Nutritional Facts About Oranges

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An orange offers many health benefits, other than merely being an excellent source of vitamin C. The following Story provides certain nutritional facts about this fruit.

Oranges are modified berries, and belong to a group of citrus fruits called the hesperidium. There are over 600 varieties of oranges, with some of the popular varieties being pineapple oranges, temple oranges, Washington navel, Valencia, etc.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae Order: Sapindales Family: Rutaceae Genus: Citrus Species: C. sinensis

Nutritional Information About Oranges

Oranges are among the most valuable food crops in America. Apart from being the best source of vitamin C, oranges are also a major source of calcium, phosphorous, potassium, citrus acid, beta-carotene, and certain essential aldehydes.

The predominant flavonoids present in oranges are Hesperetin and Narigenin, which is a bio-active compound, and acts an antioxidant and immunomodulator. These antioxidants neutralize the effects of free radicals and unstable oxygen molecules in the body. This helps in slowing the process of aging, and gives you a younger looking skin. It also helps in curbing diseases by increasing the immunity level of the body.

Oranges are also rich in Vitamin A, and other antioxidants like alpha and beta carotenes, beta-cryptoxanthin, zea-xanhin, and lutein. Vitamin A helps in maintaining a healthy mucous membrane and skin. It is also one of the most important vitamins to maintain a good eyesight.

Oranges are a good source of fiber. These little marvels of nature are fat-free, sodium-free, and cholesterol-free. The orange nutritional value further increases due to the presence of thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, magnesium, and copper.

Oranges provide excellent detoxification, as they are acidic, and have a pH value of 2.5-3.0, depending on the age, size, and variety of the fruit.

Oranges are rich in pectin, which is a bulk laxative, and is very effective for overweight individuals. Pectin protects the mucous membrane of the colon by decreasing its exposure to toxic substances. It also binds to the cancer-causing chemicals in the intestine, thus reducing the chances of cancer. Pectin decreases the re-absorption process in the intestine by binding to bile acids.

Orange juice helps in absorption of medicines in the body, thus helping in the biochemical and physiological effects of the medicine. The following table provides the nutritional content of one orange fruit:

Nutrients and their values are as given below: Energy: 62 kcal Fiber content: 3.1 g Ascorbic acid: 70 mg Folate: 40 mcg Potassium: 237 mg Water: 87% Protein: 1.0 g Sugar: 10.6 g Vit. A: 2 mcg Vit. C: 49 mg Vit. B1: 0.07 mg Vit. B2: 0.03 mg Vit. B6: 0.06 mg Vit. E: 0.1 mg

Oranges: Trivia

Orange is the fourth most popular fruit, and orange juice is the most popular juice in America. Brazil is the largest producer of oranges in the world Florida oranges are greener than the California oranges. The warm night climate in Florida causes the chlorophyll pigments to migrate into the orange peel making it greener.

It is possible for more than one plant to grow from a single seed of orange. The ripe oranges that are not plucked from trees, may turn green due to a process called re-greening. However, this effect does not hamper the taste and nutritional value. Oranges contain more fiber than most fruits and vegetables.

Oranges and orange blossoms are a symbol of love. More orange trees are killed by lightning, than plant diseases. Oranges were known as the fruits of the Gods. They were often referred as the 'golden apples' that were stolen by Hercules. There are over 35,000,000 orange trees in Spain.

Just as the color orange is a symbol of vitality, strength and endurance, the orange fruit helps to provide these three properties. However, it is advisable not to consume more than three oranges per day.