Apart from being delicious, citrus fruits have unique benefits that set them apart from other types of fruit.
Let's learn more about these fruits and their health benefits:
The different citrus fruits that we have today are hybrids from three species: the pummelo, the mandarin orange, and the citron. The plants that produce these fruits have evergreen leaves, and the fruits contain leathery rinds that conceal the flesh.
Citrus fruits have segments, and each one contains pulp. The best way to tell when the fruit is ripe is when the flesh turns soft and the rind changes color.
Here are a few benefits of citrus for your health:
HEART HEALTH
Citrus carries loads of flavonoids (antioxidants) that neutralize harmful free radicals. They protect us against heart disease by promoting blood flow through our arteries. They boost good HDL and prevent bad LDL cholesterol from forming.
HEALS THE SKIN FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Citrus has high levels of vitamin C. One orange has more than 100% of the recommended daily dose, and organic oranges may have even more. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps in the production of collagen. It helps heal wounds and form the cells that bind our bones, blood vessels, tendons, and ligaments.
This vitamin also helps to absorb the iron in our food and reduce the recovery time from and symptoms of the common cold.
CITRUS IS HIGH IN FOLATE.
Folate helps our bodies to make DNA. It also contributes to reducing the risk of depression and Alzheimer's disease.
HELPS IN WEIGHT LOSS
Citrus fruits hold a lot of water and have soluble and insoluble fiber. Both types of fiber help you feel full longer, and that can help you lose weight. It can also help avoid constipation. Grapefruit is particularly excellent for weight loss efforts.
CITRUS IS A POWERFUL FLAVOR ENHANCER.
Using lemon juice to flavor your food while cooking can help you cut down on your salt use.
CITRUS DOESN'T SPIKE YOUR BLOOD SUGAR.
Grapefruit and Oranges have low glycemic index scores, meaning they release sugar gradually into the bloodstream. Therefore, eating one does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
Note: When adding citrus to your diet, do so with whole fruit rather than juice. Most packaged juices at the grocery store contain excess sugar.
A fantastic way to boost your citrus intake is to add it to salads. Sections of orange go well with beets, dark greens, fish, and other healthy foods.
CITRUS MAY HELP YOU LIVE LONGER.
A study showed that older women and men who ate at least two servings of citrus each week had a reduced mortality rate than those who ate it less than once per week on average.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team
