An orange comes from the citrus family along with lemons, limes and a host of others and is usually (strangely enough) orange. They are available all year round from various warm countries around the globe and are packed full of nutrition.
A single orange contains almost 100% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C, as well as fibre, Vitamin A, B, amino acids, beta-carotene, pectin, potassium, folic acid, calcium, iodine, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, manganese, chlorine and iron. Incidentally, orange juice contains only 25% of the Vitamin C that an orange has to offer!
What many people don’t realise is how nutritious the albedo (the white pith) is for you. It contains more bioflavonoid and other anti-cancer agents than the orange pulp itself. It also contains pectin, which is a soluble dietary fibre with the potential to lower serum cholesterol, relieve diarrhea, act as an immune system stimulant and as an anti-ulcer agent. Oranges also have a low glycemic index (GI) but the juice has a higher GI than oranges themselves.
Also, the skin is very good for you and should be kept on when making smoothies as contains even more Vitamin C & Fibre. It also has some unique uses around the house as it is a great mosquito repellent, it helps to keep your brown sugar soft and even protects the leaves of your plants from cats!
If you are considering changing your diet or need some advice on how to introduce healthier foods, then the team at TYI Labs are always happy to help and assist.
