10 Breathtaking Benefits of Citrus Fruits You Should Know About

It’s unbelievably easy to get enough vitamin C if you eat citrus fruits every day. One large orange offers more than the recommended vitamin C (65 to 95 milligrams) in a day.

Well, that just scratches the surface when it comes to the health-boosting benefits of citrus fruits. Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes and other kinds of citrus fruits are loaded with vitamins and minerals that can improve your health and fight diseases.

These are some of the amazing health benefits you may enjoy when you eat citrus fruits regularly.

1. YOU MAY LOSE WEIGHT FASTER

Have you seen those diets that ask people to quit fruit to lose weight? That’s bad advice! Fruits contain fiber, which aids weight loss.

Additionally, citrus fruits are low in calories. One medium orange has 62 calories, while grapefruit has 39 calories.

In fact, researchers identified a link between citrus fruits and weight loss when they looked into people’s eating habits over a period of 24 years.

2. YOUR RISK OF IRON DEFICIENCY MAY DROP

You’re probably confused because citrus fruits are not a source of iron. But vitamin C helps improve the absorption of iron. 

This is good news for vegans and vegetarians because iron from plants isn’t easily absorbable as iron from meat. Pair these iron plant sources with citrus fruits to absorb more iron.

3. CITRUS FRUITS MAY PREVENT CERTAIN CANCERS

Various studies show that citrus fruits may lower the risk of digestive cancers including esophageal, pancreatic and stomach cancers. Additional research shows that drinking grapefruit juice daily can lower the risk of lung cancer.

The potent nutrients in citrus fruits (vitamin C, flavonoids and carotenoids) offer these cancer-fighting benefits.

4. YOUR HEART HEALTH MAY IMPROVE

The antioxidants in fruits are good for your heart. In this study, eating one grapefruit a day for one month helped lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels among people who had undergone coronary bypass surgery.

Fiber also helps keep your heart healthy by regulating your cholesterol levels. Note that grapefruit may interact with cholesterol and blood pressure medications.

5. YOUR BRAIN FUNCTION MAY IMPROVE

Citrus juice may not be good for your waistline, because of the high sugar content, but it can boost your brain function. According to this study, citrus juice can boost your brain function and prevent cognitive decline as you age.

The antioxidants in citrus fruits fight the brain inflammation that can lead to cognitive conditions, such as Alzheimer’s.

6. THE DURATION OF YOUR COLDS MAY REDUCE

Many people believe vitamin C prevents colds but that’s a myth. However, it may help reduce the severity and duration of colds, research shows.

Eat more citrus fruits when you have a cold, and you may get rid of the symptoms a day earlier.

7. CITRUS FRUITS MAY KEEP YOUR SKIN YOUNG

A healthy diet can offer more anti-aging benefits than pills and injections. For instance, eating foods that contain vitamin C can boost collagen levels and keep your skin young.

This study found that women who consumed more vitamin C were less likely to have wrinkles.

8. CITRUS FRUITS WILL KEEP YOU HYDRATED

You don’t have to reach for a water bottle every time you’re thirsty. Eating citrus fruits can increase your fluid intake while offering plenty of fiber and nutrients.

If you’re bored with plain water squeeze citrus juice into the water for some flavor.

9. CITRUS FRUITS MAY GET RID OF WATER WEIGHT

Many people don’t know that citrus fruits are an excellent source of potassium.

Potassium helps get rid of water weight by balancing sodium levels. In fact, eating citrus fruits after a high-sodium meal can help you debloat.

10. CITRUS FRUITS MAY PREVENT KIDNEY STONES

The thought of passing a kidney stone is terrifying to many of us for a good reason—it’s one of the most painful experiences.

Well, you may never deal with that pain, if you increase your intake of citrus fruits. This study found that kidney stones are prevalent among those who eat fewer citrus fruits.

As you can see, citrus fruits offer astounding health benefits. Eat them regularly to enjoy these benefits.