Health Benefits of
Eating Blood Oranges
-
AnthocyaninsThe main health advantage of a blood orange is it contains an
abundance of anthocyanins. These useful compounds give the fruit
a red pigmentation. Anthocyanins function as anti-inflammatory agents.
They are excellent in protecting you
against bacterial infections, diabetes and cancer as well as preventing
heart disease.
-
Vitamin CBlood oranges are rich in essential vitamin C or ascorbic acid.
This potent antioxidant vitamin aids in healing wound, repairing
body's tissues and contributing to healthy gums. Studies have
proven that foods high in vitamin C help improve the body's
immune system. A strong immune system is important as it is able
to fight off various common diseases and protect your overall
wellbeing.
-
Vitamin AThe citrus fruit is also loaded with vitamin A, another vitamin
that is vital to your body. Vitamin A is great particularly in
maintaining a healthy retina and promoting a better vision in
general. It is also a nutrient that is significant to keep mucus
membranes and your skin healthy.
-
FolatePacked with folate or vitamin B9, blood oranges are beneficial
to pregnant women as they reduce the risk of birth defects. The
vitamin is capable of providing protection to cervix cell DNA,
thereby lowering the risk of cervix cancer.
-
CalciumThis nutritious citrus fruit is a good source of calcium.
Calcium is an important mineral needed by the body to maintain
strong bones and teeth. Scientific studies also relate calcium
to weight loss. According to the reports, 3 to 4 servings of
high-calcium foods help adjust the fat-burning machinery in your
body.
-
Vitamin PBlood oranges are also full of vitamin P. Laboratory tests have
proven the effectiveness of the vitamin in lowering levels of
cholesterol in human body and regulating blood pressure.
-
LimonoidsBesides the many health facts mentioned above, blood oranges
contain substantial amount of powerful compounds known as
limonoids. Limonoids assist in fighting breast cancer. They are
also a natural remedy to malaria.
Facts about Blood Oranges
 A blood orange (scientific name Citrus sinensis) has been well-known
since many years ago in Europe and has now gained popularity
elsewhere. The rind of a blood orange is normally deep orange in
color. The color may be darker or lighter depending on the cultivar,
while the flesh has the color of pink to dark crimson.
Blood Orange Varieties
- Tarocco -- most popular in Europe and is cultivated mainly in Italy.
It is usually regarded as superior to various other varieties.
- Sanguinello -- cultivated in Spain, and is nearly seedless. It
normally has a deeper red color.
- Moro -- typically cultivated in the United States. It has the
darkest flesh. It is ideal for those who would like to prepare deep
crimson juices, or use blood orange in their dishes.
Peak growing season for Tarocco is from January to May and for
Moro is from December to March. Just a bit of history -- as the
blood orange tree can produce leaves, flowers and fruit
simultaneously, the citrus fruit has long been related to fertility.
Blood Orange Nutrition Facts and Calories
|
Nutritional Value
of 1 Medium Blood Orange (154 g) |
| Calories |
80 kcal |
| Total Fat |
0 g |
| Cholesterol |
0 mg
|
| Sodium |
0 mg |
| Total
Carbohydrates |
21 g |
| Dietary Fiber |
7 g |
| Sugars |
14 g |
| Protein |
1
g |
Blood Orange Recipe
Blood Orange Cocktail Drink Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons blood orange juice
- 4 teaspoons Brandy
- 4 teaspoons triple sec
- Dash of cocktail bitters
Preparation:
- Place your cocktail glass in the fridge to chill. Mix the blood
orange juice, Brandy, triple sec, and cocktail bitters in a special
ice filled cocktail shaker. Continuously shake it for 15 seconds,
then strain into the chilled glass.
Blood Orange Side Effects
There are no known side effects of eating fresh blood oranges.
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