Why should we eat Oranges?

Nature has given us a lot of fruits & vegetables. All fruits have unique characteristics. Oranges or citrus fruits are known for its abundance of Vitamin C, although it has other important nutrients such as Fiber, Potassium, Vitamin A etc.

 MAIN NUTRIENTS OF ORANGE

Amount	100	g
Calories	47-50	kcal
GI (Glycemic Index)	45
Potassium	174	mg
Calcium	40	mg
Magnesium	10	mg
Sugar	9	g
Fiber	2.4	g
Vitamin C	53-54.5	mg

 Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6

Manganese, Phosphorus, Zinc, Iron, Water

Human cannot synthesize Vitamin C due to mutation in GULO (Gulonolactone Oxidase) gene. Gulonolactone Oxidase enzyme catalyzes the last step in bio-synthesis of Vitamin C, while plant synthesize Ascorbic acid by Mannose or Galactose. So, we need to take Vitamin C from outside sources (vegetables & fruits).

MAJOR BENEFITS OF ORANGE

Vitamin C of orange performs a lot of function in human body. It's work as a co-factor and as an electron donor .

Collagen formation

Vitamin C helps in the synthesis of Collagen. Actually, Vitamin C helps in the formation of Hydroxylated pro peptide which is essential substrate for further Collagen synthesis steps.

Collagen is present in all multicellular organisms. It is present in most organs of the body, and it is also a major fibrous element of skin, bones, tendons, cartilages, blood vessels and teeth. 

In Vitamin C deficiency resulting of the weakening of collagen fibers, this leads to wrinkle on face or skin, joint pain, bone pain, digestive issues and poor wound healing that is characteristic of Scurvy.

Boost Immunity

Vitamin C has antioxidant properties which helps to fight against pathogens. Vitamin C accumulates in phagocytic cells and help to kill the microbes. It enhances the differentiation and proliferation of B and T cells. It's antioxidant property also helped for Apoptosis (Programmed cell death) and decreasing necrosis.

Prevent from Cancer

Free radicals are unstable byproduct of body which produces after metabolic processes of body. These free radicals can modify the structure of DNA Which can cause cancer or tumor.

Antioxidant are free radical Scavengers.

D-limonene occurs in the citrus fruits peel. It is used to prevent cancer b'coz D-limonene exhibits antitumor activity by inducing autophagy and apoptosis.

Reduce Cholesterol

D-limonene has been used to dissolve Cholesterol containing gallstone. It is also used for relief of heartburn.                                                    
According to the research Polymethoxylated flavones (PMF) which occurs in peel of citrus fruit reduced cholesterol.

PMF are able to reduce cholesterol by inhibition of Lipogenesis (formation of fat) and by enhancement of lipid uptake by liver.

Other benefits of Oranges

Oranges are helpful to treat constipation due to highly rich in Fiber. This helps in smooth function of stomach and intestine.

Oranges have Carotenoid. Carotenoid helps in synthesis of Vitamin A, which is good for eye health.

This fruit is good for Diabetic patient because it has low glycemic index. Foods that have GI under 50 are considered to be low in sugar, but do not eat too much.

Orange is  helpful in cardiovascular health because it is high in Potassium.

Harmful effects of Oranges

You can make a good relationship with food by conscious eating. Eating Oranges in the moderate amount, there are no significant side effects. But eating in excess may trigger diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal cramp, headache.

Orange peel may have capability to extract heavy metal's contamination from river water.