5 Important health benefits of taking oranges
Posted on: 04/Dec/2018 4:39:54 PM
The fruit orange is one of the hugely popular fruits globally. It is, indeed, a refreshing treat, especially during severe summer periods. But that is not the only favourable feature of the orange! It has been established that orange enhances the functioning the various mechanisms and part of the body. Enlisted below are 5 of the most important health benefits of the orange fruit.
Preventing eye disease Research has established that people who have the regular intake of orange are 60 per cent less likely to develop a form of vision loss (macular degeneration) compared to those who do not consume the fruit. The epidemiologist Bamini Gopinath from the University of Sydney in Australia observes from his work: Even eating an orange once a week seems to offer significant benefits. The data shows that flavonoids found in oranges appear to help protect against the disease."
Heart health benefits - Regular intake of orange also lowers the incidence of cardiovascular disease, suggesting that fruits like oranges may have a protective effect on the heart. Vitamin C and potassium, in particular, have been associated with healthy heart function. A study conducted in 2012 found that women who consumed high amounts of flavonoids (especially from sources like oranges) had a 19 per cent lower risk of suffering a stroke compared to women who consumed the least amount.
Improved IBS symptoms Oranges are rich in both soluble and insoluble fibre. The insoluble fibre can help pull water into the colon. The soluble fibre can attract water and help in removing excess fluid. This has been reported by Dr Patricia Raymond, an assistant professor at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk. She advises her patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to increase their intake of foods that contain these fibres in order to help reduce constipation and diarrhoea.
Better brain function A study conducted in 2015 suggested that drinking orange juice could help improve cognitive function. However, nutrition experts do not recommend consuming oranges in juice form regularly due to its high sugar content and low levels of fibre. Yet, the study did seem to support the consumption of more flavonoid-rich fruits like oranges. Co-author Dr Daniel Lamport from the University of Reading, England observes: "Small, easily administered changes to the daily diet, such as eating more flavonoid-rich fruits and vegetables, have the potential to substantially benefit brain health,".
Repairing of the body A Cleveland Clinic has recommended sources of vitamin C (including citrus fruits) in a list of "power foods" that can help the body in healing wounds and possibly preventing infections. Another study found improved muscle function and reduced soreness after exercise in participants who consumed 400mg of vitamin C every day. Approximately 70 milligrams of vitamin C can be found in a medium orange while slightly bigger-sized ones can contain up to 100 milligrams.
