There’s a lot to like about oranges. They have a satisfying, juicy, citrusy flavor and are compact and portable which makes them a perfect snack. However, the best thing about them is the numerous positive effects they have on your body. In this article I’ll be taking a deeper look at these benefits and listing five of the top reasons for filling up on oranges.

Benefit 1 - Antioxidant Protection

Oranges are rich in the antioxidant nutrients carotenes, flavanones, vitamin A and vitamin C. These powerful nutrients protect your body’s cells from free radicals (harmful by-products that get released during oxygen based reactions in the body) and in doing this, keep them strong, healthy and fully functional.

Benefit 2 - Reduced Inflammation

Inflammation is an unpleasant condition which leads to pain, redness and swelling around the affected area. The good news is that if you suffer from inflammation, eating oranges can help. Studies have shown that the carotenes in oranges are powerful anti-inflammatories which minimize the negative symptoms associated with inflammation.

Benefit 3 - Healthy Blood

Oranges keep your blood healthy in various ways. First, the copper in oranges supports the production of hemoglobin (an important protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen). In addition to this, the flavanones in oranges strengthen your blood vessels and protect them from damage while also lowering your blood levels of LDL cholesterol (a type of cholesterol that builds up on your artery walls, causes blockages and restricts blood flow). Finally, the carotenes in oranges prevent arteriosclerosis (a condition where the arteries harden, become inelastic and inhibit the flow of blood).

Benefit 4 - Reduced Risk Of Chronic Disease

The carotenes and flavanones found in oranges are powerful disease fighters and can help keep cancer, diabetes, heart disease and more at bay. The latest research suggests that these nutrients protect the DNA in your body’s cells from the damage which often results in cancer formation. They also strengthen your heart (which reduces your risk of developing heart disease) and enhance the sensitivity of your body’s cells to insulin (which lowers your risk of contracting diabetes).

Benefit 5 - Strong Immune System

One final health benefit of oranges is that they enhance your immunity and make your body better equipped to fight diseases and infections. They do this by supplying your body with large amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C which both support your immune system and promote the production of disease fighting cells.

Summary

I hope this article’s helped you learn exactly why oranges are so good. To get the maximum benefit from them, make sure you’re eating oranges at least three times per week.