Dr Raouf Farag

Most people enjoy eating citrus fruits simply because they are delicious, and many do not realize they are consuming something healthy. Citrus is loaded with vitamin C, and there are additional nutrients extremely good for the body. The most common citrus fruits are oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruit, and tangerines.

The Fibre

Women’s bodies need 25 grams of fiber every day, and citrus helps with this goal. One orange has as much as 2.3 grams of fiber. This can help regulate glucose levels and decrease cholesterol. The fiber found in citrus is also insoluble, meaning it aids the digestive system, and helps keep the body regular. Foods rich in fiber keep people feeling satisfied and full length, so citrus is a terrific snack for anyone wanting to lose weight. For more information on the nutrients in citrus, please visit Simfresh.

The Heart

Citrus contains a plant compound called flavonoids that may have positive attributes for the heart. A study was conducted with people who had bypass surgery. The study concluded that the antioxidants found in red grapefruit helped decrease the triglyceride levels and the LDL, or bad cholesterol. There has additionally been a link established between reducing the risks of heart disease and vitamin C.

The Glycemic Index

Using the 100 point scale, the glycemic index of citrus fruits is low. This means unlike many other foods, citrus does not tend to spike blood sugar levels. The score for an orange is 45, and a grapefruit is only 25. When compared to the 72 score of a bagel, the glucose contained in citrus fruits is much lower and enters the bloodstream much slower. This provides energy without a crash.

The Cold

Citrus contains a large amount of vitamin C. An orange has 51 mg, a lemon 30 mg, and a grapefruit 28 mg. Although vitamin C is not capable of stopping anyone from catching a cold, research has shown it may lessen the severity and reduce the duration. Vitamin C may reduce the length of time symptoms are experienced by a full day.

The Potassium

Most people associate potassium with a banana, but citrus is also high in potassium. This is important for mineral balance, fluid regulation and muscle contraction. Potassium can also help counter the amount of salt in the body because it helps flush the sodium out of the body. This does not mean anyone should consume large amounts of salt, but the citrus will help with a reasonable consumption. Eating citrus high in potassium will reduce the risk of numerous heart diseases, and decrease the risk of having a stroke by 21 percent.

The Absorption

Citrus helps the body make the most of the other nutrients consumed. Citrus boosts the benefits of the antioxidants found in green tea and helps increase the absorption of iron for the immune system, and the production of red blood cells. When citrus is paired with foods rich in iron including fish, leafy greens, meat and poultry, the result is a maximization of the nutritional benefits. For more information about healthy citrus, please visit Simfresh. 

The Hydration

Certain foods including tomatoes, watermelon, and cucumber have a higher content of water. Grapefruits contain 88 percent water, and oranges 87 percent. Foods rich in water including citrus help the body remain hydrated, quench the thirst, help prevent dehydration, and aid the systems of the body in proper functioning. Foods rich in water are also low in calories and filling. The recommended amount of water for men each day is 125 ounces, and women 91 ounces.

Younger Looking Skin

Vitamin C may have benefits for the skin because it helps in the production of collagen. This is what helps the skin look smooth and supple. According to an American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study conducted in 2007, the individuals who consumed a lot of vitamin C had less dry skin and wrinkles than those without a high content of citrus in their diet. Although additional research is necessary, the current research supports vitamin C being good for the skin.

The Weight Loss

Citrus not only has a delicious, juicy taste, it has minimal to no calories or fat. There are only 45 calories in an orange, and this makes citrus extremely diet friendly. Research has also established a link between low levels of vitamin C and the percentage of fat in the body, the circumference of the waist and higher BMI’s. Citrus is additionally versatile, and can be squeezed or grated to enhance the taste of fish, chicken, and salads. Citrus juice makes an excellent base for sauces and dressings and adds color to any dish. A nice, subtle flavor is added to a glass of water simply by dropping in a couple slices of lemon or lime.