What are the benefits and harms of oranges for the human body?

Orange is known not only for its distinct taste properties, but also for its benefits to human health. The question of the benefits of eating an orange remains relevant, since the fruit has a complex effect on the body.

Calorie content and chemical composition

The benefits of citrus fruit are directly related to its chemical composition, which is worth familiarizing yourself with if you are wondering what oranges are rich in. The composition contains the following useful components:

• retinol, which stimulates the immune system;
• ascorbic acid, which plays the role of an antioxidant and improves stress resistance;
• tocopherol, which controls the activity of the endocrine system and eliminates toxins;
• biotin, which stabilizes blood sugar.

In addition to the listed substances, orange fruits contain a number of other vitamins. It also contains minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and iron. The nutritional value of the fruit is 36-43 kcal per 100 g.

Benefits of orange for the body

The combination of useful macro- and microelements ensures the proper functioning of internal organs, cleanses the blood, improves appetite, promotes active energy production, and activates the process of rejuvenation and renewal of the skin.

Consumption standards

To reap the benefits of citrus fruits, you must adhere to a certain consumption rate. The standard indicator depends on the person’s age, health status and other factors.

For pregnant and lactating women

If pregnancy or lactation proceeds normally, it is allowed to consume 1-2 fruits daily. Doctors allow eating not only the pulp itself, but also the ground peel of the fruit, which is rich in beneficial vitamins.

Only those expectant mothers who have been diagnosed with gastrointestinal tract disease should stop eating citrus fruits. The ability to increase stomach acidity has a negative effect in the presence of ulcers or gastritis.

For children

Children are allowed to give citrus fruits in their pure form after reaching the age of three. The optimal consumption rate is a couple of slices per week. As you get older, you can increase the amount of fruit you eat, but it is important to do this gradually so as not to provoke allergies.

For the adult age group

For adults, it is enough to consume one orange 3-4 times a week to get maximum benefits for the body. It is important to take into account individual indications and reactions to the product.

Application

The characteristic taste, pronounced aroma and beneficial characteristics of orange significantly increase the possibilities of its use. The fruit is used for culinary, cosmetic and medical purposes.

In cooking

The pulp, zest and juice of oranges are used in the preparation of a large number of hot dishes and desserts. Varieties with a sweet and sour taste harmonize well with poultry, fish and some vegetables. Sweet varieties are often used in combination with spices, berries, and sweet fruits.

The peel of the fruit is suitable for making jam and various infusions. Marmalade, jams and pastilles are made from crushed pulp. Pieces of fresh fruit are added to mulled wine, tea and other drinks to add flavor.

In home cosmetology

There are many recipes for cosmetic products using orange for facial and body skin care. Masks, creams and lotions are useful for any skin type. The properties of citrus fruits have a biostimulating effect and a rejuvenating effect. The following useful remedies can be prepared at home:

1. Fresh juice. By soaking a cotton swab in the juice, you can treat the face and neck area.After a couple of hours, the skin is rinsed with cool water and allowed to dry without wiping.
2. Grated zest in an alcohol solution. After pouring half a glass of alcohol into the finely grated peel, it is necessary to soak the solution for a week, then filter and dilute with a spoonful of glycerin. The resulting lotion is suitable for porous facial skin.
3. Mask using orange juice. To make a mask, you need to mix a spoonful of oatmeal, a small amount of raw flour and the juice of one orange. To rejuvenate aging skin, it is enough to keep the mask on for 20-30 minutes.

In folk medicine

A large number of folk recipes also involve the use of oranges. Due to the beneficial characteristics of the fruit, it can serve as a remedy.

For metabolism, immunity and gastrointestinal tract

Regular consumption of oranges and the use of folk remedies containing pulp or juice help normalize metabolism and make the body function more smoothly. The vitamins contained in the fruit enhance protective functions, fight viral infections and regulate the digestive process.

For the heart and blood

The risk of heart and cardiovascular diseases is reduced by flavonoids that are present in orange juice. The substances have antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects. Useful elements inhibit the development of inflammatory reactions that occur in the vascular system due to frequent consumption of fatty foods.

For diabetes

In patients with diabetes, the basis of nutrition is healthy food. The diet should contain a large amount of vegetables and fruits, including citrus fruits.The high antioxidant content in oranges makes them desirable for diabetes. Eating the fruit saturates the body with vitamins A, C and E, as well as beta-carotene.

For prevention

Periodic consumption of citrus fruit improves immunity and keeps the body in good shape. For preventive purposes, it is enough to consume 2-4 oranges per week.

Contraindications for use

Despite the high content of beneficial components, in some cases orange can be harmful to health. Contraindications are the presence of stomach ulcers and acute intestinal disorders.

How to choose when purchasing?

When choosing fruits, you need to pay attention to a number of signs. The color of the peel should be rich and uniform, which indicates sufficient ripeness. On fruits of sweet varieties, the peel has small spots of red color.

When buying fruit, it is recommended to feel them to avoid damaged, loose or softened specimens.

Tasty and juicy fruits, as a rule, are distinguished by increased weight, so you should choose heavier fruits. Also, ripe fruits have a pronounced sweet aroma.

How to store oranges at home?

At standard room temperature, oranges can be stored for a week without losing their original characteristics. The fruits are stored in the refrigerator for several weeks, depending on their degree of ripening. It is allowed to keep fruits in dark and cool rooms with low humidity.