El Naranjo is a fruit tree of the genus Citrus whose fruit bears the same name. It is originally from China and Southeast Asia, where it was already consumed in 2500 BC. El Naranjo was brought to Europe by Spanish navigators around the year 1000 B. C.
Today, oranges are grown in large quantities in Brazil, America, Greece, China, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan and Spain. The name of the fruit comes from the Dutch “Apple of China”.
There are many varieties of orange. They are divided into two groups:
- Light:
- Common oranges. They have a round or oval shape. The fruit has a bright yellow pulp and a large number of pepitas. The main varieties are Gamlin, Verna and Salustiana.
- Umbilical oranges (ship). They have a nave l-shaped projection at the top of the fruit. The fruits are juicy and sweet, with a bright orange pulp. The main varieties are Washington Navel, Navel Late, Thomson Navel.
- Corola (bloody). It is characterized by a blood red pulp. The main varieties are Moro, Sanguinello, Tarocco.
Chemical composition and calories per 100 g
Orange, like all citrus fruits, has a lot of vitamin C. They are also present in the pulp
- Vitamin A, Vitamins of Group B (B1, B2, B3, B6, B9), Vitamin E, Vitamin H, Vitamin PP;
- Minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, magnesium, sodium, boron, iodine, phosphorus, fluorine, chlorine, zinc);
- Pectin;
- Food fibers;
- Antioxidants;
- Fiber;
- Essential oils;
- Water;
- Ash;
- Acids (ascorbic, citric, apple, tartaric, folic).
Fact. The content of vitamin C (60 mg) in 100 gr. Orange pulp constitutes 60% of the daily standard!
The orange is composed of 87% water. There are 47 kcal per 100 gr.
Nutritional value
Because orange is a low calorie product and contains many vitamins and trace elements, it is one of the favorite fruits of dietitians and is present in many diets. In our country, the orange season falls at the beginning of winter, when the local fruit disappears from store shelves.
Orange qualities
Orange is a very healthy fruit. Due to its high content of vitamins and minerals, the fruit has the following beneficial properties:
- Reinforces the immune system.
- It prevents formation of blood clots.
- Protects the cells of the body from free radicals that cause heart disease and cancer.
- Normalizes blood pressure, improves heart rate and prevents the appearance of strokes.
- It favors collagen production.
- Stimulates appetite and improves digestion.
- Reduces the level of cholesterol in the body.
- It is used in the treatment of hypovitaminosis and avitaminosis.
- Calm the thirst.
- Treat constipation.
- Regulates blood sugar levels.
- It reduces the risk of cataracts and is good for our eyes.
It is a fact. Chinese researchers claim that eating 1 orange per day prevents the development of cancer cells.
Benefits
It is said that not only the pulp, but also the shell has beneficial properties. It is widely used in cosmetology and kitchen. The essential oil of the fruit peel helps to soften wrinkles, hydrates the skin, restores elasticity and skin tone, reduces inflammation, stimulates hair growth, shine and strength.
The fruit crust is used to make jams, infusions, pastries and desserts.
To reinforce immunity
It contains a lot of ascorbic acid, which fights various viruses and bacteria. Therefore, oranges are consumed to prevent colds and to strengthen immunity when treated catarros and acute respiratory infections.
They prevent blood clots
In the fruit pulp there are flavonoids, substances that prevent the obstruction of blood vessels and the formation of clots.
Hypertension prevention
Orange decreases blood pressure, reduces the amount of “bad” cholesterol in the body, prevents the formation of kidney stones and reduces swelling. Therefore, people prone to hypertension that drink orange juice one hour before meals are advised. The daily volume should not exceed 200 ml.
Gastrointestinal Disease Prevention
Pectin, which is part of the product, improves intestinal function and eliminates harmful substances. People suffering from constipation should eat oranges before bedtime. The use of fruit with fatty foods helps its best absorption.
Damages and contraindications
Despite all the benefits of orange for health, there are a number of contraindications for consumption. Orange, like all citrus, is a strong allergen. Therefore, people prone to allergies must exclude it from their diet.
Oranges should also be avoided in the following diseases
- Peptic ulcer,
- Gastritis,
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
Consumption
Oranges are a source of vitamins and minerals. But not to damage the body and obtain maximum benefit, it is necessary to respect certain consumption standards of this product.
For pregnant women and infants
The diet of pregnant and infant women is very limited. To obtain the necessary vitamins and minerals and not damage the body, it is necessary to stick to the intake of different foods. This also applies to oranges.
This fruit relieves the pregnant woman with toxicosis, but excessive consumption can cause an allergic reaction. Vitamin C will strengthen the immune system of the future mother and protect her against colds. Vitamin B9 will avoid congenital defects in the baby. Therefore, doctors recommend not eating more than two oranges a day.
During breastfeeding, the orange satiates breast milk, which in turn reinforces the baby’s immune system. But there are some restrictions when consuming this fruit:
- Enter the mother’s menu after the baby is six months old,
- Start with a slice and observe the baby’s reaction,
- Do not eat more than two pieces a day.
The baby should not eat more than two grains a day. If you have had an allergic reaction to orange during pregnancy, it is advisable to refrain from taking it during breastfeeding.
For children
The benefits of orange for children are very large. After all, it contains many vitamins and minerals so necessary for the full development of the childhood organism.
Familiarize your child with fruit cannot be prior to 1 year. It begins with a slice, and if there is no allergic reaction, increase the dose, but no more than 4-5 slices. At the age of 5-6, you can eat 1 orange a day.
For adults
Adults can eat up to three oranges a day to maintain vitality and provide the necessary vitamins. For colds, you can increase the number of oranges to 4-5 a day, provided there are no allergies or other contraindications.
How to choose and conserve oranges at home
When choosing the orange fruit, it is desired not only to be tasty, but also useful. Therefore, there are certain rules to which it is worth paying attention:
- The orange skin must be bright orange. This means that the fruit is ripe and that it will have a sweet and body taste,
- Fruits should not be too soft when presserving them,
- Select mediu m-sized oranges. They are the sweetest and juicy.
Oranges can keep their freshness at room temperature for approximately a week. The best place to save them is in the refrigerator, on a special shelf for fruits and vegetables.
The temperature must be between +3 and +7 degrees Celsius. Do not save the oranges with fruits that segregate phytormones. Among them are apples, pears and bananas. They accelerate the fruit maturation process.
If there is no special compartment in the refrigerator, oranges can be stored on any shelf, previously wrapping each paper on paper. Do not save the fruit in a cellophane bag, since it will begin to rot due to the lack of air and condensation.
What is healthier, an orange or a tangerine?
It is known that all citrus fruits contain a lot of vitamin C and have many health benefits. The chemical composition of an orange and a tangerine is almost identical.
Mandarins contain some more sugar than oranges. That is why diabetics should prefer oranges.
On the contrary, for smokers, it is better to eat mandarins, since they clean the lungs and eliminate the toxins of the organism. The benefits of citrus fruits for a healthy body are the same and it is best to include both fruits in the diet.
Orange is a frequent food in the diet for many years. Especially during autumn and winter. His bright color and his wonderful flavor raise their mood. Orange is appreciated for its high content of vitamins and minerals, which have beneficial effects for the human body.
