Oranges: Rich in antioxidant vitamins

Orange trees grow in tropical locations around the world but they are best known in the southern and western parts of the United States. In the U.S., oranges are big business in Florida and California, as well as in Georgia and other southern states.

Major benefits of oranges in the diet

Oranges and other foods rich in antioxidant vitamins are being studied for their possible usefulness in preventing cancer and other diseases. In addition to their high content of healthful vitamin C, oranges contain more than 170 phytochemicals, including more than 20 compounds in the carotenoid family. These carotenoids have shown incredible promise at fighting many kinds of cancer, and oranges are the best single source of many of these compounds.

In addition to these carotenoids, they also contain important compounds called limonoids. It is these limonoids that give oranges and other citrus fruits their tangy flavor, and these compounds are thought to be strong anticancer agents. Oranges are among the richest sources of limonoids.

And of course the best-known benefit is its strong content of vitamin C. Vitamin C, in addition to its strong antioxidant properties and possible role in fighting cancer, has been studied for everything from treating colds and flu to helping cuts heal more quickly.

Oranges are perhaps the richest sources of vitamin C available, and the average sized orange contains an amazing 92% of the vitamin C needed in the daily diet. Vitamin C is the most prevalent water- soluble antioxidant vitamin in the body, and it has been shown to reduce the cell damage associated with aging and environmental pollution.

Additional information

As rich sources of vitamin C, phytonutrients and many other important vitamins, oranges are among the most important foods in the supermarket. In addition to being nutritious, oranges are delicious and inexpensive as well. It is no wonder oranges are being increasingly recognized as one of the most valuable superfoods.

Oranges are perhaps the best known of all superfoods. Just about everyone has enjoyed a delicious orange, and a glass of fresh 100% orange juice is one of the best and healthiest ways to start any day. A glass of orange juice with breakfast can get your day off to a great start while helping improve your health.

When choosing to drink orange juice, however, it is important to choose only those juices that are made with 100% real juice. Choosing juices with lower fruit content, or juices with added sugar or artificial ingredients, could reduce and possibly even eliminate, the awesome power of this superfood.

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