The bright-coloured citrus fruits bring sunshine in the chilly days of winters. These fruits are not only flavorful but also pretty good for your health.
Among known citrus fruits are lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruit to name a few. Many other hybrids and varieties are also available during the season.
As updated by JuicersPlusBlenders, other than extracting juice from citrus fruits, you can have them as a whole after peeling the skin off.
From boosting immunity to helping you fight cancer, citrus fruits have a lot of health benefits. The following are 5 major reasons why you should eat citrus fruits in abundance in winters:
1. Rich in Vitamins
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C that strengthens your immune system and keeps your skin smooth and glowing. Consuming only 1 medium-sized orange gives your body all the Vitamin C it needs in a day.
These fruits also contain other vitamins and minerals, such as phosphorus, potassium, B vitamins, copper, and magnesium, which help your body function properly.
2. Rich in Plant-based Compounds
Citrus-based plants help with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
There are over 60 different types of carotenoids, flavonoids, and essential oils, which make citrus-based plants improve your health.
3. Good source of Dietary Fiber
All citrus-based fruits are rich in dietary fiber. Consuming only 1 cup of orange segments gives you 4 grams of dietary fiber. On average, your body needs 14 grams of fiber per 1000 calories you consume. According to a report, only 4% of men and 13% of women in the U.S. are able to get the required amount.
Among several benefits of fiber are improved digestion and weight loss promotion. As oranges are rich in soluble fiber, they help significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels.
4. Low in Calories
If you are someone who is watching their everyday calorie intake, you can pick citrus fruits over others. Not only are they low in calories but they also provide enough water and fiber to your body.
The following is a calorie chart of different citrus fruits:
- 1/2 pink grapefruit: 52
- Juice from 1 lemon: 12
- 1 medium orange: 62
- 1/2 white grapefruit: 39
- 1 small clementine: 35
A 2015 study around people's weights and eating habitsover24 years revealed that the consumption of citrus fruits was strongly linked to weight loss.
5. Reduce the Risk of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are nothing but mineral crystals that cause unbearable pain. You are more likely to get kidney stones if your urine is concentrated if your urine contains a more-than-usual quantity of minerals that form stones.
Low levels of citrate in the urine may also cause one type of kidney stone.
Citrus fruits and vegetables raise citrate levels in the urine, which reduces your risk of getting kidney stones.
Conclusion!
Citrus fruits and many vegetables are very nutritious and can protect you against different diseases, including heart disease, kidney stones, cancer, and brain dysfunction to name a few. Besides, citrus fruits are low in calorie so they are good for everyone.
