Health Benefits of Citrus Fruits
By Amy Silva
Most people know that oranges, limes and lemons are part of the citrus fruit family and that oranges have lots of Vitamin C, but did you know all of these fruits could have health benefits? While not as much as oranges, lemons and limes also have a high Vitamin C content. Consuming oranges could shorten the length of a cold and adding lemon or lime juice to your water may aid in weight loss by increasing your water intake. The juice of these citrus fruits can be added to other beverages or food dishes, as can the zest from their peels.
Health Benefits of Lemons
Lemons have a high Vitamin C content and may aid in weight loss. They could potentially help those with liver disease as well as lower the risk of stroke. Lemons could reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol due to the limonin content, and it's possible they may lower the risk of cancer. The citric acid in lemons could prevent kidney stones.
Health Benefits of Oranges
Oranges contain fiber, antioxidants, and minerals such as potassium and calcium. They also have Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B9 in addition to their high Vitamin C content, which happens to come close to the recommended daily amount in just one orange. Consuming oranges or drinking orange juice may lower the risk of kidney stones and reduce the risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure. Oranges might have a hand in shortening the length of a cold. If you are watching your weight, drink orange juice in moderation because it has a higher calorie content than eating a single orange.
Health Benefits of Limes
Just as lemons, oranges and other citrus fruits, limes contain Vitamin C and antioxidants. They may lower the risk of stroke and heart disease and could also reduce the risk of cancer. It's also possible they can help skin issues, such as acne and wrinkles. Limes may increase absorption of iron, thereby helping anemia and even pain associated with sickle cell anemia.
Citrus fruits have potential health benefits making them a good addition to your diet. Orange juice should be enjoyed in moderation due to having higher calories than that of a single orange, but the high Vitamin C could shorten your cold. The juice of limes or lemons can be added to water, making it possible to increase your water intake if you don't drink enough due to it being flavorless.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Morrisville, N.C.