By: Ivana Dragica |
Orange – a star among healing fruits |
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Folk wisdom claims that orange juice is gold in the morning, silver in the noon and bronze in the evening.
It is believed that oranges originate from Asia, from where they spread around the world and in the 15th century they were embraced by Europe.
They were so expensive in the past that they were eaten only as a treat on Christmas. Luckily, today they are widely available.
Oranges are one of the most powerful healing fruits and yellow and red varieties of orange are the most popular and famous ones.
Orange’s healing powers are so numerous that we could write a big book just about that.
Now is the right time to include them on our menu, if you have not already done that. They are perfect for winter detoxification and for fighting the common cold.
Orange’s content and healing powers
Oranges are rich in vitamins C, B1, B9 (folic acid) and A, potassium, calcium and fibers.
Eat one orange every day to supply your organism with recommended vitamin C dosage because vitamin C is proven to prevent many health problems, from flu to allergies and serious cardiovascular diseases.
Orange contains several cancer inhibitors – carotenoid, terpene and flavonoids.
With other sorts of citrus fruits, orange is one of the most powerful food items for cancer prevention. It contains 58 known anti-carcinogenic compounds, more than any other food item.
Oranges contain large quantities of known antioxidant – glutathione. That compound is lost if you squeeze oranges, so do not do it and eat whole oranges.
They are also the richest source of glucarate, other known compound that prevents cancer.
Regular consumption of oranges reduces the chances of developing pancreas cancer in half and also protects against stomach and colon cancer.
Orange’s antimicrobial and strengthening properties are concentrated in orange juice.
You should drink large amounts of orange juice if you are suffering from flu, fever, weakened organism, angina, digestive problems, and kidney or bladder diseases.
Cooked peeled orange applied in thick layer on boils can give excellent results.
Orange leaves, especially those of a bitter orange (bergamot), are useful for treating anxiety, tension, agitation, insomnia and problems related to central nervous system.
It can also help if you suffer from allergies and asthma, they lower increased body temperature and enhance sweating.
Orange peel is used as a nervous system stimulant, as a digestion enhancement supplement, for lowering high body temperature and as a remedy against intestine parasites.
An aromatherapy star
Bitter orange leaves are generally one of the best means of lifting mood.
Due to a pleasant scent and healing properties, they are used for manufacturing bergamot essential oil that can be used against depression and anxiety.
Essential oil made of real oranges, which is manufactured by pressing orange peels, has been proven to be a great antiseptic compound and analgesic for treating stomach pains.
On the other hand, bergamot essential oil is perfect for disinfecting wounds, boils and burns.
In cosmetics, orange essential oil enhances collagen creation by increasing the blood flow trough our skin. It is especially useful for treating dry skin that is prone to irritation and acnes.
Orange in cuisine
You can serve them with practically everything, you can make orange jam and syrup, you can candy orange peels or use it grated.
Only use oranges you grew yourself or those that you can be certain that were grown organically. Oranges from supermarkets are often polluted and if you use them, peel them first.
When purchasing, pay attention that there are no damages, discolorations or molds on the surface.
Orange’s weight confirms the juiciness of the fruit, so choose oranges that have appropriate weight.
Keep oranges stored in your fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Orange leaf tea
Put one tablespoon of orange leaves intro 0.2 l of water, leave it for 10 minutes and then filtrate the mixture.
Orange ice tea
Ingredients
- two organically grown oranges
- four cups of boiling water
- five bags of tea (according to your liking)
- ice cubes
- honey or brown sugar
Peel the oranges, pour boiling water over the peels and tea bags and filtrate the mixture after five minutes. Mix cooled tea with oranges in a blender. Add sweeteners and ice cubes according to your taste.
What brings eating one orange a day?
- better skin and hair look
- prevents high blood pressure
- helps with respiratory diseases
- reduces inflammations caused by arthritis
- protects cardiovascular system health
- prevents bile outbursts
- protects against the common cold and flu
- protects against many types of cancer
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