This is a variety of sweet orange with crimson and it shares many of the health benefits with the sweet orange. This orange has a reddish outer peel and red color flesh. The red color of blood oranges comes from anthocyanins which is the same compound that makes blackberries blue and red cabbage red. Anthocyanins are not just a pigment. They are powerful antioxidants with many health benefits. Also, they have anti – inflammatory properties which can help to prevent diabetes, bacterial infections and cancer and they reduce the risk of heart disease.
They can help to defend blood vessels from oxidative damage and reduce the accumulation of LDL cholesterol. Blood orange is grown in the volcanic atmosphere of Mount Etna in Sicily. It is rich in Vitamin C. Blood oranges are low in calories and they can prevent the obesity which is a big factor for type 2 diabetes. You should eat blood oranges or make fresh orange juice.
Health benefits of blood orange
Vitamin A: It is known that the blood orange is rich in Vitamin A. This is one of the most needed vitamins for our bodies. This vitamin can help to maintain the health of certain tissues, like retina. It can help in the growth and also it will keep your skin healthy. This vitamin promotes regular development of skeletal tissue and teeth.
Calcium: Calcium is found as a component of blood oranges. This mineral can help with the bones and teeth. Calcium is absolutely vital mineral because most of our bodies stand in place due to our bones. You should add blood oranges in your diet because they are good source of calcium so in this way you will be sure that your bones will be healthy.
Anthocyanins: The pigmentation of blood oranges have anthocyanins which are basic natural components that are giving color to vegetables, fruits and plants. It is believed that this component has anti – inflammatory properties which are affecting the collagen. Also, it can help to prevent bacterial infections, diabetes and cancer and they will reduce the risk of heart disease.
We know that many illnesses are coming as we are getting older. It is known that blood oranges can help to defend your blood vessels from the oxidative damage. Blood oranges can help to prevent the LDL cholesterol accumulation. Also, anthocyanins will help your body to heal itself. There are some studies in which are found that people who consumed more than 2 servings of anthocyanin – rich foods per week have decreased chances to get diabetes type 2.
Folic acid: Vitamin B9 is another name for folic acid. There are some studies in which are shown that folic acid is helping against some cancers and heart diseases. Folic acid is recommended for pregnant women before conception because this vitamin is vital for forming red blood cells in the body as well as preventing birth defects. Experts are saying that it can help to lower your blood vessels.
You should eat about 5 – 6 blood oranges per day because in this way you will get the required amount of folic acid. If you eat just one or two blood oranges per day, then you will not get the recommended amount of folic acid on daily basis so you need to consume other fruits that have folic acid to get the required amount.
Vitamin C: Blood oranges are rich in Vitamin C. Blood oranges are citrus fruits which means that like other citrus fruits, they are also rich in Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid. It is known that in the past, sailors who have had the disease known as scurvy, have found their cure in eating lot of oranges.
Vitamin C is antioxidant which is needed for many metabolic functions in the bodies and it can help to repair tissue and ensures healthy gums. Also, this vitamin can help in healing wounds and it has positive benefits on the adrenal gland function. This vitamin is not produced by our bodies and this is a reason why it should be added in our diets. It is recommended consuming two blood oranges because in this way you will get the recommended amount of Vitamin C.
