Navel Orange

Additional Details

Orange is a tropical to semitropical, evergreen, small flowering tree, growing to about 5 to 8 m tall, and bears seasonal fruits that measure about 3 inches in diameter and weigh about 100-150 g. Oranges are classified into two general categories, sweet and bitter, with the former being the type most commonly consumed type. Popular sweet varieties include Valencia, Navel, Persian variety, and blood orange.

Oranges are round citrus fruits with finely-textured skins that are, of course, orange in color just like their pulpy flesh; the skin can vary in thickness from very thin to very thick. Oranges usually range from approximately two to three inches in diameter. Juicy and sweet and renowned for its concentration of vitamin C, oranges make the perfect snack and add a special tang to many recipes; it is no wonder that they are one of the most popular fruits in the world. Oranges are generally available from winter through summer with seasonal variations depending on the variety.

Health Benefits

Oranges are rich in citrus limonoids, proven to help fight a number of varieties of cancer including that of the skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon.

Drinking orange juice regularly prevents kidney diseases and reduces the risk of kidney stones.

According to two studies in Japan eating mandarin oranges reduces liver cancer. This may be due in part to vitamin A compounds known as carotenoids.

Since they’re full of soluble fiber, oranges are helpful in lowering cholesterol.

Oranges are full of potassium, an electrolyte mineral, responsible for helping the heart function well. When potassium levels get too low, you may develop an abnormal heart rhythm, known as an arrhythmia.

Oranges are full of vitamin C which protects cells by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals cause chronic diseases, like cancer and heart disease.

Studies show that the abundance of polyphenols in oranges protects against viral infections.

Oranges are full of dietary fiber which stimulates digestive juices and relieves constipation.

Oranges are rich in carotenoid compounds which are converted to vitamin A and help prevent macular degeneration.

The flavonoid hesperidin found in oranges helps regulate high blood pressure and the magnesium in oranges helps maintain blood pressure.

Oranges are full of beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant protecting the cells from being damaged which also protects the skin from free radicals and prevents the signs of aging.