When it comes to our health, nothing could benefit us more than citrus fruits. These fruits have loads of antioxidants and vitamin C and both of them are great for our health. Vitamin C is responsible for protecting us from infections, allergies, and helps in the healing of wounds also.
Which fruits to choose from?
The fruit aisle at the grocery store can be overwhelming. Everywhere you turn there’s a new type to try and all of them claim to be the best for your health. Since we spend so much time eating these delicious fruits, it’s important that we know exactly what they do for our bodies.
Top 8 Citrus Fruits That are Great for Health
Citrus fruits are certainly one of the most prominent superfoods that have been around for centuries. They are loaded with vitamin C which is great for the immune system, calcium for healthy bones and teeth, the pulp can be used in making jelly, juice, or jam.
As for us, we simply love to add oranges, lemons, and limes to my salads, they taste great with some feta cheese. Citrus fruits are also an excellent source of fiber, potassium, and help in digestion.
Here is the list of the top 8 citrus fruits that are great for your overall health.
1. Clementines
Clementines are thought to be a cross between Mandarins and oranges, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). They’re small with easy-to-peel skin that contains 11 essential nutrients in every 100 grams.
The most abundant of these are dietary fiber, vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Folate can help to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke while potassium regulates your blood pressure.
2. Grapefruit
Grapefruits are known for their tangy, sweet flavor. They are loaded with vitamin A, which is great for your eyesight and the prevention of macular degeneration. The fruit also contains lycopene, which acts as an antioxidant by fighting free radicals in the body.
This powerful phytonutrient can help reduce the risks of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Despite being high in sugar, grapefruits are actually low on the glycemic index and can be a good afternoon snack for diabetics.
3. Oranges
Oranges are a great source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. One orange provides 100 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C, which keeps your immune system strong and helps your body absorb iron. Dietary fiber can help lower cholesterol and regulate bowel function, which prevents constipation.
Oranges contain antioxidants called flavonoids, which reduce inflammation and may protect against cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Look for oranges with brightly colored skins that are firm to the touch; these will be the sweetest and freshest.
4. Kumquats
Kumquats are unique citrus fruits that often look like small, oval-shaped oranges. They’re native to China and can be eaten whole, including the skin and seeds. Just one kumquat has 10 percent of your daily value of vitamin C and 3 grams of dietary fiber. Both vitamin C and fiber can help suppress appetite, which makes kumquats a great snack for weight loss.
5. Tangerines
Tangerines are small oranges that contain a sweet flavor similar to a mandarin orange. They’re loaded with vitamin C, folate, and dietary fiber. One tangerine provides 100 percent of your daily value for vitamin C, which is great for your eyesight and skin because it acts as an antioxidant by fighting free radicals in the body.
Tangerines are also low on the glycemic index and can be a good afternoon snack for diabetics. They’re easy to peel and contain only 86 calories per 100 grams.
6. Lemons & Limes
Lemons & Limes are excellent sources of vitamin C, pectin dietary fiber, calcium, manganese, potassium, thiamine B1and iron. They also provide protection against Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis pain, and eye disorders.
Both lemons & limes help in digestion and give a great taste to salads or other dishes that you prepare at home. They can also be used as a natural remedy for colds and coughs.
7. Pomelos
Pummelo is rich in antioxidants which protect your body from the harmful effects of free radicals. Pummelos also provides protection against heart diseases, reduce inflammation and pain caused by arthritis. These fruits are the biggest among the citrus fruits and they offer numerous benefits for your entire family.
8. Pineapples
Pineapples contain the enzyme Bromelain which is useful for relieving pain & swelling as well as for improving digestion. These fruits prevent liver damage due to their anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains thiamine B1, manganese, and vitamin C. They also provide protection against cancer & eye disorders.
All of these fruits are great when it comes to improving health and life expectancy. And the best thing about them is, you can eat them in any form and can add them to your salads also.
Let us know if we have missed any fruit and don’t forget to share this blog with your friends.
