Fruity Thursday: Orange( Oroma/Lemu/Osan)

       
                   
 Orange is the citrus fruit belonging in the Rutaceae family, of the genus; Citrus. The Scientific name is Citrus sinensis.
                  
It's always available in the market all round the year, oranges are the most common citrus fruits consumed in Nigeria. They are not only popular for their raw pulpy slices, juicy nature, and tangy and sweet flavor. Also called the golden apple, oranges offer numerous benefits covering health as well as beauty aspects.
              
Here are some health benefits:

Immune system
Most citrus fruits have a good deal of vitamin C, and oranges have high levels even compared to their tangy brethren. Vitamin C protects cells by scavenging and neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals may lead to chronic conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Not only may oranges help reduce the risk of chronic conditions, but they may also boost a person's immunity when dealing with everyday viruses and infections like the common cold.

Skin

Vitamin C also helps keep skin looking beautiful, by helping fight against skin damage caused by the sun and pollution. It is vital to collagen production and may help reduce wrinkles and improve the skin's overall texture.

Cholesterol

All the fiber in oranges may help lower cholesterol levels, because it picks up excess compounds of cholesterol in the gut and pushes them out in the elimination process.

Heart

Oranges contain vitamin C, fiber, potassium and choline, which are all good for your heart, so the fruits may give your ticker a big boost. Potassium, an electrolyte mineral, is vital for allowing electricity to flow through your body, which keeps your heart beating. Lack of potassium can lead to arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat.

Digestion and weight loss
Oranges are high in fiber, which aids in digestion by keeping you regular. It is also good for weight loss. "Oranges are a low-fat, nutrient-rich food with a low glycemic index, which make it an ideal food to consume to protect against obesity, which can lead to other diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. The glycemic index is a measure of how food affects a person's blood sugar levels: Foods with a high glycemic index (such as white bread) cause glucose levels to spike quickly after they are eaten, while foods with a low glycemic index (such as vegetables and legumes) cause blood sugar levels to rise more slowly and remain more constant over time.

Vision

Oranges are vitamin A rich. This nutrient contains carotenoid compounds like lutein, beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, which can help prevent age-related macular degeneration, an incurable condition that blurs central vision. Vitamin A also helps your eyes absorb light, and it improves night vision. Furthermore, the American Optometric Association reports that vitamin C can help reduce the risk of cataracts and may slow the progression of macular degeneration.
Enjoy this wonderful fruit!