The Benefits of Citrus Fruit

The Benefits of Citrus Fruit

When people think of the health benefits of citrus fruit, most concentrate on its high vitamin C content, but there is so much more to citrus than vitamin C.

Good Source of Fibre

An average sized orange contains around 2.3 grams of fibre, of which 50% is soluble.  Not only does this help lower cholesterol levels, it also makes it a great food for dieting, as you feel full for longer.  Keeping our cholesterol levels in check obviously reduces our risk heart disease.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is vital to bone formation and is a great antioxidant.  It produces collagen which makes up 90 per cent of our bone matrix.  Collagen is also necessary for the repair of growth of blood vessels which in turn assists in the treatment of high blood pressure and helps prevent heart disease. The ongoing health of teeth and gums also benefit.

Vitamin C also has a role to play in the formation of hormones, amino acids and carnitine.  Since Linus Pauling (Nobel Prize winner) first wrote of the benefits of high doses of vitamin C for the prevention of the common cold, there has been much debate around this contentious subject.

Potassium et al

Everyone knows that bananas have large quantities of potassium, but few people realise that citrus also contains this mineral.  Potassium has many health benefits including helping to reduce the risk of a stroke and counteracting the negative effects of a high salt intake.

Citrus fruit also contains phosphorous, magnesium, B vitamins and copper.  Each piece of fruit is also packed full of antioxidants.

Absorbing Nutrients and Preventing Kidney Stones

Lemons, in particular, are known for their ability to help the body better absorb nutrients from food.  Lemons, with their high concentration of citrate, are also known to help prevent kidney stones.

Other Benefits

  • Healthy skin
  • Promotes heart health
  • Low glycaemic index score
  • Hydrating
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