Citrusfruitsare an excellent source of vitamins (especiallyvitamin C), minerals, and fiber.
This article discusses the health benefits and risks of citrus fruits.
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What Are Citrus Fruits?
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However, you could also preserve them through canning.
Nutrition
Citrus fruits are packed with immune-boosting vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Potassium
Potassiumis an essential mineral that helps the body’s cells function.
A medium orange contains 181 milligrams (mg) of potassium.Adults need 2,3003,400 mg of potassium a day.
Some evidence suggests citrus fruits may also play a role in reducing the risk of certain health conditions.
Under 50 is considered a low glycemic foodan orange has a GI of 43.
Fight or Protect Against Cancer
Some evidence suggests citrus fruits may have a protective effect on cancer.
Boost Heart Health
Research has found that citrus fruits have protective effects against heart disease.
Protect Brain Health
Flavanones in citrus fruits may have neuroprotective potential.
Grapefruit juice can block this process in the intestines resulting in too much of the drug entering your body.
One study found that consuming fruit juices was associated with an increased risk oftype 2 diabetes.
Citrus Fruit Allergies
Some people are allergic to citrus fruit.
While uncommon,citrus allergiesare possible.
More serious life-threatening allergies, calledanaphylaxis, can also occur.
This life-threatening emergency includeswheezing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of doom.
If you notice these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Summary
Citrus fruits include oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit, among others.
They contain high levels of vitamin C, flavonoids, potassium, and fiber.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture.Orange, raw.
National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Vitamin C: Fact sheet for health professionals.
Published 2015 Dec 24. doi:10.1186/s13065-015-0145-9
Panche AN, Diwan AD, Chandra SR.Flavonoids: an overview.J Nutr Sci.
2016;5:e47.
doi:10.1017/jns.2016.41
National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Potassium: Fact sheet for health professionals.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Grapefruit juice and some drugs don’t mix.
2013;347:f5001.
