Health and Beauty Benefits of Orange

The word orange derives from the Sanskrit word for "orange tree", which is probably of Dravidian origin.Being a citrus fruit, the orange is acidic: its pH levels are as low as 2.9,and as high as 4.0.

The Orange is the fruit of the citrus species.The fruit of the Citrus sinensis is considered a sweet orange, whereas the fruit of the Citrus aurantium is considered a bitter orange. 

The orange is a hybrid, possibly between pomelo and mandarin, which has been cultivated since ancient times.Orange trees are widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates for their sweet fruit. The fruit of the orange tree can be eaten fresh, or processed for its juice or fragrant peel.

most citrus plants, oranges do well under moderate temperature between 15.5 and 29 °C.

and require considerable amounts of sunshine and water. It has been suggested that the use of water resources by the citrus industry in the Middle East is a contributing factor to the desiccation of the region. Another significant element in the full development of the fruit is the temperature variation between summer and winter and, between day and night. In cooler climates, oranges can be grown indoors.

It is possible to grow orange trees directly from seeds, but they may be infertile or produce fruit that may be different from its parent. For the seed of a commercial orange to grow, it must be kept moist at all times. One approach is placing the seeds between two sheets of damp paper towel until they germinate and then planting them, although many cultivators just set the seeds straight into the soil.

A combination of vitamins , nutrients and minerals, like any other fruit, orange helps in overall well-being and growth.

Why Oranges Are So Special

• Oranges are low in calories
• No cholesterol
• no saturated fats
• They are rich in pectin and dietary fibers
• Pectin helps to reduce the blood cholesterol levels , it also protects the mucous membrane of the colon.
• Sources of vitamin C,B-Complex and also contains good level of Vitamin A
• The total amount of antioxidant strength of an orange (ORAC) is 1819 umol TE/100
• Helps in cutting down the risk of cancer, obesity and other coronary heart diseases
• Contains minerals like calcium and potassium that helps to control the heart rate and also the blood pressure.
• Fiber in orange reduces high cholesterol levels and helps in preventing atherosclerosis.
• Also control blood sugar levels,oranges are healthy fruit for diabetes patients.
• Drinking orange juice can reduce the risk of kidney stones (esp:calcium oxalate)
• Oranges contains beta-cry-potaxanthin, which reduces the risk of lung cancer
• Keep ulcers away
• Fights cold and cough, a common disease of winter season

Oranges can be sweet or bitter.

Valencia , Jaffa and Navel orange are types of sweet orange. Bitter oranges are mostly used in making jams and the zest is severed as flavor for liqueurs.

Pick and Store

• Fresh oranges has a bright color and contains no wrinkles on its skin.
• Try avoiding overtly soften oranges with my mold or spots as they tend to perish easily.
• Always keep the oranges in a loose container and in cool places.

Preparation and Serving Them

Here are some serving tips:

• Oranges are addition to fruit salads
• Orange juice is re-freshening  drink
• Oranges are also use in the preparing desserts, jams,and jellies.
• Orange peel is used in preparing popular dishes for its rich flavor.
• Dried orange and its leaves are used as herbal tea.

And Some Beauty Tips..

1.Orange juice shrinks the open pores

Apply the juice on your face and let it stay on your face for 2-3 minutes and then wash it off.This closes the pores and gives a glow to your face.

2. Rubbing the orange on your face will help you tone and refresh your skin.

3. Oranges are rich i citric acid;it helps in drying away acne.

Mash the orange peels then apply on your acne and scars.If regularly used , you will definitely observe  the changes.

4. Orange is a very good beauty aid.The presence of vitamin C increases the production of collagen and keeps the skin firm.

5. Dry the orange peels in the sun after eating and later powder it you can either mix it with curd or milk and apply it as a pack on your face or use the powder as a body scrub. It reduces the dark spots.