Oranges are not the only fruit, but they are certainly some of the tastiest around. One of the main things you need to keep in mind about fruit, of course, is the fact that it is full of sugar! Natural sugars, certainly – but at the same time, even though oranges are healthy, it’s wise to eat them in moderation.
How much do you actually know about how healthy oranges can actually be for you? Let’s take a closer look at these nutrition facts about oranges…
1. Oranges are a great snack choice.
Oranges have zero fat and zero sodium, which of course means that they are immediately an extremely healthy snack, on the whole.
2. Peel out some vitamins!
Oranges are packed full of Vitamin C. An average orange is likely to boast around 70mg of the nutrient, which can help you to protect your cells, and to boost your immunity.
3. They’ll keep you regular!
They are full of fantastic fibre. A large orange is likely to offer around 18% of your daily fibre allowance, meaning that if you are keen to boost your digestive health, this may be the fruit you want to snack on first.
4. Oranges are kind on kidneys.
As oranges are crammed with citric acid, it’s likely that a diet rich in them will help to prevent the growth of kidney stones. These can be extremely painful, meaning it might be worth peeling a few citrus fruits soon.
5. Not all sugar is THAT bad.
Yes, an orange has plenty of sugar. There’s around 12g of sugar in an average orange, but it’s natural, which means it is likely to be healthier for you than the added sweeteners you will otherwise find elsewhere.
6. Oranges are great for Mums.
Oranges are particularly beneficial for pregnant women and nursing mothers. That’s because the fruit is a fantastic source of folate, which can promote healthy births.
7. Buy carefully, however!
You’re going to need to look at the key differences between natural orange juice, and that which you can drink from a carton. Store-bought orange juice often possesses much more sugar and added sweeteners (even the ‘no added sugar’ varieties) than you’d get from squeezing an orange out yourself.
8. Go easy on the OJ.
While eating a regular diet of oranges is likely to help you lose weight, drinking too much fruit juice each day is a quick route to piling on the pounds.
9. Oranges pretty much cover all bases.
Oranges are great sources of antioxidants, meaning that if you are keen to protect your body and its cells against illness, they are instant health boosters. There are many fruits that work in this way, but oranges seem to be a real superfood – great all-rounders in many respects.
10. Oranges are some of the least detrimental foodstuffs around.
There are very few reasons why eating oranges may cause you harm. The most common side effects of eating an orange diet is acid reflux and heartburn. This is because the fruit is so high in citric acid.
11. However, not everyone can enjoy them.
There are some people who are actually allergic to oranges!
12. Oranges may reduce inflammation.
Oranges are also thought to be anti-inflammatory. This means that eating them regularly may help with regulating diabetes and may help to prevent heart disease in the long run.
FAQs about Oranges
Is eating an orange healthier than taking a vitamin c?
Eating oranges is considered much healthier than taking vitamin c as there is a rich blend of antioxidants.
What is the healthiest type of orange?
Navel oranges are considered some of the healthiest oranges thanks to their vitamin C content, but blood oranges come close, too!
Can I eat oranges at night?
Oranges are not thought to be great as a pre-bed snack - as the acid levels may cause reflux and keep you awake!
Do you know any fun facts about oranges nutrition? Share them in the comments below!
Are you interested in finding out more about the nutrition of fruit? Check out these funny facts about bananas