Nutrient Brief: Audacious Orange

Originating in China and now largely grown in Brazil, California, and Florida, oranges have become one of the most popular eaten citrus fruits in America. Largely known for its sweet tangy taste, it is also known for its abundance in health benefits.

Vitamin C (53.2mg per unit) is the most common know health benefit. The recommended daily value for people 19 and up is 75mg for women and 90mg for men. The main purpose of Vitamin C is to disarm free radicals that are both inside and outside the cell. The damage caused inside a cell to the DNA from free radicals is what results in cancer. Citrus in general helps prevent cancers of the esophagus, mouth, larynx and pharynx. Also, Vitamin is widely known for preventing colds. It helps boost your immune systems to help fight off any nasty cold your friend or child unknowingly passed on to you.

Vitamin C has proven that it can also help lower cholesterol. The orange peel, which is used in culinary cooking as a “zest”, is a GREAT source of a protein called pectin (2.40g per unit). This has been shown to, also, help in the process of lowering cholesterol.

There have been studies that oranges can have good effect on prevent cardiovascular disease as well as helping preventing Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Now, going to your favorite grocery store and buying a jug of orange juice will not suffice in getting you all the nutrient/benefits I have listed for you. The best way to get these benefits is to enjoy a fresh squeezed glass of OJ or simply eat an orange!   

Jana Campbell, NPTI

Fitness Together Fitness/Nutrition Coach

(please recognize Jana Campbell as author when sharing this article)