What is useful and harmful for the human body
Orange is known not only for its pronounced taste properties, but also for its health benefits. The question of what the use of an orange is useful for does not lose its relevance, since the fruit has a complex effect on the body.
Calorie content and chemical composition
The benefits of a citrus fruit are directly related to its chemical composition, which you should familiarize yourself with when you ask what an orange is rich in. The composition contains the following useful components:
- retinol, which stimulates the immune system;
- ascorbic acid, which plays the role of an antioxidant and improves stress resistance;
- tocopherol, which controls the activity of the endocrine system and eliminates toxins;
- biotin, which stabilizes blood sugar.
In addition to the listed substances, orange fruits contain a number of other vitamins. It also contains minerals, including potassium, magnesium, iron. The nutritional value of the fruit is 36-43 kcal per 100 g.
The benefits of an orange for the body
The combination of useful macro- and microelements ensures the proper functioning of internal organs, cleanses the blood composition, improves appetite, promotes active energy production, activates the process of rejuvenation and renewal of the skin.
Consumption rates
In order to benefit from citrus fruits, you must adhere to a certain consumption rate. The standard indicator depends on the person's age, health status and other factors.
For pregnant and lactating women
If pregnancy or lactation is proceeding normally, 1-2 fruits are allowed daily. Doctors are allowed to eat not only the pulp itself, but also the ground peel of the fruit, which is saturated with useful vitamins.
It is necessary to give up the use of citrus fruits only for those expectant mothers who have been diagnosed with a disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The ability to increase the acidity of the stomach negatively affects the presence of ulcers or gastritis.
For kids
Children are allowed to give pure citrus fruits after they reach the age of three. The optimal consumption rate is a couple of slices per week.As you grow older, you can increase the amount of fruit you eat, but it is important to do this gradually so as not to provoke allergies.
For the adult age group
For adults, it is enough to consume one orange 3-4 times a week to get the maximum benefit for the body. It is important to take into account individual indications and reactions to the product.
Application
The characteristic taste, pronounced aroma and useful characteristics of the orange significantly increase the possibilities of its use. The fruit is used for culinary, cosmetic and medical purposes.
In cooking
Orange pulp, zest and juice are used in the preparation of a large number of hot dishes and desserts. Varieties with a sweet and sour aftertaste harmonize well with poultry, fish and some vegetables. Sweet varieties are often used in combination with spices, berries, and sweet fruits.
The peel of the fruit is suitable for making jams and various infusions. Marmalade, jams and pastilles are prepared from the crushed pulp. Pieces of fresh fruit are added to mulled wine, tea and other beverages to add flavor.
In home cosmetology
There are many recipes for cosmetic products using orange for face and body skin care. Masks, creams, and lotions are good for any type of skin. The properties of citrus fruits have a biostimulating and rejuvenating effect. In a domestic environment, you can prepare the following useful products:
- Fresh juice. Moisten a cotton swab in the juice and treat the face and neck area. After a couple of hours, the skin is rinsed with cool water and allowed to dry without wiping.
- Grated zest in alcohol solution. Pouring finely grated peel with half a glass of alcohol, it is necessary to withstand the solution for a week, then filter and dilute with a spoonful of glycerin. The resulting lotion is suitable for porous skin.
- Mask with orange juice. To make the mask, you need to mix a spoonful of oatmeal, a small amount of raw flour and the juice of one orange. To rejuvenate aging skin, it is enough to hold the mask for 20-30 minutes.
In folk medicine
A large number of folk recipes also involve the use of oranges. Due to the beneficial characteristics of the fruit, it can serve as a healing agent.
For metabolism, immunity and gastrointestinal tract
Regular consumption of orange and the use of folk remedies containing pulp or juice help to normalize metabolism and make the body's functioning more harmonious. The vitamins included in the fruit enhance the protective functions, fight viral infections and regulate the digestive process.
For heart and blood
The risk of heart disease and cardiovascular disease is reduced by the flavonoids that are present in orange juice. Substances have antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects. Useful elements inhibit the development of inflammatory reactions occurring in the vascular system due to the frequent consumption of fatty foods.
With diabetes mellitus
For patients with diabetes mellitus, healthy food is the basis of nutrition. The diet should contain a large amount of vegetables and fruits, including citrus fruits. The high content of antioxidants in oranges makes them desirable for diabetes. Eating fruit saturates the body with vitamins of groups A, C and E, as well as beta-carotene.
For prevention
Periodic consumption of citrus fruit improves immunity and keeps the body in good shape. As a preventive measure, it is enough to consume 2-4 oranges per week.
Contraindications to use
Despite its high content of beneficial components, in some cases, an orange can be harmful to health.Contraindications are the presence of stomach ulcers and acute intestinal disorders.
How to choose when buying?
When choosing fruits, you need to pay attention to a number of signs. The color of the peel should be rich and uniform, which indicates sufficient ripeness. On fruits of sweet varieties, the rind has small blotches of red.
When buying fruits, it is recommended to probe them to avoid damaged, loose and softened specimens.
Delicious and juicy fruits, as a rule, have an increased mass, so you should choose a heavier fruit. Ripe fruits also have a pronounced sweet aroma.
How to store oranges at home?
At standard room temperature, oranges can be stored for up to a week without losing their original characteristics. In the refrigerator, fruits are stored for several weeks, depending on the degree of ripeness. It is allowed to keep fruits in dark and cool rooms with low humidity.
