When you think of an orange, maybe the first thing that comes to mind are Florida orange juice commercials and probably Vitamin C. Oranges are a great source of Vitamin C no doubt. One orange has about 80% of our daily needs, but this little orange fruit is full of other health benefits.
Oranges have fiber
An orange has about three grams of fiber, a little over ten percent of what we need daily. Fiber is a champion when it comes to shedding a few extra pounds as well. It supports our digestive system, helps to reduce blood cholesterol, regulates blood sugar, and helps us to feel full. Make sure to eat the actual fruit over a glass of orange juice. Many OJ companies add extra added sugar and you lose that healthy fiber in the process.
Oranges are high in antioxidants
What are antioxidants and why do we need them? Antioxidants are molecules in our bodies that neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules that can harm our cells.) Oranges are high in antioxidants and provide anti-inflammatory
Oranges have other important nutrients
Oranges are high in two other nutrients: folate and potassium and calcium. Potassium supports heart function, helps to maintain muscle mass and lowers your blood pressure. Folate helps support the brain and nervous system and is very important if you’re pregnant. It may also help protect against depression and memory problems. Calcium helps keep your bones, organs, and muscles strong.
Oranges are full of water
One medium orange provides a half cup of water and we all need more help to get the daily amount of water that our bodies need. We should be drinking half of our body weight in ounces of water every day, so eating oranges gives us an extra delicious way to get more water.
However you eat them: in salads, smoothies, on fish, chicken or just off the tree, adding oranges to your weekly menu has many benefits. And it has that natural sugar that you can feel good about eating.
