Health Benefits of Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are packed with lots of nourishing ingredients, and are tasteful too. They provide essential nutrients required for proper functioning of body and mind. Given here is a brief information about health benefits of these juicy fruits.
Vitamins and minerals
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which is best known for being anti-oxidant.
It also helps get rid of several ailments, of which diabetes, common cold, hypertension and cardiovascular disease are the most widely affected. Prevention from scurvy and rapid wound healing is another benefit of including vitamin C-rich foods in diet. It helps get rid of free radicals in the skin. These free radicals can lead to a degenerative eye disease, cataract. Improvement in body immunity is also an important function of vitamin C.
Folate
Folate or vitamin B9 is present in rich amount in citrus fruits. Folate helps prevent cancer and anemia. It also produces serotonin, (nicknamed as ‘happy hormone’) which in turn elevates your mood and keeps you cheerful all the time
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, present in juicy fruits helps prevent rickets, cancer and several other ailments. Its another important function is that it aids the absorption of calcium in the body. That’s why experts recommend supplements of vitamin D or exposure to sunlight.
Calcium
Many people think that calcium is just present in dairy. In fact, this essential mineral is found in high amount in many citrus fruits as well. It is important for bone strength and muscle growth, especially in early years of life, when body is in its growing phase and there is need for enough nourishment to take.
Other vitamins and minerals found in citrus fruits are iron, niacin, magnesium, thiamine, copper, selenium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and vitamin E, which are highly important for general health and well-being. These have many health benefits and also prevent several types of cancer from occurring.
Weight loss
Juicy fruits have another great benefit for which they are loved by all dieters, health conscious lot and the overweight. These are highly effective to reduce weight in a healthy way. Being low in calorie and high in nourishment, these are a must-added food in any low-fat diet plan. Taking a cup of grapefruit on an empty stomach will help cut the extra fats rapidly. Squeeze a lemon on your baked chicken or get fresh orange juice in breakfast to enjoy many health benefits of citrus fruits.
Healthy skin
Citrus fruits are excellent for having a glowing, flawless and acne-free skin.