Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) originated from south East Asia, but is consumed all over the world as an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful natural antioxidant that builds the body immune system. Important phytochemicals like liminoids, synephrine, hesperidin flavonoid, polyphenols, pectin, and sufficient amount of folacin, calcium, potassium, thiamine, niacin and magnesium are also present.

Sweet oranges contain low calories and no saturated fats or cholesterol, but are rich in dietary fibre, pectin which is very effective in persons with obesity. Pectin has also been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels by decreasing its re-absorption in the colon.

Orange peels contain the alkaloid synephrine, which reduces the production of cholesterol in the liver. The antioxidant elements in oranges combat oxidative stress that oxidizes the LDL (low-density lipoprotein) in the blood.

1. Etebu, E., and Nwauzoma, A.B. (2014). A Review on Sweet Orange (Citrus Sinensis L Osbeck): Health, Diseases and Management. American Journal of Research Communication, 2(2): 33-70. Retrieved from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/3fb0/1c8f80b772041eeed3f272a17017a814ef0d.pdf