It may not be the season for oranges, but this fruit is known to have several benefits and is among the most popular fruits around the world. Oranges can be had not only as a snack but also as a major recipe ingredient in various dishes. They’re mainly available in two categories – sweet and bitter, with the former being the type most commonly consumed. Generally, an orange should have smoothly textured skin and be firm and heavy for its size. These will have higher juice content than those that are either spongy or lighter in weight.

Benefits of oranges:

•    Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C. One orange supplies approximately 116.2 % of the required amount of vitamin C. Good intake of vitamin C is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer, as it helps to get rd of free radicals that damage our DNA.

•    Anti-oxidants in oranges help protect skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging. An orange a day can help us look young even at 50!

•    Oranges, being rich on vitamin B6, helps support the production of hemoglobin and also helps keep blood pressure under check due to presence of magnesium.

•    Fiber in oranges helps by keeping blood sugar levels under control thereby making oranges a healthy snack for people with diabetes. The natural fruit sugar in oranges, fructose, can help keep blood sugar levels from rising too high after eating.

•    Consumption of foods rich in beta cryptoxanthin, an orange-red carotenoid found in highest amounts in oranges, corn and pumpkin may significantly lower one’s risk of developing lung cancer.

Oranges, like most citrus fruits, produce more juice when warmer; extract juice when they are at room temperature. Rolling the orange under the palm of your hand on a flat surface will also help extract more juice. Vitamin C gets destroyed fast when exposed to air, so eat an orange quickly once cut up. Stay healthy, Live happily!!

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