Eating Citrus Makes a Difference
Jan 22, 2020, Updated Nov 12, 2021
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
The Produce Moms is a proud brand partner with the Pro Citrus Network. Together we strive to spread the word about citrus and how super it is!
Did you know that only 1 in 11 people eat the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables? Americans are leaving vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants vital to their health on the table every day. Improve your health with citrus!
Citrus is available year-round, plus it’s affordable, easy to consume, nutrient-dense and delicious. The health benefits of eating citrus far outweigh its sugar content. Skipping citrus means missing out on all of its healthy superpowers, now that would just be silly!
From disease-fighting to wrinkle-fighting, discover how important eating citrus is:
A Slice of Citrus for Your Health
Oranges: Navels, Valencias, Cara Caras, and Bloods
Navel and Valencia Oranges are among the healthiest fruits in the produce section. One orange supplies 116.2% of the daily value of Vitamin C! Consuming Vitamin C can reduce your risks of developing heart disease and stroke. Oranges are also abundant in antioxidants. Pectin found in oranges contains a water-soluble fiber which can help reduce blood cholesterol levels and suppress hunger levels for hours.
Cara Caras resembles navels but with pink inner flesh. They are known for increased sweetness and subtle notes of blackberry flavor. Some prefer Cara Cara oranges due to their lower acidity levels.
Blood Oranges have nine times the antioxidant levels of navel oranges and three times the polyphenols! This is all good news for your health. Polyphenols are known to improve digestive disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Blood oranges get their ruby red flesh color from anthocyanins, which also offer unique anti-inflammatory health benefits.
RELATED: How to Segment an Orange
Mandarins are simply a mini version of oranges and are typically sweeter. Thirst-quenching, energy building mandarins are an easy-to-peel, grab-n-go snack. Stuff a couple in your lunch sack to curve those mid-day cravings.
Grapefruit
In addition to an abundance of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, grapefruit contains glucarate compounds which may help prevent breast cancer. Grapefruit gets its red to pink flesh color from lycopene, which demonstrates an ability to help fight free radical compounds that can damage cells.
RELATED: How to Select, Store and Serve Grapefruit
Lemons
Did you know drinking lemon water helps your body get energy from ingested foods? Consuming lemon juice with other foods can help the body better absorb available nutrients. Like all citrus, lemons also provide a healthy source of Vitamin C. Additionally, lemon juice is considered anti-microbial and is sometimes used in cleaning solutions.
Citrus in Cosmetics
Citrus is making a splash in the cosmetic world too. Essential oils from citrus satisfy the senses but there is more to this story. Antioxidants help to fight free radicals which can help keep wrinkles at bay. Citric acid helps to unclog pores, promoting a feeling of fresh and clean. Vitamin C supports the production of collagen which helps to even out skin tone while promoting a firm skin texture.
Simple Citrus Recipes
From morning meal to midnight snack, citrus is a smart choice. There are so many ways to enjoy citrus, but we think fresh is best! We’re sharing a few of our favorite citrus recipes. When in doubt you can’t go wrong with fresh and ready to eat!
Breakfast: Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes served with half a fresh grapefruit and fresh-squeezed orange juice
Lunch: Asian Asparagus and Orange Salad
Salad: Navel Orange and Beet Salad
Dinner: Caribbean Sautéed Shrimp
Dessert: Honey Lemon Squares
Snack: Oven Roasted Grapefruit
Beverage: Cafe Brulot
Citrus is a powerhouse for your health — You’re doing your body good with each bite. The sunshine sweet taste and aroma of citrus is the perfect lift on a cold winter day or any time of the year!
Do you love eating citrus? What’s your favorite citrus fruit to enjoy? Share in the comments below.
I hate citrus fruits, these things make me uncomfortable, and whenever I eat one, I automatically make odd faces, and I always try to avoid them, but my mom always scold me to eat at least one fruit a week. I hate that, but now I know why she told me to eat. And I didn’t know that there are so many fruits that come under this category. Thanks for making this informational article.