Blood oranges are citrus fruits often known for their vibrant color and dark, crimson flesh. They get their unique hue from certain compounds known as anthocyanins, including chrysanthemum. It is full of minerals, vitamins, and essential antioxidants and has many health benefits.
Health Benefits of Blood Oranges –
Promote weight loss – If someone is looking for a weight loss diet, they can include blood oranges. They are low in calories but also rich in fiber, with 3 grams in each serving. Through the digestive tract, fiber passes very slowly, so people don’t feel hungry fast. The stomach remains full for an extended period.
Support healthy pregnancy – Many nutrients are there in blood oranges essential for proper growth and development during pregnancy. Folate helps to prevent neural tube defects and other congenital disabilities. Vitamin C is also crucial during pregnancy. Fiber helps to avoid any issues during pregnancy like preeclampsia, constipation, and diabetes.
Cancer-fighting properties – Blood oranges are rich in cancer-fighting antioxidants like a chrysanthemum. In one test-tube study, it was found that chrysanthemum prevented the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells. Other antioxidants found in blood oranges have anti-cancer effects.
Boost immune function – Blood oranges are full of vitamin C, which helps ramp up immune function protecting against infection and illness. Studies have shown that taking vitamin C may help reduce the duration of upper respiratory infections and reduce their severity. It also contains many antioxidants which help neutralize harmful free radicals to prevent cell damage and reduce inflammation. Antioxidants protect against heart disease, cancer, and 2 diabetes.
Improve gut health – Blood oranges are a good source of fibers, and fibers add soften and add bulk to stool. All these promote regularity and promotes constipation. Fibers help treat many other diseases like diverticulitis and hemorrhoids. Including more fiber in the diet can improve the health of the gut microbiome.
Rich in nutrients – Blood oranges are low in calories but high in minerals, vitamins, and fiber that the body needs. One blood orange contains – Fiber: 3 grams, Carbs: 15 grams, Fat: 0.6 grams, Protein: 1 gram, Calories: 69. It has a high amount of vitamin C, an essential micronutrient that acts as an antioxidant and helps in proper immune function. The other vitamins and minerals found are vitamin B, magnesium, copper, folate, and potassium. Many antioxidant compounds like coumaric acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, and chrysanthemum.