Oranges are among the fruits richest in vitamins C, B, A and E, as well as minerals such as calcium, sugar, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. Vitamin C, in particular, is a powerful antioxidant found in high concentration in this fruit.
It promoted the burning of sugars and increases the absorption of iron. As the human body cannot produce this vitamin, it must be obtained regularly and continuously through diet.
The fibre in oranges benefits the digestive system by increasing bowel movement, which helps eliminate waste and prevent constipation. Orange juice also reduces the risk of gallstones that form in the gallbladder between the liver and the small intestine, as it breaks down cholesterol into bile acids. The juice further provides the body with water, as it contains about 85 per cent of it.
A glass of orange juice at breakfast may help relieve tension and stress caused by work and modern living conditions, which increase susceptibility to diseases and digestive disorders.
A study revealed the presence of a compound in citrus peels, particularly in oranges, that lowers cholesterol more effectively than some drugs designed for this purpose. After isolating the compound, scientists found that it reduces harmful cholesterol levels in the blood without causing the side effects associated with conventional medication, such as liver disease and muscle weakness.
This compound, known as polymethoxylated flavones (PMF), resembles the pigments found in all citrus fruits. It has shown effectiveness against serious illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and inflammation. The best-known members of this group are tangeretin and nobiletin. Orange and mandarin peels contain the highest levels of these compounds, although smaller amounts are also present in their juices.
The discovery remains under study, as laboratory experiments on mice showed that PMF reduced harmful cholesterol levels by about 40 per cent after the animals were injected with the substance.
Recent studies have also shown that carbohydrates found in orange peels possess significant health benefits. Pectin, an indigestible compound, has special biological properties and encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine, which in turn prevent intestinal and infectious diseases.
Experts said that these bioactive carbohydrates, known as oligosaccharides, are also present in certain fruits and vegetables. They are now used in many food products and animal feed. Scientists have recently identified anti-adhesive compounds that block the attachment of microbes to the intestinal walls.
Researchers are currently developing a new, efficient and inexpensive method for extracting bioactive pectin compounds from the abundantly available and low-cost orange peels.
According to an Australian study published recently, consuming one orange a day helps prevent certain types of cancer. The research found that daily intake of citrus fruits contributes to reducing the risk of mouth, throat and stomach cancers.
Eating citrus fruits daily, together with five additional portions of fruits and vegetables, may also reduce the likelihood of heart attacks by 19 per cent. Regular citrus consumption lowers oxidative stress in the blood, strengthens the immune system, reduces the development of inflammation and aids the body in resisting existing infections.
The Australian study, which examined 48 cases from different parts of the world, further concluded that citrus fruits have medical benefits in the treatment of arterial disease, obesity and diabetes. It also found that oranges contain the highest level of antioxidants among all citrus varieties.
