Beyond vitamin C

Oranges, in addition to vitamin C, have other vitamins called citrus limonoids. Limonoids help fight cancer of mouth, skin, lungs and breast in animals.

A powerful antioxidant beta carotene present in oranges protects your cells from being damaged. Folic acid present in oranges helps in brain development and fighting fatigue. This is why consuming oranges can be beneficial for pregnant women.

Magnesium in oranges helps maintains blood pressure. The potassium content in oranges keeps the cardiovascular system healthy and balances the electrolyte in cells.

Oranges have thiamine which helps convert food into energy. It also has Vitamin B6 which supports production of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all parts of the body.

How to make oranges a part of your daily diet

An orange is a tasty fruit and there are many ways to make it an essential part of your diet. Once you do so, you will notice a significant difference in your energy levels and your skin too.

• Start your day with a cup of orange juice.
• Eat three oranges everyday and see the results.
• Make a salad and add oranges in it.
• Add some orange juice to your chicken recipe; you will simply love the taste.
• Replace mix fruit jam with orange marmalade.
• Pick an orange when you feel like binge-eating.
• Add oranges to yogurt. It makes a great dessert.
• Carry a bottle of orange juice wherever you go.
• Drop an orange in your bag before you step out of the house.
• Choose orange juice instead of aerated drinks, at parties or outings.

Tips on how to eat an orange

Oranges appear fresh and inviting but resist the temptation to bite into the peel. Here are a few ways that make eating orange easy.

• Peel it. Start from the top and go in circles till the end.
• Use a knife to peel it, if outer skin is thin.
• Slice from the centre in a horizontal way. Cut into halves and remove skin.
• Remove the skin and fibres if you want to feed it to a baby.
• Cut oranges into halves to squeeze them over a citrus press.
• Peel an orange and drop it in the electronic juicer. You do not have to worry about de-seeding it.
• Slice from end-to-end. You will have circular slices to dress a glass of juice.
• Sprinkle salt on the orange flesh, if it is too sour.

Orange and beauty

Eating oranges can do wonders for your skin. Since Vitamin C fights infection, it improves skin. Dried and powdered skin peels mixed with curd or rose water make a cooling face pack. Add the same dried orange peel powder to fuller's earth and add some rose water. It makes a skin smoothing pack and helps prevent pimples.

Things to avoid

• Do not eat the seeds. In case you happen to eat one, drink some water to avoid choking.
• Do not squirt the peel juice into anyone's eye. Although it is harmless, it stings. Be careful while you are peeling it.
• Do not store oranges for long. Have them fresh to get the best out of them.
• Do not replace the natural fruit with artificial orange flavoured drinks.

Remember eating an orange is better than having the juice. It is full of benefits and helps you lead an energised life. You are just an orange away from a healthy life. Have one everyday!