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