You already know that citrus like oranges, lemons, lime, and grapefruit is an excellent source of immune-boosting Vitamin
C which is why so many people reach for these fruits.
Citrus offers many health benefits.
The juicy, colorful fruits packed with nutrients.
Good source of Fibre:
Women should aim to consume about 25 grams of fiber per
day and citrus can help you meet that goal. One orange serves up to 2.3 grams of fiber. About two-thirds of the fiber in citrus fruits is soluble fiber, which has been linking to lower and help regulate glucose level, explain registered
deitition wendy bazilian,
The remaining fiber is insoluble, which adds bulk to our digestive system and helps keep us regular, Bazilian adds. Fiber packed fruit like citrus keeps us satisfied longer than less fibrous foods, making them a great snack for weight loss.
Good for your heart:
Citrus contains flavonoids, plant compounds that may promote heart health. (says registered dietitian Keri Gans author of the small change diet).
In a study of patients who had undergone bypass surgery published in the journal of agriculture and food chemistry researchers found that anti-oxidant rich red grapefruit helped lower LDL bad cholesterol and triglycerides levels.
Vitamin C has also been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. However,
If you taking cholesterol-lowering
statins, skip
grapefruit, which may interfere with these medications.
Low glycemic index
Citrus fruit has relatively low glycemic index scores on the 100 points scale, meaning they won't spike your blood sugar as much as some other foods.
An orange, for example, a score of
45 and a grapefruit have 25, raisins have a score of 64.
This means the glucose in citrus fruit
is released into your bloodstream, offering you a steady feeling of energy without a crash later on.
Help shorten colds:
It's no secret that citrus delivers a healthy dose of
Vitamin.
51mg in an orange
38 mg in a grapefruit
30 mg in a lemon.
While vitamin C can't prevent
a cold, research suggests it might reduce the duration and severity of them, explains registered dietitian Marisa Moore, spoke person for the academy of nutrition and dietetics.
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 are feeling unwell.
Packed with Potassium:
When you hear potassium, you probably think of bananas, but citrus also an excellent source of this
mineral, which is essential for fluid regulation, mineral balance, and muscle contraction. Potassium also works to regulate the amount of salt in your diet by helping your body flush out of sodium. By eating plenty of potassium-rich food, you can help to lower your risk of stroke by 21% and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Assist you in better absorb other nutrients:
Adding citrus to your plate may help you get more out of other foods you consume. says Bazilian. Vitamin C boost the viability of the catechins.
Citrus can also absorb your body iron.