By Vivienne Beard (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: February 19, 2014
Citrus fruits have long been known for their immune-system-boosting vitamin C. Armed with this beneficial vitamin, citrus fruits help our bodies fight everything from the common cold to a nasty case of the flu. In the middle of the season for coughing and sneezing, loading up on vitamin C is one of the best things we can do for our bodies.
Apart from giving our immune systems a helping hand, vitamin C also plays an important role in the formation of collagen. Collagen composes much of the connective tissue in our bodies, which helps to maintain strong ligaments, bones, and young-looking skin. Without a healthy amount of collagen, our skin tissues start to weaken, making it harder for our bodies to heal wounds and build strong connective tissues. The vitamin C found in citrus fruits works to prevent these tissues from weakening. If strong, radiant skin from the inside to the outside hasn’t made you vitamin C’s top fan just yet, listen closely to this next benefit. Vitamin C has been shown to effectively alleviate stress by helping our bodies absorb inorganic iron. And dramatically less stress, my friends, means a lower risk of nearly every disease.
On top of being loaded with vitamin C, citrus fruits offer our bodies an extensive amount of beneficial nutrients. Potassium, a mineral important in maintaining a proper fluid and electrolyte balance in our bodies, is found in large amounts in citrus fruits. A medium-size grapefruit contains around 350 mg of potassium, while an orange contains just over 250 mg. Citrus fruits also contain folate, a water-soluble vitamin that is essential in the growth and production of new cells. A glass of orange juice provides nearly half the recommended amount of daily folate for both women and men.
In more recent news, citrus fruits have received great attention for their various phytochemicals. This popularity is rightfully gained, for phytochemicals have been proven to protect our bodies from a number of chronic diseases. Phytochemicals, such as caroteniods and flavanoids, are natural compounds found in plants. When incorporated into our daily diet, citrus fruits offer enough phytochemicals to greatly reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. In addition, phytochemicals act as antioxidants in our bodies by increasing the activity of the enzymes used by our bodies to fight carcinogens.
Despite having the nutrients to be considered “health foods,” citrus foods are anything but bland and boring. Not only are they valuable to health, but citrus fruits are also incredibly versatile. Surprisingly, citrus fruits work just as well in main meals as they do in desserts. Sliced grapefruit gives salad a tasty makeover, while freshly squeezed lemon juice adds subtle flavour to baked fish. During the day, an orange makes a quick flavourful snack in between classes, and half a lime will work to turn a glass of water from plain to tropical.
Vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals are simple yet effective ways citrus fruits keep us healthy. Who would have guessed that citrus fruits can also keep us happy? Citrus fruits boasting vibrant colours are excellent remedies in boosting mood on days when the skies are dark and the sun is masked by clouds. Studies show that cheerful colours, especially in the middle of winter, help to lift our spirits and give us energy. From deep pinks to sunshine yellows, I can’t help but feel brighter when eating a grapefruit for breakfast or munching on an orange for a post-lunch snack. Good thing winter, the best season to gobble up all things citrus, is right now!
