Doctors have always recommended anemic patients to have citrus fruits. Though oranges are not a good source of iron, these vitamin C loaded fruits are essential in absorption of iron.

Promotes good heart health

The nutrients present in the oranges reduce the risk of heart disease, if these fruits are consumed within the permissible limit. Since oranges can regulate the blood cholesterol level, a reason behind most of the heart ailments, it is linked to good heart health.

Controls blood sugar level

Fiber in oranges help by keeping blood sugar levels under control thereby making oranges a healthy snack for people with diabetes. This helps in keeping your intestines and stomach function smooth, preventing irritable bowel syndrome. Vitamin C and antioxidants present in oranges are both important to build body’s immunity – they help in fighting cancer. Additionally, the fibre helps treat constipation to a greater extent.

Useful tip

Oranges like most citrus fruits, produce more juice when warmer — juice them when they are at room temperature. They're mainly available in two categories — sweet and bitter, with the former being the type most commonly consumed. For people suffering from heartburn, consuming this citric fruit might make things worse due to the presence of citric acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Benefits of eating oranges

High in Vitamin C

Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C. An orange a day can help you look young even at 50!

Keeps blood pressure under check

Oranges, being rich in Vitamins B6, help support the production of hemoglobin and also help keep blood pressure under check due to the presence of magnesium.

Lowers cholesterol

According to a study by US and Canadian researchers, a class of compounds found in citrus fruit peels called Polymethoxylated Flavones (PMFs) have the potential to lower cholesterol more effectively than some prescription drugs without side effects.

Helps absorption of iron

Citrus fruits are very much essential for the normal functioning of our body as they help in the absorption of iron. The fibrous nature of the fruit also makes it cancer protective. According to a study, up to 15 per cent of cancer cases happen because of mutations in the DNA, which can be prevented with Vitamin C.

Alkalizes the body

While the basic nature of oranges is acidic before you actually digest them, they have a lot of alkaline minerals that play a role in the process of digestion. Fiber helps to bulk up your stool and prevents constipation. Health Benefits of Eating Oranges

Orange is known to have several health benefits and is among the most popular fruits around the world.

Oranges can be had not only as a snack but also as a major recipe ingredient in various dishes. That's because of the presence of fiber in it. One cup or 240 ml of pure orange juice has the same amount of natural sugar as 2 whole oranges but is less filling due to low fiber content. Good intake of vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer as it helps to get of free radicals that cause damage to our DNA.

Healthy immune system

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

Prevents skin damage

Anti-oxidants in oranges help protect skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging. The Vitamin A present in them play an important role in keeping the mucus membranes in the eyes healthy. Nowadays orange juice is an integral part of a healthy breakfast thus promoting a healthy start to the day. These will have higher juice content than those that are either spongy or lighter in weight.

Whole orange vs orange juice

A whole orange is more nutritious and healthy than orange juice. It also helps eyes to absorb the light.

Safeguards against constipation

Oranges have both soluble and insoluble fibre. When you are trying to lose weight eating fruit is a much better option than drinking juice as fruit juice consumption can often become excessive and may lead to excess calorie consumption.

If you still want to drink juice then be careful with the quantity and take only freshly squeezed orange juice. The packaged drink that you get from the supermarket is not that healthy and contains preservatives.

Oranges are safe for consumption and only in rare cases, people may have allergies after consuming this fruit. This property of oranges is similar to that of lemons, which are without doubt among the most alkaline foods.

Good eye health

Oranges are a rich source of carotenoid. Vitamin C gets destroyed fast when exposed to air, so eat an orange quickly once cut up.

Vitamin A is also responsible to prevent age-related mascular degeneration, which in extreme cases can lead to blindness. Generally an orange should have smoothly textured skin and be firm and heavy for its size. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks an adequate amount of mineral iron that is essential for it to function. The natural fruit sugar in oranges, fructose, can help keep blood sugar levels from rising too high after eating. However, that does not mean you go about eating too many oranges in one go. One orange offers 116.2 per cent of the daily value for vitamin C. Its glycemic index is 40 and normally whatever foods fall under 50 are considered to be low in sugar. Moreover, oranges have simple sugars. Eating too much can spike insulin and may even lead to weight gain.

Lowers the risk of cancer

Oranges contain D- limonene, a compound that is touted to prevent cancers like lung cancer, skin cancer and even breast cancer. Rolling the orange under the palm of your hand on a flat surface will also help to extract more juice. Heart diseases are one of the major reasons for premature death worldwide.