Posted on February 3, 2010.
Citrus and its many benefits Citrus fruits have long been known to have many health benefits. In the days of the first ocean crossings, sailors often became sick with scurvy due to vitamin C deficiency caused by a lack of citrus. Although vitamin C is no longer a problem, many people do not eat enough fruit citrus, which is a shame because the citrus is the most delicious and most nutritious fruits available. Whether you have a grapefruit for breakfast or an orange for breakfast, adding more citrus to your diet can do wonders for your health not to mention better eating habits. On citrus are obviously not limited to the standard orange and grapefruit, most large grocery stores have an endless variety of citrus fruit on their shelves, including pineapple, tomatoes, lemons, kumquats, mandarins, tangerines and lemons green.
Everyone knows that citrus fruits have large amounts of vitamin C to offer, but many citrus significant levels of other important nutrients such as potassium, as well. Take a closer look at what citrus have to offer.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of citrus, and it is true that most citrus are simply charged with this important vitamin. Vitamin C is perhaps the best studied of all vitamins, and it has shown promise in reducing the duration of colds, help wounds heal faster, and protect the body against the harmful effects of free radicals . Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin and gums, and since vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin in adequate amounts must be consumed every day. Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin C is not stored in the body. Therefore, eat at least a few servings per day of citrus and other vitamin C rich foods is so important. Fortunately, to obtain the recommended daily amount of vitamin C is not difficult, since a single orange contains 150% of recommended daily allowance to the Government of vitamin C.
Fiber
fiber content is often overlooked as a benefit of citrus. After all, most people cereals and grains picture when they think of the fiber. Even so, citrus fruits are a good source of dietary fiber, including soluble fiber is very important. Fiber plays a vital role in digestion, and studies have shown it can help reduce cholesterol levels in blood and even reduce the risk of some cancers.
Folate (folic acid)
Folate, or folic acid as it is also known, plays an essential role in early pregnancy, if all women of childbearing age are encouraged to consume adequate amounts of this important nutrient. Because one of the most critical moments during a pregnancy takes place before a woman knows she is pregnant. In addition to its importance in preventing many neural tube defects, folic acid also contributes to the production of red blood cells mature and helps prevent anemia. Citrus fruits are an excellent source of folic acid.
Potassium
Oranges are rich in potassium, which are non-citrus fruits such as bananas. Potassium is essential for a proper balance of fluids in the body, and to transmit signals between nerve cells. Potassium levels can be affected by excess consumption of caffeine and dehydration, so it is important to consume adequate levels of potassium daily. With all these things in their favor, it is easy to see why citrus is so important to the diet. Whatever your fitness goal ultimately, a diet rich in citrus fruits will help you get off to a good start. And with the many citrus varieties to choose from, it is easy to spice things up and bring variety to your healthy diet.
