Sweet and juicy oranges originated around 4000 B.C in Southeast Asia, and are highly beneficial for the human body because they are rich in vitamins and other nutrients. Oranges are part of the citrus species and belong to the Rutaceae family.
There are two types of oranges —Sweet oranges, or the Citrus Sinensis, are said to have originated in India, China, and Malaysia while bitter oranges, or Citrus Aurantium, are believed to have originated in China.
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When we refer to oranges, we are usually referring to sweet oranges, and people normally drink sweet orange juice. Oranges are known for their high concentration of Vitamin C and are generally available from winter through summer, with seasonal variations depending on their varieties. Bitter oranges are used in drugs and pharmaceutical medicines.
Oranges are round, shaped citrus fruits with fine-textured orange-colored skin. It is a hybrid product of pomelo and mandarin oranges. Oranges are known to be a goldmine of vitamins and are cooling by nature. They can be consumed raw, blended, or as a marmalade.
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Orange trees are widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates and their sweet fruit is consumed fresh or by extracting the juice. There are several health benefits of oranges as they are packed with vitamins and nutrients and contain more than 170 phytochemicals and over 60 flavonoids with strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Let us have a look at some of the important facts and benefits of oranges:
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1. Oranges reduce the risk of respiratory diseases, cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, and kidney stones.
2. Oranges boosts the immune system and improves skin health and also aids in heart health and cholesterol levels.
3. Oranges are rich in Vitamin C and can be consumed while one is fasting or sick.
4. Drinking fresh orange juice reduces the tendency to consume alcohol.
5. Orange peels are also useful in driving away bed bugs, flies, and mosquitoes.
6. Oranges are also a rich source of fiber, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, choline, and folic acids. It also contains normal levels of Vitamin A and B, high levels of Vitamin C, and low levels of Vitamin D.
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7. Oranges, the tangy-flavored, delicious fruit and their juice, are highly beneficial and effective for human health as they combat diseases, provide nutrition to the body, and protect the body from severe diseases like cardiovascular problems, cancer, and gastrointestinal disorders. So, here are some of the most important benefits of oranges for the human body:
1. Boosts immunity
Oranges are loaded with Vitamin C and help to strengthen the immune system by promoting the production of white blood cells that fight against viruses, bacteria, and other diseases.
2. Lowers cholesterol
Oranges contains pectin, a soluble fiber, and hesperedin, a falvonone that helps in lowering bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and helps the body to slow down fat absorption.
3. Keeps your heart healthy
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The presence of antioxidants, potassium, and folate in various antioxidants helps keep your heart healthy and protects the arteries from free radicals and prevents the oxidation of cholesterol. The phytochemical content prevents platelets from sticking together and strengthens the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells.
4. Protects against rheumatoid arthritis
Oranges contain anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. A good source of Vitamin C and antioxidant compounds, orange juice helps in reducing swelling, pain, and inflammation of the joints.
5. Prevents kidney stones
Oranges, when consumed regularly, reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.
6. Aids weight loss
Oranges are high in fiber, low in calories, and are fat-free sources of nutrients and therefore acts as an incredible weight loss aid. The fruit’s high Vitamin C content also promotes weight loss.
7. Prevents cancer
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Oranges also help prevent cancer because of their antioxidant compounds and vitamin C content, which protects cells from damage against free radicals. The presence of a compound called D-linonene in oranges and other citrus fruits helps fight against various cancers such as colon cancer, skin cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer.
8. Good for your vision
Oranges are good for your vision as well. The presence of Vitamin A in oranges plays a vital role in improving your vision and helps keep your eyes healthy.
9. Rejuvenates your skin
Regular consumption of oranges can give you a clear, glowing, and flawless complexion due to their high vitamin C content.
10. Fights aging
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Rich in Vitamin C, oranges contain anti-aging properties and antioxidant compounds that fight free radicals that contribute to aging and a number of skin diseases.
11. Improves digestion
The high fiber content of oranges helps you to digest food easily, and oranges also release enzymes to improve your digestion process.
12. Protects bone and teeth health
The presence of calcium in oranges is healthy for your bones and teeth. But excessive consumption of oranges can lead to tooth decay due to the sugar and acidic content.
13. Moisturizes your skin
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The natural oils present in oranges helps you keep your skin moisturized.
14. Treats acne
The high content of citric acid in oranges proves to be very effective in drying up acne and also helps to remove clogged pores and prevents acne breakouts.
15. Treats dark spots and blemishes
A paste made of dried orange peels mixed with milk can be applied on your face and body to reduce dark spots and blemishes. This also acts a natural body scrub.
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16. Improves skin tone and gives radiant skin
Oranges and orange peels contain abundant amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants which balances the oil production in the skin, removes dead skin cells, and gives you a glow.
17. Removes blackheads
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A mask made of orange peel powder and yogurt can act as a brilliant remedy to remove blackheads from your skin.
18. Treats dandruff
The juice from orange peels or ground-up orange peels used on your scalp can work wonders in treating dandruff.
19. Stimulates hair growth
The presence of Vitamin C, folic acid, and flavonoids in oranges helps with blood circulation in your scalp and thus stimulates hair growth.
20. Excellent natural conditioner
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Orange juice applied on your hair directly after shampooing can act as an excellent natural conditioner for your hair.
A face mask or a face pack prepared from orange peels and orange pulp is extremely effective for exfoliating and brightening your skin. Some of the amazing face packs made from oranges and their peels are as follows:
1. To treat oily skin, make a smooth paste of orange juice and yogurt and apply it all over your face and neck and rinse it with fresh water after 15 or 20 minutes. This pack will give you a relaxing and cooling sensation and will also help you get smooth and glowing skin.
2. To get instant smooth and clear skin, mix orange juice with flour and honey and make a creamy paste and apply it on your face and rinse it with water after 20 minutes.
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3. To get acne-free skin, make a mixture of 2 tablespoon of fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoon of lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of honey, then apply it on your face and affected areas and wash it off after 15 minutes. This pack will give you smooth, blemish-free skin.
4. Make a paste of multani mitti, orange juice, and milk powder and soak the mixture for 30 minutes and apply it on your face. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. This face pack will enhance your skin tone and will give you a radiant look.
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5. Make a paste of dried orange peel, sandalwood powder, water, milk, and rosewater and apply it on your face and neck for 30 minutes and wash it off with fresh water. Avoid using milk if you have acne prone skin.
6. You can try out these orange face packs at home and get clear and beautiful glowing skin. Oranges are highly beneficial when consumed or when applied topically, so include the intake and usage of orange in your regular diet to stay healthy and to prevent yourself from contracting various ailments.
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