'Orange' You Glad for the Health Benefits of Citrus?
By Donna Kostiew
The cold and flu season really waged war against my family this past year, but we have survived. Even though we did have the arms of those nasty viruses wrapped tightly around us, we were still able to get well. With the help of our doctors and chiropractic appointments, our vitamins and supplements, and a healthy diet, we were able to escape the flu's grip and we came out pretty unscathed. Of course, I was replenishing a ton of supplies at our house during this time. I was constantly at the store picking up things like medicine, tissues, and chicken noodle soup, but the one thing that I was the most consistent with purchasing was citrus.
Health Benefits of Citrus
Most people already know that citrus fruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is why it is usually at the top of the grocery list for those who aren’t feeling well. But did you know that citrus should really be at the top of that list all of the time, even when you aren’t sick? That’s because citrus provides amazing nutritional benefits to our bodies. Here are a few.
- Good for fiber consumption - The fiber in citrus helps to lower cholesterol and regulate glucose levels. It also keeps our digestive system regular and helps to maintain or lose weight.
- Good for your heart - Some citrus, like the antioxidant-rich red grapefruit, helps lower the bad cholesterol levels, and the Vitamin C in citrus has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Good for colds - There’s a reason why citrus is on the top of the grocery list when we get hit with a cold or flu. Citrus is packed with Vitamin C, and although it can’t prevent a cold from disrupting your life, it may reduce the duration and severity of it.
- Good for absorption of other nutrients - Citrus can also help your body absorb other nutrients better, such as iron. Iron is important for the immune system and helps your body produce red blood cells.
- Good for your skin - Eating plenty of citrus is very beneficial for your skin. Vitamin C has a role in collagen production, which can help keep skin looking supple and smooth.
- Good for the prevention of diseases - Diets high in citrus help to reduce the risk of several different types of cancer, and of cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.
With all of these phenomenal benefits, it's clear that having a daily dose of citrus will do your body good. So whether it’s in its natural state or squeezed through a juicer, consider keeping it at the top of your grocery list and making it a staple to your and your family’s diet.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Franklin, Tenn.