There’s no denying oranges are delicious and nutritious. But do you know all seven of these amazing health benefits of oranges? You’ll want to eat one right now!

You know that oranges have a ton of health benefits. After all, you likely grew up hearing that — without a shadow of a doubt — vitamin C is good for you! 

Drinking OJ or snacking on an orange is undeniably tasty. They make the perfect addition to any meal, or you can eat an orange as a midday snack! 

If you’ve been wondering how exactly oranges help your body, read on. 

Let’s learn about the ins and outs of oranges and their never-ending health benefits!

1. Excellent Source of Fiber

Oranges have a lot of fiber. That’s good news because fiber has many health benefits. More specifically, it aids in better digestion and keeps your cholesterol at a healthy level. 

Besides better digestion, the fiber in oranges also helps control your appetite! How it works is that it slows down digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer. 

Maintaining bowel health is vital, especially in the long run.

Do you want to know about another fantastic benefit of fiber? 

It also allows you to live a longer life, according to studies.

If you’re looking to improve your digestion and live longer, fit more oranges into your diet.

2. Prevents Kidney Stones 

Oranges have citric acid and citrates, which can prevent kidney stones from developing.

Citrates can prevent and, in some cases, treat kidney stones. It reduces the supersaturation of urine by binding with urinary calcium. Yes, I know that’s a mouthful! 

The result of its binding with calcium is it prevents crystal growth. You don’t want too many crystals to hang out in your body; otherwise, it may result in kidney stones. 

So you can see why citrates from oranges are your friend!

3. Protects Your Mental Health

You can find flavonoid antioxidants in oranges, which combat oxidative stress. When your body gets overwhelmed with too much oxidative stress, you can get depressed. 

There’s hope, though. Flavonoid antioxidants may improve your mental health. According to studies, it may provide a lower depression risk. 

Researchers say they still need to do more research on the topic. But incorporating more flavonoid antioxidants seems effective in preventing depression

4. Prevents Anemia

If you’ve struggled with anemia before, then you’ll be happy to learn that oranges help with this as well. 

People get anemic due to a lack of iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. In some cases, the body may not absorb vitamins properly, which can result in malabsorption. Oranges don’t have iron, but they have both vitamin C and citric acid, which helps the body better absorb iron. 

Upping your vitamin C levels may combat anemia. Even so, If you’re feeling overly tired or not feeling well, it may be a good idea to have your iron levels checked out. 

5. Protects the Heart 

Flavonoids from oranges also fend off heart disease. As you may know, heart disease is the number one killer of both women and men in the US. It’s also important to take note that women aren’t always aware they have heart disease. It takes being extra vigilant and aware of the symptoms. 

But back to how vitamin C can protect the heart. Researchers say that drinking orange juice thins out blood and reduces blood pressure. 

Since high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, work hard to keep it at a healthy level. Eating oranges results in having a healthy and strong heart! 

6. Reduces DNA Damage 

DNA gets damaged for many reasons. It may get damaged from too much exposure from sunshine, radiation, or a poor diet. When your DNA gets damaged, it increases your risk of getting cancer.

Luckily, nutrients from oranges reduce DNA damage and the risk of getting cancer. With the combination of vitamin C, folic acid, and antioxidants, your body can fend off the bad guys.

7.  Lowers Blood Pressure

Oranges also have potassium, which can protect you from getting a stroke. 

Potassium has a big job in the body. It regulates how your muscles work, nerve signals, and maintains a balance of fluids. This mineral also reduces the amount of salt you have in your body. 

Due to all this, potassium helps your body maintain healthy blood pressure levels. When your blood pressure is where it’s supposed to be, having a stroke is unlikely.

Keep in mind you don’t want to eat too many oranges, though. Having too much potassium can result in weakened muscles. Like most things, it’s essential to eat oranges in moderation.

Bonus: Offers Plenty of Vitamin C

I can’t end this article without further acknowledging what oranges are famous for. Oranges, of course, are infamous for offering plenty of vitamin C! 

Don’t underestimate the power of vitamin C. It offers a never-ending amount of health benefits. A few benefits are reducing inflammation and producing collagen. 

Vitamin C also assists with: 

  • Keeping your immune system functioning
  • It helps with the formation of collagen
  • Maintains healthy bones and teeth
  • Potentially diminishes the fine lines on your face

Do your best to make sure you’re getting vitamin C from oranges as often as you can. Your body will thank you! 

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Conclusion

Even if you don’t like eating oranges by themselves, there are many ways to incorporate them. 

Need some ideas? 

Here are a few ways to include them into your diet more: 

  • Orange juice
  • Smoothie with orange juice
  • Orange salsa (Yes, you read that correctly!)
  • Asian-inspired chicken wrap
  • Orange lemonade
  • Add it to your salad
  • Fruit kabobs
  • Popsicles 

I don’t know about you, but I never thought I could eat this tasty fruit in so many ways! 

So, have you eaten any oranges today? 

It’s time to make time for this orange fruit. Its nutrients will help you stay healthy and ward off all sorts of health conditions!

[Author Bio] 

Caitlin Sinclair is the Property Manager at 21Lux with five years of property management experience and many more in Customer Service. She shares her passion for her community and looks forward to making 21Lux the place to call home.

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