The power fruit-Oranges

Orange is the most common citrus fruit, a storehouse of several beneficial vitamins and nutrients. Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C. One orange contains 116.2% of daily requirement of vitamin C. Vitamin C is the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body. It fights free radicals and prevents cell damage. As a result of free radical damage to cells is cancer, especially in areas where cell division is rapid know as digestive system. That 's why vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer.

Free radical damage can result in painful inflammation. Vitamin C prevents free radical damage and thus associated with reduced severity of inflammatory conditions like asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The free radicals in oranges oxidize the cholesterol and can also makes it stick to the walls of arteries building up plaque. Since vitamin C neutralizes these free radicals and helps to prevent oxidation of cholesterol.

Vitamin C also vital for the proper function of the immune system and helps to prevent colds and recurrent ear infections. Oranges contain a large amount of phytonutrient compounds. These phytonutrients, when combined with vitamin C, work as effective anti-oxidants. Another phytonutrient, herperidin, found in oranges has been shown to lower blood pressure as well as cholesterol and also has anti-inflammatory properties in the human body for a healthy heart, and a healthy body. Citrus is most effective against mouth, larynx and pharynx, and stomach cancers. The folate content of oranges protects against heart disease and potassium lowers blood pressure and protects against stroke.

Oranges are rich in essential nutrients but low in glycaemic index[GI], that they are effective in fighting fat, which increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. Skin deep compounds found in the citrus fruit peels helps lower the cholesterol more effectively than some prescription drugs, and without side effects. Although a variety of citrus fruits contain these cholesterol-lowering compounds, they are most abundant in peels of oranges.

Oranges contain large amounts of fiber. One orange provides 12.5 per cent of the daily requirement of fiber, which helps in reducing of high cholesterol levels. Fiber is also helpful in keeping blood sugar levels under control and thus oranges are a healthy snack for people with diabetes. Fructose in oranges helps keep blood sugar levels from rising after eating. The fiber in oranges is also helpful in reducing constipation or diarrhea. Orange juice is helpful in preventing kidney stones and relieving inflammation. Just peel it or squeeze it, oranges are the way to go.