Oranges are delicious and juicy, and they are a healthy snack option. They are also so much more than that as they are beneficial to your health, skin, and so much more. You can use both the fruit and the peel, experiencing the benefits of oranges in both forms.
The next time you go to the grocery store, stock up on this fruit for an inexpensive, multi-benefit treat. As an added bonus, this fruit smells good and can awaken the senses. Discussed below are some of the many other benefits of citrus fruit.
Benefits of Oranges for Health, Skin, and More
1. Moisturize skin
Each orange contains natural oils which help your skin retain moisture. Mixing juice from an orange with your favorite moisturizer will offer added benefits than just using your moisturizer alone. This will ensure that your skin will stay soft and healthy looking for much longer.
2. Slows down the signs of aging
Oranges contain antioxidants, so they fight free radicals. The slow down of free radicals results in the slow down of aging including the development of wrinkles. Additionally, these antioxidants can work to reverse the signs of aging.
3. Helps with exfoliating, reducing acne, and removing blackheads
The citric acid in orange works to exfoliate your skin in a natural way. Citric acid also helps reduce your acne by drying it out.
As an added bonus, the peel of the orange can be used as a DIY face mask that removes blackheads from deep in your skin. It offers a natural, comfortable way to remove them, and gives your skin a better appearance overall.
4. Can be used as a body scrub
This benefit is for the orange peel and not the actual orange. You will simply peel the orange and then grind the peel up. You can add it to your current body wash or you can create your own body wash.
The benefits come from the vitamin C in the peel, because the vitamin can give you a healthy, natural glow. You will look younger, and your skin will look more vibrant. Another tip is to rub the body scrub all over your body and allow it to sit on your skin for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off.
5. Prevent or reverse skin sagging
By improving the firmness of your skin, orange and the orange peels can reduce sagging and prevent it in the future. This is due to the vitamins, antioxidants, and natural oils found in the fruit.
6. Can prevent kidney stones
Studies have shown that those who consume oranges on a daily basis develop fewer kidney stones. This study included individuals who had kidney stones in the past and began consuming more orange product. This is due, in part, to the high water content of the fruit.
7. They can lower your cholesterol
Each orange contains hesperidin which is a natural chemical found in plants, and they also contain pectin which is a fiber that is only found in citrus fruits. The hesperidin and pectin both work to lower cholesterol by allowing your body to absorb fats at a slower rate.
8. Oranges can prevent diabetes
This fruit has a few different benefits when it comes to diabetes. First, they are low in calories and are safe to be consumed every day by a person with diabetes. The sugars found in this fruit are safe and can help balance the other sugar levels in your blood.
9. Reduces the effects of arthritis
The juice from an orange contains anti-inflammatory properties and prevents the inflammation that is caused by arthritis. In turn, the risks associated with arthritis are minimized.
10. Aids in digestion
An orange contains a large amount of fiber and can help you digest food easier and more effectively. This is because the fiber enhances the release of enzymes that are necessary for healthy digestion.
11. Reduces the likelihood of cancer
Oranges contain D-linonene, a compound found most frequently in citrus fruits and similar fruits. D-linonene fights and prevents cancers such as colon, lung, skin, and breast cancer. The Vitamin C content further protects your cells from developing cancer due to the reduction of free radicals.
12. Leads to a healthy heart
The fiber, hesperidin, and folate found in oranges work together to keep your cardiovascular system healthy. Eating just one every day can lead to a healthier heart.
13. Enhances brain development
Each orange contains a high amount of folic acid, which leads to faster and more effective brain development. As a bonus, your memory and ability to focus can improve with the regular consumption of this citric fruit.
14. They can boost your immunity
The high levels of Vitamin C found in this citrus fruit aids in the production of white blood cells. A healthy white blood cell count leads to a healthy immune system. Each orange also contains flavonoids and polyphenols, both of which can help your body fight off viral infections in a natural way.
15. Encourages hair growth and health
Juice from an orange combined with honey and water can create a natural conditioner that leads to healthy, shiny, and soft hair. You simply leave it in your hair for about 10 minutes before rinsing it out.
16. There is a direct link to healthy bones
The calcium found in this juicy fruit improves the health of your bones and teeth. It makes them stronger which leads to less decay.
17. Can stop a migraine and reduce the frequency
Sometimes, migraines are caused by a lack of water intake. When your body is becoming dehydrated, migraines occur more often and can be more severe.
An orange is a great source of water, and consuming one a day can greatly increase the amount of water you are taking in each day. In turn, this can help stop a migraine and also prevent them from occurring in the future.
18. Allow for healthy arteries
Arteriosclerosis is the medical term for the hardening of arteries. This disease can be prevented with a healthy consumption of Vitamin C.
If you are like many other Americans, you are likely not consuming enough of this vitamin every day. By consuming an orange every day, you are giving your body a boost of vitamin C.
19. Can make your breath naturally fresh
Orange peels boiled in water or made into a tea can help improve the smell of your breath. If you suffer from bad breath, this method can improve your oral hygiene.
20. Reduces instances of stress, anxiety, and insomnia
The nutrients and other elements of an orange can improve your blood circulation, which has been proven to reduce the effects and the frequency of these conditions. This is due to the lymphatic system receiving better blood flow.
21. Makes your skin bright
Orange peels have many beauty benefits, and brightening your skin is one of them. Both the juice and the peel of an orange have properties that can enliven your skin. Each time you eat an orange or use one in a recipe you should save the peel for this reason.
Scrumptious, healthy, and…great for the skin.
Orange Peel Face Spray
Juice an orange (or two) and put the juice into a spray bottle. Spray it lightly on your face (close your eyes!) and allow it to dry. Your face will be noticeably brighter and more luminescent.
Boiled Water Leave-On Face Mask
This face mask requires the use of orange peels. Place the peels into a glass bowl and pour boiling hot water on top of them. Allow this to sit together overnight.
The next day, you should use a strainer to separate the liquid from the peels. Save the liquid, and apply it to your face. Allow it to dry completely and you should be left with a glowing face that seems more firm.
How You Can Increase Your Orange Consumption
While an orange makes a healthy, easy and delicious snack when you are on the go or in a hurry, you might get tired of the same thing pretty quickly if you are simply eating one as a snack each day. This is where other ideas will come in handy. Some unique ways to add more of the fruit to your diet include:
- pair them with cottage cheese
- drop your orange slices into your favorite yogurt
- add orange slices to a salad
- mix them into a smoothie
- drink the juice
- use the juice to make sauce
- use them for baking
- put orange slices on top of pancakes or waffles
- add them to your favorite whole grain cereal
- add a sliced orange to the pan while you are cooking chicken or steak
- create a fruit salad with all of your favorite fruits combined together
- Cover them in chocolate
Final Thoughts On The Benefits of Oranges
Oranges are the perfect snack. They are healthy, juicy, easy, and delicious. There are many other benefits of oranges, however.
The juicy citrus fruit can be used as a beauty product for your hair and face, and it can be a surprising addition to many of your favorite dishes and desserts. Consuming an orange each day also has many health benefits, allowing for benefits in all areas of your life.
