EAT MORE CITRUS FRUITS!
Citrus fruits; including lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines (mandarins) are excellent sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients, including vitamin C, fiber, folate and potassium. Read on to find out 7 reasons to eat citrus fruits.
1. They’re Rich in Vitamins and Plant Compounds : Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, a nutrient that strengthens the immune system and keeps your skin smooth and elastic. They also have good amounts of other vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly, including B vitamins, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and copper. Additionally, they are rich in plant compounds that have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
2. They’re a Good Source of Fiber : Citrus fruits are a good source of fiber. Just one cup of orange segments contains four grams of fiber. Fiber has several health benefits, including improving digestive health and aiding weight loss. Compared to other fruits and vegetables, citrus fruits are unique in that they have a higher ratio of soluble to insoluble fiber.
3. Citrus Fruits Are Low in Calories : If you’re watching your calorie intake, citrus fruits are a good choice. They’re low in calories, yet their water and fiber contents help fill you up.
4. They May Reduce Your Risk of Kidney Stones : Kidney stones are painful mineral crystals. They can form when your urine is very concentrated or when you have higher-than-normal amounts of stone-forming minerals in your urine. One type of kidney stone is caused by low levels of citrate in urine. Many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, can raise the levels of citrate in your urine, lowering the risk of kidney Stones. Drinking citrus juices and eating these fruits can offer a natural alternative to potassium citrate supplements.
5. They May Help Fight or Protect Against Cancer : Citrus fruits contain a host of plant compounds, including flavonoids, that may help protect against cancer. Some of these flavonoids act as antioxidants and may block the expression of certain genes that are responsible for some degenerative diseases, including cancer. Citrus fruits may also help fight cancer by suppressing cancers, blocking the formation of new cancers and making carcinogens inactive.
6. They Contain Nutrients That Boost Heart Health : Eating citrus fruits could be good for your heart. Several compounds in citrus fruits can improve markers of heart health. And many of the flavonoids in citrus fruits, including one called naringin, are strong antioxidants that benefit the heart in several ways.
7. They May Protect Your Brain : The flavonoids in citrus fruits may help ward off neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which result from the breakdown of cells in the nervous system. In part, these diseases are caused by inflammation. Flavonoids found in citrus fruits have anti-inflammatory capabilities that are thought to help protect against the chain of events that causes the nervous system to deteriorate. Several studies in older adults have also shown that citrus juices may boost brain function.