Orange You Glad Oranges Exist?

Application story for the Citrus-Growers Association of America, highlighting five ways this citrus fruit can add health and vigor to your life.

“You are what you eat” is becoming increasingly more relevant in today’s society with the rise of heart disease, stroke, obesity and a variety of other ailments often coinciding with dietary choices. Luckily, healthy options exist that yield benefits rather than negative side effects. Whether you choose to replace a sugary item with a healthier choice once per week or once per day, oranges contain an abundance of positive nutrients for wellness – this release covers five.

1. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found a correlation between orange juice consumption and improved blood pressure readings, elevated mood levels and increased cognitive functioning.

2. Vitamin C found in oranges helps prevent skin damage due to increased collagen production, which reduces wrinkles and improves the skin’s overall texture, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

3. One medium orange contains 3 grams of dietary fiber, or 12 percent of the daily value. Fiber is essential to aiding digestion and also helps those with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, making it an American Diabetes Association superfood.

4. The carotenoid compound found in oranges (and carrots) prevents degenerative diseases of the retina and is linked to improved vision. It is also responsible for the orange color of both oranges and carrots.

5. Research has found that the citric acid in oranges can combat kidney stone formation.