The orange is the fruit of the sweet edible orange very abundant in vitamin C, flavonoids and essential oils. The fruits have the particularity that its pulp is formed by numerous vesicles full of juice.
Its nutritional composition, highlights its low energy value, thanks to its high water content and its wealth of vitamin C, folic acid and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium.
The latter is barely absorbed by the body. It contains appreciable quantities of beta-carotene, responsible for its typical colour and known for its antioxidant properties; in addition to malic, oxalic, tartaric and citric acids, the latter enhances the action of vitamin C.
The amount of fiber is appreciable and it is found mainly in the white part between the pulp and the rind, so its consumption favors intestinal transit.
Vitamin C is involved in the formation of collagen, bones and teeth, red blood cells and promotes the absorption of iron from food and resistance to infection. The provitamin A or beta carotene is transformed into vitamin A in our body as it needs it. This vitamin is essential for vision, good condition of the skin, hair, mucous membranes, bones and for the proper functioning of the immune system.
Folic acid is involved in the production of red and white blood cells, in the synthesis of genetic material and the formation of antibodies in the immune system. Potassium is a mineral necessary for the transmission and generation of the nervous impulse and for normal muscular activity, it intervenes in the water balance inside and outside the cell. Magnesium is related to the functioning of the intestine, nerves and muscles, is part of bones and teeth, improves immunity and has a mild laxative effect. Malic and citric acids have a disinfectant action and alkaline the urine.
Oranges, thanks to their pleasant taste and refreshing properties, are one of the main table fruits, and are very popular and consumed by the entire population.
Orange juice is usually the first taste of fruit that babies try, and from 5 months the only complementary contribution of vitamin C to the diet, among other nutrients. They are the ideal size for individual consumption.
Due to its abundance in folic acid, an essential vitamin in the processes of cell division and multiplication that take place in the first months of gestation, the consumption of oranges is especially interesting for pregnant women, although due to its acid composition it can cause acidity in pregnant women with delicate stomachs.
In case of iron-deficiency anemia, it is very useful and advisable to consume this fruit with foods rich in iron or iron supplements. Vitamin C notably increases the absorption of iron and this accelerates the recovery.
For athletes, for its content in potassium, vitamin C, carotenoids and other nutrients, is a good alternative to replace minerals and liquid lost after physical activity and to minimize the risk of injury and strengthen the defenses.
The orange juice mixed with water, bicarbonate and sugars can do perfectly the functions of rehydrating drink during the competition in sports that have a duration greater than 90 minutes, in which the losses of glucose, water and electrolytes are more pronounced.
The high content of water, potassium and citric acid (alkalinizes the urine), turn oranges into fruits with diuretic effect, beneficial in case of hyperuricemia or gout and renal lithiasis (favors the elimination of uric acid and its salts), arterial hypertension or other diseases associated with fluid retention. However, people who suffer from renal insufficiency and who require special diets controlled in potassium, should moderate consumption.
It strengthens the body's defenses and prevents and fights infectious processes of viral or bacterial origin. The consumption of orange in winter is ideal to prevent colds and flu.
Maintains healthy gums, teeth and bones. The orange is the citrus richest in calcium and also contains magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin C essential for good maintenance and growth of bones. It is highly recommended in case of osteoporosis, rickets and periods of bone growth.
It keeps the skin healthy. Vitamin C helps to form collagen, essential for the epidermis. Helps rejuvenate the cells of the body: By containing so much Vitamin, the orange increases the cellular vitality of the body, and sets in motion most body functions. This process helps rejuvenate the body's cells.
Its use in the kitchen
The grated orange peel can replace the lemon peel in many recipes such as custard, milk pudding, among others.
The segments can be added to salads with watercress, endive, beetroot, red onion, lamb's lettuce, endive and other fruits.
In sweet desserts such as salty dishes, can be spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, tarragon among others.
They combine very well with bitter chocolate and carob, and are essential in fruit salad, to which they give juiciness and texture, as well as helping other fruits such as banana do not blacken.
Benefits of orange peel
Normally, when you have oranges for dessert or juice, the usual thing is to throw away the peel. But did you know it has a lot of benefits?
You can use the peel as a home-made natural medicine solution for its multiple healing properties, use it in dessert dishes, drinks and meals, and even as an air freshener or as an insect repellent!
Promotes digestion.
Take it as an infusion to relieve stomach and intestinal problems, as thanks to its high number of phytonutrients and flavonoids (it has more than the internal pulp), it has great anti-inflammatory properties.
Against infections. The orange peel is rich in natural antioxidants (vitamins A, like all orange fruits and vegetables, and vitamin C of course) that promote the proper functioning of the immune system and also fight infections.
Helps lower cholesterol. The orange peel contains hespetidine, a type of flavonoid with great properties to metabolize fat in the blood, and reduce it to facilitate its elimination.
To lose weight. For its ability to promote the elimination of fat, the orange peel infusion, is recommended to accompany the diet.
Making infusions of orange peel is as easy as boiling water for a cup, grate the orange peel and put it in the water (use only one and a half tablespoons, which is enough for an infusion). Let it boil for five minutes and let it rest for another three. That's it!
You can add some ice cubes and a little ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick, a little honey if you like sweet. Fresh, healthy and delicious.
If you want to benefit from the properties of the orange peel and you are a sweet tooth or chocolate lover, we recommend the Delights of Orange and Chocolate, handcrafted from the natural peel of oranges and bathed in cocoa. It's like a candy but much healthier!
Contraindications of the Orange
Its consumption in people with gastric problems is not advisable, they can generate acidity.
It is not advisable if you suffer from kidney stones because the oxalic acid contained in oranges can form salts with certain minerals such as calcium and form calcium oxalate, so its consumption should be taken into account if you suffer from this type of kidney stones, as it could aggravate the situation.
If you want extensive information on the many benefits that orange offers us for our health, I invite you to visit the following link: https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-oranges-for-skin-hair-and-health/#gref
And you, what do you think of the multiple benefits that the orange offers us?
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