If you’re looking for a fruit that packs a flavorful punch and is also good for your health, look no further than the orange.
These tangy fruits are full of nutrients that can boost your immune system and help you relax when you’re feeling stressed. Below, we’ll explore some of the benefits of this delicious fruit, and why you should consider adding more oranges to your diet.
What Makes Oranges Healthy?
Oranges are rich in a variety of nutrients that are essential for good health. Perhaps most notably, oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is important for immune system function.
In fact, just one orange can provide you with up to 116% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
In addition to vitamin C, oranges also contain a variety of other vitamins and minerals, including:.
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B6
- Folate
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Thiamine
These nutrients help keep your body functioning properly by supporting things like heart health, brain health, and digestion. They also help reduce inflammation in your body, which is a key factor in many chronic diseases.
How Do Oranges Help Protect You?
One of the key benefits of oranges is that they help boost your immune system, which can help protect you from illness.
In addition to vitamin C, oranges also contain compounds called flavonoids, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits, including:.
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Improved heart health
- Reduced risk of cancer
Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants, which means they help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Free radical damage is a major contributor to aging and disease, so getting enough flavonoids in your diet is important for overall health.
How Do Oranges Relieve Stress?
In addition to protecting your body from illness, oranges can also help you relax and reduce stress. One of the ways they do this is by stimulating the production of serotonin in your brain.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that’s often called the “feel-good” hormone because of its mood-boosting effects.
To get the most benefit from oranges for stress relief, try eating them with the white peels on. The white part of the orange peel contains a compound called hesperidin, which has been shown to have calming effects.
Hesperidin works by reducing inflammation in the brain, which can lead to improved mood and reduced anxiety.
How to Eat More Oranges
If you’re not used to eating oranges regularly, it can be tough to figure out how to incorporate them into your diet. Here are a few ideas to get you started:.
- Eat an orange as a snack
- Make fresh orange juice
- Add orange slices to a salad
- Bake an orange chicken recipe
Remember, the more you eat oranges, the better you’ll feel. Try to eat at least one orange a day to get all the health benefits they have to offer.
Conclusion
Oranges are a delicious and healthy fruit that have a variety of benefits for your mind and body. They help boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, and even relieve stress.
By incorporating more oranges into your diet, you can start reaping these benefits and feeling better every day.