The Power of Oranges

Many fruits and vegetables are powerful allies for your health, and can be easy to overlook. Lemons, apples, and oranges are good examples. While you may think of oranges as just providing vitamin C, they actually contain many phytocompounds that can benefit your health. To get the maximum health benefits, make sure you consume organic and unprocessed oranges and/or orange juice. Here are some of health benefits that demonstrate the power of oranges.

Essential Oil

You have probably experienced the powerful affect that an aroma can have on your mood. The science of aromatherapy has studied how the molecules of a plant can enter your brain and trigger physical and emotional responses. The scent from oranges in the form of essential oil, has been found to reduce anxiety and contribute to a more positive mood. Orange essential oil has also been studied for it's antimicrobial abilities.

Orange Peel

The peel of an orange contains fiber, vitamin C, and other plant compounds. While fiber and vitamin C are beneficial to your health, you probably wouldn't enjoy eating the bitter orange peel. Plus, it can be difficult to digest. Adding orange zest to your food is an easy way to get the health benefits and wonderful flavor of orange peel.

Heart Health

There have been studies that show that drinking orange juice can reduce the risk for heart disease. That is because it can help lower your overall cholesterol levels and your bad LDL cholesterol. Another study showed that it lowered blood pressure. The downside to drinking orange juice is that it contains a lot of calories and sugar, which can lead to weight gain and a higher blood sugar level. The best way to get your orange juice is to squeeze it yourself and have it 30 minutes after a protein dense meal.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are small deposits of minerals that can accumulate in your kidneys. Orange juice can increase the pH of urine, and make it more alkaline. Studies have shown that having more alkaline urine may reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.

Reduce Inflammation

Orange juice is loaded with antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage. Antioxidants can also help reduce inflammation. Research has shown that consuming large amounts of antioxidants is critical to your overall health. There are many fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants, so orange juice doesn't have to be your only source. Eating a diet rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and seeds, can provide your body with the nutrition it needs.

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