Citrus fruits are valuable in treatment of problems of the Immune System and the Heart and Circulation, and the high vitamin C levels also make them good for skin disorders.
Some of the disorders citrus fruits are useful for include varicose veins, coughs, colds, flu, sore throats and bleeding gums. Due to their high levels of antioxidants and vitamins, they are also very cancer-protective, and cholesterol lowering.
High levels of vitamins A, B and C and E, along with bioflavanoids, beta carotene, pectin (soluble fibre) and many minerals make these very useful fruits to add to your diet. Some also contain oils such as limonene and bergamot which are useful in aromatherapy, and the juice contains powerful anti-bacterial qualitites.
The total antioxidant activity of a food is tested using a measure called the ORAC scale. To counteract the harmful oxidising effects of everything the average person eats, drinks and breathes in a day, around 1650 ORAC units are required in the food and drink consumed daily. Scientists believe that over 80% of the World's population actually fails to get more than 800 ORAC units per day, leaving the body open to damage by oxidation, which can ultimately lead to heart, liver, digestion and kidney diseases and most importantly cancer. Oranges contain around 750 ORAC units.
Nutrients
Diluted equally with hot water, citrus juices make excellent facial washes; the juice can also be applied neat with cotton wool to boils or acne.
Neroli, an aromatherapy oil made from orange blossom, has a mild sedative effect. Tea made from the dried flowers however is used as a stimulant.
Because of the high Vitamin C content one glass of juice at breakfast can double the absorption of Iron in your food. Also rich in bioflavonoids which strengthen the walls of the tiny blood capillaries throughout the body. A glass of juice also supplies B vitamins, minerals and a little protein and lots of potassium, so oranges should be in your shopping basket if you’ve got heart disease or high blood pressure.