Citrus Fruits And Its Many Benefits

Citrus fruits have long been known to have many health benefits. In the days of the first ocean crossings, sailors often became sick with scurvy due to vitamin C deficiencies caused by a lack of citrus fruits. Even though vitamin C deficiency is no longer such a problem, many people don't eat enough citrus fruits, that is a shame since citrus fruits are among the most delicious, and most nutritious, fruits available. Whether you have a grapefruit at breakfast or an orange at lunch, adding more citrus to your diet can do wonders for your health not to mention better eating habits. Of course citrus fruits are not limited to the standard oranges and grapefruits, most major grocery stores have an endless variety of citrus fruits on their shelves, including pineapples, tomatoes, lemons, kumquats, mandarin oranges, tangerines, and limes.
Everyone knows that citrus fruits have large amounts of vitamin C to offer, but many citrus fruits have significant levels of other important nutrients, such as potassium, as well. Let's take a closer look at what citrus fruits have to offer.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of citrus fruits, and it is true that most citrus fruits are simply loaded with this important vitamin. Vitamin C is perhaps the most studied of all vitamins, and it has shown promise in shortening the duration of colds, helping wounds heal faster, and protecting the body from the damaging effects of free radicals. Vitamin C is essential for healthy skin and gums, and since vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, sufficient quantities must be consumed every day. Unlike fat soluble vitamins, vitamin C is not stored in the body. That is why eating at least a few servings a day of citrus fruits and other vitamin C rich foods is so important.  Luckily, getting the recommended daily amount of vitamin C is not difficult, since a single orange contains 150% of the government's recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.

Fiber
Fiber content is often overlooked as a benefit of citrus fruits.  After all, most people picture cereals and grains when they think of fiber. Even so, citrus fruits are a good source of dietary fiber, including the all important soluble fiber.  Fiber plays a vital role in digestion, and studies have indicated it may help to reduce levels of cholesterol in the blood and even reduce the risk of some kinds of cancer.

Source : articlesbase