Orange is a citrus fruit, considered to be a hybrid, between pomelo (Citrus maxima) and tangerine (Citrus reticulata). Native to the countries of Southeast Asia, it is today cultivated in almost all the warm climate countries of the world. Its consumption is as popular in the raw, peeled form, as in the juice form. Even the rind of orange is used by people in recipes, either for flavoring or for garnishing purposes. Being a rich source of nutrients, orange has been associated with a number of health and nutrition benefits. For example pasted orange peel when applied on the face helps to get rid of the dead skins and is extremely effective in tightening the pores and offers the skin a glowing, youthful and fresh look. Likewise there are several health benefits of orange and the article below explains all the benefits of orange. Explore the lines below and come across all the facts.
Nutritional value per 100 gm. of Orange
Principle
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Nutrient Value
|
Energy
|
47 Kcal
|
Carbohydrates
|
11.75 g
|
Protein
|
0.94 g
|
Total Fat
|
0.12 g
|
Cholesterol
|
0 mg
|
Dietary Fiber
|
2.40 g
|
Vitamins
|
|
Folates
|
30 µg
|
Niacin
|
0.282 mg
|
Pantothenic acid
|
0.250 mg
|
Pyridoxine
|
0.060 mg
|
Riboflavin
|
0.040 mg
|
Thiamin
|
0.100 mg
|
Vitamin C
|
53.2 mg
|
Vitamin A
|
225 IU
|
Vitamin E
|
0.18 mg
|
Vitamin K
|
0 µg
|
Electrolytes
|
|
Sodium
|
0 mg
|
Potassium
|
169 mg
|
Minerals
|
|
Calcium
|
40 mg
|
Copper
|
39 µg
|
Iron
|
0.10 mg
|
Magnesium
|
10 mg
|
Manganese
|
0.024 mg
|
Zinc
|
0.08 mg
|
Phyto-nutrients
|
|
Carotene-β
|
71 µg
|
Carotene-α
|
11 µg
|
Crypto-xanthin-β
|
116 µg
|
Lutein-zeaxanthin
|
129 µg
|
Lycopene
|
0 µg
|
Health & Nutrition Benefits of Orange
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Being rich in calcium, oranges have been associated with protection and maintenance of the health of bones.
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Beta-carotene, a nutrient present in oranges, is a very powerful antioxidant that protects our cells from damage.
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Consumption of oranges has been found to result in lesser outpouring of mucus secretions from the nose.
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It is said that oranges are beneficial in maintaining the dental health of an individual.
Oranges have been associated with keeping blood pressure under check, mainly owing to the presence of magnesium.
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Oranges, being rich in Vitamins B6, help support the production of hemoglobin in the body.
Regular consumption of orange juice can significantly increase HDL levels and improve the LDL-HDL ratio of a person.
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The folic acid present in oranges helps in proper brain development.
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The high content of potassium in oranges helps maintain electrolyte balance in the cells and also aids the maintenance of a healthy cardiovascular system.
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Oranges have been found to be rich in dietary fiber. The fibers are extremely beneficial in maintaining the blood sugar at proper levels. Oranges are also found to be effective in promoting digestion and prevention of diseases related to the human digestive system.
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Limonoids present in oranges are beneficial in the prevention of cancers of the mouth, lungs, skin, breast and stomach and are also helpful in fighting ulcers.
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Polyphenols found in oranges help in fighting against several viral infections.
Consumption of oranges can help an individual in dealing with the following ailments:
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Alcohol Addiction
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Arthritis
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Asthma
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Bronchitis
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Bowel Disorders
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Constipation
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Cough and Cold
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Dyspepsia
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Fever
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Heart Diseases
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Influenza
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Measles
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Pimples and Acne
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Pneumonia
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Pyorrhea
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Respiratory Problems
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Rheumatism
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Tuberculosis
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Typhoid
Buying And Storing Tips For Oranges
Before picking oranges make sure they have properly textured skin, don’t have soft spots and are heavy for their size. The heavier oranges will yield more amount of juice as compared to the lighter ones. For more antioxidants content choose fully ripened oranges.
How To Enjoy
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Peel and savour you orange as a snack.
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Fry finely chopped onions and ginger, and moisten the pan with orange juice. This liquid can be used as a sauce for salmon or tuna.
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You can also prepare a delicious salad by mixing oranges, fennel and boiled beets.