AN ORANGE A DAY WILL …

Ah, the humble orange. This fruit is so common that we rarely hear about just how nutritious it is. We got nuts over superfoods with exotic names from exotic regions, but we often forget that super nutrition can come from food items we have access to all of the time. Case in point: oranges.

I start every day with a glass of freshly-squeezed organic orange juice. I started doing this when I began Gerson Therapy over three years ago, and I continue to do it today. It’s the only time I drink straight fruit juice, because the benefits of a little OJ each day outweigh the argument that fruit juice is a pretty much sugar infusion.

Consuming an orange every day will …

+ Strengthen your immune system. The high content of vitamin C in an orange stimulates the production of white cells in our body, thus improving the immune system. This is why Gerson Therapy patients drink OJ every day.

+ Prevent cancer. Not only does the high vitamin C content in oranges act as an antioxidant, but oranges and other citrus fruits contain a compound called D-limonene which has been found to be effective in preventing cancers such as, skin, breast, lung, mouth and colon. Being low in sodium and high in potassium is also a cancer-preventing asset of oranges.

+ Lower cholesterol. One of the most important flavonoids in oranges is hesperidin. Hesperidin and the pectin in oranges have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol – although it’s best to consume the inner peel of the orange to obtain the highest concentration of hesperidin.

+ Lower inflammation. The oranges anti-inflammatory properties enable it to provide relief from conditions like arthritis and stiffness of muscles and joints.

+ Promote glowing skin. The antioxidants in orange help protect the skin from free radical damage known to cause signs of aging.

+ Power up the brain. Oranges are a good source of folate or folic acid which helps in the proper development of brain. Folate is also an essential nutrient for healthy sperm and protects sperm from genetic damage that may cause birth defects.

+ Relieve constipation. Oranges are full of dietary fibre, which stimulates digestive juices and relieves constipation.

+ Alkalize the body. Although oranges are acidic before you digest them (just like lemons), they contain alkaline minerals that help to tip the acid/alkaline balance in the body in the right direction after they’re digested.

I don’t recommend drinking any more than one glass of orange juice each day. Too much will spike insulin levels. Eating the fruit whole will slow down the release of sugar, but still don’t go crazy consuming tonnes of them daily. I always aim to treat fruit like a treat.

Check out this cool infographic from Citrus Australia’s Go Orange campaign:

Do you love oranges? How do you like to eat them? Share away in the comments below.

Positive affirmation for the day: I am worthy.

http://www.thewellnesswarrior.com.au/2013/07/an-orange-a-day-will/