, and stomach cancers.
So when you’re planning your anti-cancer strategy, think about making oranges a part of your daily routine.
5. Cholesterol
Oranges contain a water-soluble fiber called pectin. And pectin is a natural enemy of cholesterol.
According to renowned nutrition expert Joy Bauer, “pectin forms a gooey mass in your stomach that traps cholesterol and carries it out of your body before it can be absorbed into your bloodstream (where it contributes to clogged arteries).”
If you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol, oranges just might help to improve your health. You can eat them raw or add them to salads for a mouth-watering treat.
6. Better Skin
Oranges are filled with good old Vitamin C. Besides being beneficial to the eyes, Vitamin C is an antioxidant. And antioxidants fight free radicals, which damage the skin.
In addition, this important nutrient helps the body to produce collagen. Not only does this aid in wrinkle prevention, it helps the skin to maintain its natural elasticity.
Remember this the next time you’re planning your skin care regime. Reach for a healthy orange. Your body will thank you in return.
7. Stroke Prevention
Oranges have an important mineral that our body needs. And that mineral is potassium.
Potassium is needed by the body to function. While we often think of potatoes when it comes to foods that are rich in potassium, oranges can be an additional source. In fact, one small orange contains 174 mg of potassium, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Potassium has life-saving health benefits when it comes to stroke prevention. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, high levels of dietary potassium can decrease the risk of ischemic stroke. And this is only true for natural potassium found in foods as opposed to supplements.
So make oranges a part of your nutritional plan. Oranges can serve as natural, healthy body boosters.
8. Blood Pressure
The potassium found in oranges can also have benefits when it comes to blood pressure. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies have shown that low potassium levels can be associated with high blood pressure. In addition, a higher intake of potassium may lower the risk of death from cardiovascular issues.
Consider adding oranges to other preventative health activities like exercise and meditation. It’s easy to make this citrus fruit a part of any wellness plan.
9. Thiamine
Oranges contain thiamine. Also known as vitamin B-1, thiamine is essential to general health and wellbeing.
"Thiamine is involved in many body functions including the nervous system, heart and muscles," Dr. Sherry Ross tells Live Science. "It is also important in the flow of electrolytes in and out of nerve and muscle cells, enzymatic processes and carbohydrate metabolism."
This is just another great reason to add oranges to your nutritional plan.
10. Pregnancy Health
We’ve all heard that it’s important to consume plenty of folic acid during pregnancy to prevent birth defects. While supplements are a great way to obtain folic acid, orange juice can serve as a natural source of folic acid.
Just look for low-sugar options in the way of orange juice. Many brands of OJ can be filled with added sugars.