The perfect mix of sweet and sour flavors provided by citrus fruits make them the most flavored and sought-after fruits around the world.There are many more amazing things about citrus fruits that you are not yet aware of, and they will completely blow your mind. Below are 8 health benefits of Citrus Fruits-
1. They’re 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.
Vitamin C
2. They’re a Good Source of Fiber
Citrus fruits are a good source of fiber. Just one cup of orange segments contains four grams of fiber.
Fiber has several health benefits, including improving digestive health and aiding weight loss.
Oranges are particularly high in soluble fiber, the kind of fiber 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 fiber.
Fiber
3. Citrus Fruits Are Low in Calories
If you’re watching your calorie intake, citrus fruits are a good choice.
They’re low in calories, yet their water and fiber contents help fill you up.
Low Calorie
4. They May Reduce Your Risk of Kidney Stones
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.
Drinking citrus juices and eating these fruits can offer a natural alternative to potassium citrate supplements.
Less Kidney Stones
5. They 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.
Protect Against Cancer
6. They Contain Nutrients That Boost Heart Health
Eating citrus fruits could be good for your heart.
In fact, a Japanese study found that people who ate higher amounts of these fruits had lower rates of heart disease and stroke.
Boost Heart Health
7. They may help shorten colds
It’s no secret that citrus delivers a healthy dose of vitamin C. And while vitamin C can’t prevent colds, research suggests it might reduce the duration and severity of them. Studies show that the vitamin could help shorten the duration of your symptoms by about a day—which can make a big difference when you’re feeling unwell.
Can Shorten Cold
8. They’re hydrating
Like cucumbers, watermelon, and tomatoes, citrus fruits have a high water content (oranges are 87% water and grapefruits are 88%). Eating plenty of water-rich foods such as citrus can help you stay hydrated, which is important for quenching your thirst as well as helping you consume enough fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration and help the body’s systems function properly.
They’re Hydrating
Citrus fruits are also high in vitamin C, and are good sources of potassium. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and protects the body from damaging free radicals. It is also required for the synthesis of collagen, which helps wounds heal and helps hold blood vessels, tendons, ligaments and bone together. Potassium is a mineral and electrolyte that is essential for the function of nerves, heart contraction, and some enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. The vitamin C in citrus fruit strongly enhances the absorption of iron in food. Vitamin C binds to iron in the digestive tract and the iron-vitamin C complex is absorbed together.