Updated on July 5, 2024
Do you know citrus fruits have surprising health benefits from boosting immunity to fighting against many diseases? Better to consume whole fruits. Avoid a lot of fruit juice because its high sugar content can lead to problems. Do you know what are citrus fruits?
What Are Citrus Fruits?
Citrus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the rue family, Rutaceae. Oranges, lemons, grapefruits, pomelos, and limes are citrus fruits. There are many more hybrids and varieties.
7 Health Benefits Of Citrus Fruits
- Rich in Vitamins and Plant Compounds
- Good Source of Fiber
- Contain Nutrients That Boost Heart Health
- Low in Calories
- May Reduce Your Risk of Kidney Stones
- May Help Fight or Protect Against Cancer
- May Protect Your Brain
References: Healthline
Why To Eat More Citrus Fruits?
Do you know why many health experts advise eating more citrus fruits? Because these fruits are packed with vitamins and plant compounds and also an excellent source of Vitamin-C that strengthens the immune system. Watch this video to know more about the surprising health benefits.
1. 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. In fact, just one medium orange has all the Vitamin-C you need in a day. Citrus fruits 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. May Reduce 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
3. May Help Fight Or Protect Against Cancer
Many studies have linked citrus fruits to a reduced risk of certain cancers. In one study, people who ate one grapefruit or drank one serving of grapefruit juice daily had a lower risk of lung cancer. Other studies have suggested that citrus fruits may also protect against esophageal, stomach, breast and pancreatic cancers. These fruits contain a host of plant compounds, including flavonoids, that may help protect against cancer.
4. Good Source Of Fiber
Citrus fruits are a good source of fibre. Just one cup of orange segments contains four grams of fibre. To put that in perspective, it’s recommended that you consume 14 grams of fibre for every 1,000 calories you eat. It’s estimated that only 4% of men and 13% of women in the US get that amount. Fibre has several health benefits, including improving digestive health and aiding weight loss. Oranges are particularly high in soluble fibre, the kind of fibre that helps lower cholesterol levels. Compared to other fruits and vegetables, citrus fruits are unique in that they have a higher ratio of soluble to insoluble fibre.
5. 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.
Source: YouTube
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Final Thoughts
From the above, you must have realised the health benefits of citrus fruits that are low in calories and sweet to eat. You can benefit from adding more citrus fruits to your diet to get health benefits and also boost your immune system. If you are under medication for any disease, you must seek the advice of your doctor before changing your diet. You should not eat any special food or fruits without advice from a health expert or dietician.
Related articles for further reading
- How To Boost Immune System With Food And Healthy Living
- How To Improve Memory? | Best Foods To Boost Your Brain and Memory
- Mood Boosting Foods | How to Use Food To Improve Your Mood?
- 5 Foods To Increase Weight In Toddlers
What is your favourite citrus fruit?
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Mathukutty P. V. is the founder of Simply Life Tips. He is a Blogger, Content Writer, Influencer, and YouTuber. He is passionate about learning new skills. He is the Director of PokketCFO.
He lives with the notion of “SIMPLE LIVING, CREATIVE THINKING”. He Believes – “Sharing is caring.” and “Learning never ends.”