Oranges: 30 Health & Beauty Benefits - Nourish Skin, Hair & Body

Delicious and juicy, oranges have always been a favorite among the fruits. They symbolize health and happiness. In fact orange juice, tart and citrusy is a perfect pick me up on a dull morning.

The color orange itself is vibrant and inspiring. We are encouraged to eat a rainbow assortment of fruit and vegetables. Orange can be an important part of that diet. It’s often said that “you are what you eat” and this is particularly true in the case of oranges. We can incorporate the goodness of oranges both in our diet as well as topical application on our skin. In fact, a lot of dermatologists wax eloquent about the benefits of oranges for the skin. Oranges are also known as Kamala Pandu (Telugu), Kichili Pazham (Tamil), Kittale (Kannada), Santra (Hindi,Gujarati & Punjabi), Kamla Lebu (Bengali) and Santre (Marathi).

So oranges can pack a 3 way punch:

• We can include them in our diet
• Use oranges Based skin care products
• Prepare DIY orange based treatments

Let’s look at how this wonderful orange is beneficial for us.

Orange Refresher:

• Orange, particularly sweet orange is a citrus fruit belonging to the Rutaceae family. This includes pomelo, tangerine and grapefruit.
• This fruit is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. Orange trees are widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates and their sweet fruit is consumed fresh or processed to obtain their juice.
• Oranges can be described as oval/sphere shaped fruits with leathery porous skin.
• Their name orange is attributed to their tough shiny orange skins that hold together little sections with juice inside. The inner flesh of an orange is divided into segments, each containing seeds called “pips”. The segments are separated by thin white fibrous material called “pith”.
• Oranges should not be confused with other citrus fruits like grapefruits and tangerines because grapefruits are usually much larger and yellower than oranges, while tangerines have a more flattened shape than oranges.
• Like most citrus fruits, oranges are a rich source of vitamin C.
• Orange juice is a refreshing drink and is also used to flavor foods and drinks. This tangy fruit has an array of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals for normal growth and development.
• Oranges generally fall into two categories, sweet and bitter. The sweet ones are the most commonly consumed and popular varieties are Valencia, Navel, Persian variety and blood orange.
• Oranges contain eta-Carotenes, Folic acid, Potassium, pectin, Phosphorous, Iodine, Iron, Sodium, Manganese, Zinc, Chlorine, more than 170 Phytonutrients, over 60 Flavonoids, etc.

Benefits Of Oranges For Health:

Now let’s look at some very well known Health benefits of Oranges:

1. Kidney Stones Prevention:

If oranges are consumed daily, then there is a lower risk of developing kidney stones.

2. Lowers Cholesterol:

Hesperidin and Pectin present in Oranges lowers bad cholesterol. It helps the body to slow down the absorption of fats.

3. Prevents Diabetes:

Oranges have low calories and can be consumed daily. It can balance the sugar levels in your blood very effectively.

4. Arthritis:

A glass of Orange juice a day can keep you free from the inflammation that usually arises from Arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory property reduces the risks of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

5. Lowers Blood Pressure:

Hesperidin and magnesium in Oranges help to control blood pressure effectively.

6. Digestion:

The fiber that are present in high concentration in Oranges help you in digesting food easily. It helps in releasing digestive enzymes or juices which help digest the food effectively.

7. Moisturizes your Skin:

Natural oils present in oranges can be used to moisturize skin.

8. Fights Against Cancer:

A compound called D-linonene, usually found in Oranges and other citrus fruits, fights against various cancers like colon cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, breast cancer etc. Vitamin C protects cells from damage against free radicals.

9. Cardiovascular Health:

Fibers, Hesperidin and folate in Oranges keep your heart healthy. An orange a day can give you healthy cardiovascular system.

10. Brain Development:

Folic acid present in Oranges helps in Brain growth development.

11. Boosts Immunity:

Vitamin C present in Oranges increases the production of white Blood Cells which further improves your immune system.

12. Weight Loss:

Oranges are very low in calories and rich in fibers which make you feel full for long

13. Healthy Skin:

Anti oxidants present in Oranges fight free radicals and thus prevents aging faster.

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