I put together some information about citrus fruit. Much of the information is repeated on the sites I looked at. (Some information is just research, some benefits listed may not suit all or fully accurate.) This is for general knowledge.
A little history:
The citron’s place of origin is unidentified yet seeds were found in Mesopotamian excavations dating back to 4000 B.C. The armies of Alexander the Great are believed to have carried the citron towards the Mediterranean region about 300 B.C. A Jewish coin struck in 136 B.C. bore a representation of the citron on one side. A Chinese writer in AD 300 spoke of a gift of “40 Chinese bushels of citrons from Ta-ch’in” in AD 284. Ta-ch’in is understood to mean the Roman Empire. The citron was a staple, commercial food item in Rome in AD 301. There are actually wild citron trees in Chittagong, Sitakund Hill, Khasi and Garo hills of northern India. Dioscorides mentioned citron within the 1st Century AD and Pliny named it malus medica, malus Assyria and citrus in AD 177. The fruit was imported into Greece from Persia (now Iran). Greek colonists began growing the citron in Palestine about 200 B.C. The tree is assumed to have been effectively introduced into Italy within the 3rd Century. The trees were mainly destroyed by barbarians within the 4th Century but those who work in the “Kingdom of Naples” and in Sardinia and Sicily survived. By the year 1003, the citron was commonly cultivated at Salerno and fruits (called poma cedrina) were presented as a token of gratitude to Norman lords. For centuries, this area provided citron to the Jews in Italy, France and Germany for their Feast of the Tabernacles (sukkot) ceremony. Moses had specified the cone of the cedar, hadar (kedros in Greek) and when it fell into disfavor it was substituted with the citron, and the Palestine Greeks known as the latter kedromelon (cedar apple). Kedros was Latinized as cedrus and also this evolved into citrus, as well as subsequently into citron. For several years, most Citrus species were recognized as botanical types of Citrus medica.
Spaniards most likely brought the citron along with other Citrus species to St. Augustine, Florida, although it might have survived there only in greenhouses. The tree was introduced into Puerto Rico in 1640. Commercial citron culture and processing began in California in 1880. The trees suffered serious cold damage in 1913 and, in a short time, the project was abandoned. From 1926 to 1936, there were scattered small plantings of citron in Florida, especially one on Terra Ceia Island, supplying fruits to the Hills Brothers Canning Company. The groves ultimately succumbed to cold and today the citron is grown in southern Florida very rarely like a curiosity. The main producing areas of citron for food utilize are Sicily, Corsica, and Crete along with other islands off the coasts of Italy, Greece and France, and also the neighboring mainland. Citron is additionally developed commercially within the central, mountainous coffee regions of Puerto Rico. Some are candied locally but many is distributed in brine to the United States and Europe. Citron is delicately grown in several other islands of the Caribbean as well as in Central and South America. It’s been rather generally grown in Brazil for several years. There have always been scattered citron trees within the Cauca Valley of Colombia. After 5 years of study, horticulturists decided in 1964 that commercial culture might be rewarding. Citron trees usually are not uncommon in a few of the Pacific Islands but they are rare within the Philippines.
Uses of Citron:
Culinary
Even though the lemon or orange are peeled to consume their pulpy as well as juicy segments, the citron’s pulp is dry, that contains a little amount of insipid juice, if any. The main content of the citron fruit is definitely the thick white rind, that adheres towards the segments and can’t be separated from them easily. The citron gets halved as well as depulped, then its rind is cooked in sugar, diced, and utilized as a confection.
Today the citron can be used for the fragrance or even zest of the flavedo, however the most important part is still inner rind (referred to as pith or albedo), that is a fairly essential article in international trade and is also broadly used in the food industry as succade, as it is termed when it’s candied in sugar.
The dozens of types of citron are collectively referred to as Lebu in Bangladesh, where it’s the primary citrus fruit.
In Iran, the citron’s thick white rind is utilized to help make jam; in Pakistan the fruit is utilized to create jam but is additionally pickled; in South Indian cuisine, the citron is traditionally used in pickles and preserves. In Korea, citron (called yujacha) is utilized to make tea, that supposedly helps you to suppress coughing, reduce hangovers, and is also great at treating indigestion.
Many citrus fruits, such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, and clementines, are generally eaten fresh. They are typically peeled and can be easily split into segments. Grapefruit is more commonly halved and eaten out of the skin with a spoon. Orange and grapefruit juices are also very popular breakfast beverages.
More acidic citrus, such as lemons and limes, are generally not eaten on their own. Meyer lemons can be eaten, they are both sweet and sour. Lemonade or limeade are popular beverages prepared by diluting the juices of these fruits and adding sugar. Lemons and limes are also used as garnishes or in cooked dishes. Their juice is used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes; it can commonly be found in salad dressings and squeezed over cooked meat or vegetables.
The rind and oil of the fruit is generally very bitter, especially when cooked, and so is often combined with sugar. The fruit pulp can vary from sweet and tart to extremely sour. Marmalade, a condiment derived from cooked orange and lemon, can be especially bitter, but is usually sweetened to cut the bitterness and produce a jam-like result. Lemon or lime is commonly used as a garnish for water, soft drinks, or cocktails. Citrus juices, rinds, or slices are used in a variety of mixed drinks. The colorful outer skin of some citrus fruits, known as zest, is used as a flavoring in cooking; the white inner portion of the peel, the pith, is usually avoided due to its bitterness.
Medicinal Uses
In olden days plus the Middle Ages, the ‘Etrog’ was employed like a solution for seasickness, pulmonary troubles, intestinal ailments along with other problems. Citron juice along with wine was considered a highly effective purgative to eliminate the system of poison. In India, the peel is really a solution for dysentery and is also consumed to beat halitosis. The distilled juice is given like a sedative. The candied peel is sold in China as a stomachic, stimulant, expectorant and tonic. In West Tropical Africa, the citron is utilized only like a medication, particularly towards rheumatism.
The flowers are utilized medicinally by the Chinese. In Malaya, a decoction of the fruit is taken to drive off evil spirits. A decoction of the shoots of wild plants is administered to enhance appetite, reduce stomachache and discharge intestinal worms. The leaf juice, coupled with that of Polygonum and Indigofera is taken after childbirth. A leaf infusion is offered just as one antispasmodic. In Southeast Asia, citron seeds are given like a vennifuge. In Panama, they’re ground up as well as coupled with other ingredients and given just as one antidote for poison. The essential oil of the peel is undoubtedly an antibiotic.
Storage
Citron features a shelf-life of one to two weeks whenever stored in the fridge at temperatures in between 7-9 Celsius (45-59F). Keep citron in the sealed plastic bag, since this will extend its lifespan significantly. If keeping at room temperature, put the fruit in the dry, cool area: Expect the fruit to harden in a week.
Tip: Rather than keeping citrons in the kitchen area, make sure they are into centerpiece by stacking them in a bowl amongst other colorful fruit, and put on the dinning table. They’ll keep going longer in the cooler room, as well as brighten the space. Citrons are incredibly aromatic as well.
Facts:
This class of fruits includes lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit, as well as many more hybrids and varieties.
Citrus fruits grow on flowering trees and shrubs. They are characterized by a leathery rind and white pith that encases juicy segments.
They're native to Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia and possibly Southeast Asia.
Citron is native to north east India bordering Myanmar. It is naturalised in Southern China – Guangxi, Southwest Guizhou, Hainan, Sichuan, eastern Xizang and Yunnan.
Nowadays, they are cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates all over the world. Major production hubs include Spain, Brazil, China, the US, Mexico and India.
Interestingly, nearly a third of all citrus fruits are used to make juice.
Store citrus fruit at room temperature if you'll eat it in a week or so; otherwise, it will keep in the crisper for six to eight weeks.
Squirt some lemon juice on fresh cut fruits or fresh guacamole to prevent them from browning quickly.
You can find all kinds of citrus fruits year round. The peak season for oranges and grapefruits in the Northern Hemisphere is between mid-December and April.
Here are some popular varieties of citrus fruits:
- Sweet oranges: Valencia, navel, blood orange, cara cara
- Mandarins: Satsuma, clementine, tangor, tangelo
- Limes: Persian, key lime, kaffir
- Grapefruit: White, ruby red, oroblanco
- Lemons: Eureka, Meyer
- Other kinds: Citron, sudachi, yuzu, pomelos
The citron is borne by the slow-growing shrub or even small tree reaching 8 to 15 ft (2.4-4.5 m) high along with stiff branches and stiff twigs and long or short spines in the leaf axils. The leaflets usually are evergreen, lemon-scented, ovate-lanceolate or ovate elliptic, 2 1/2 to 7 in (6.25-18 cm) long; leathery, along with short, wingless or nearly wingless petioles; the flower buds are usually large as well as white or purplish; the fragrant flowers about 1 1/2 in (4 cm) wide, in short clusters, are mainly perfect however, many male due to pistil abortion; 4- to 5-petalled, often pinkish or purplish on the outside, with 30 to 60 stamens. The fruit is aromatic, mainly oblong, obovoid or oval, occasionally pyriform, but highly variable; numerous shapes and smooth or rough fruits sometimes occurring on the same branch; one form is deeply divided from the apex into slender sections; frequently there exists a protruding style; size also varies from 3 1/2 to 9 in or even 1 ft (9-22.8 or 30 cm) long; peel is yellow whenever fully ripe; generally rough and bumpy but sometimes smooth; mostly very thick, fleshy, tightly clinging; pulp pale-yellow or greenish divided into as much as 14 or 15 segments, firm, not so juicy, acid or sweet; consists of several monoembryonic seeds, ovoid, smooth, white within.
The technical name for a citrus peel is called a pericarp. It is divided into 3 parts: the exocarp, which is more commonly know as zest; the mesocarp, which is the white, spongy pith; and the endocarp, which is the pithy left over that clings to the fruit after you remove the peel.
Cara cara orange – a type of navel orange that looks like a regular orange on the outside, but is a distinctive pinkish red on the inside. Cara cara oranges are very sweet and have a tangy hint of cranberries.
Blood orange – smaller than the average orange, the blood orange gets its name from the striking bright red to maroon interior. Blood oranges have an intense orange flavor with a hint of fresh raspberry.
Pomelo – the largest citrus fruit, the pomelo closely resembles the grapefruit. Pomelos have a thick yellow to green skin, with an interior that ranges from white to deep pink. Pomelos taste sweeter and less acidic than grapefruit.
Minneola tangelo – a hybrid between the grapefruit and tangerine, this fruit has a refreshing combination of tart and sweet flavors.
Important species:
Citrus aurantifolia – Key Lime
Citrus maxima – Pomelo
Citrus medica – Citron
Citrus reticulata – Mandarin orange & Tangerine
Citrus aurantifolia – Key Lime
Citrus maxima – Pomelo
Citrus medica – Citron
Citrus reticulata – Mandarin orange & Tangerine
Important hybrids:
Citrus x aurantium – Bitter orange
Citrus x latifolia – Persian Lime
Citrus x limon – Lemon
Citrus x limonia – Rangpur
Citrus x paradisi – Grapefruit
Citrus x sinensis – Sweet Orange
Citrus x aurantium – Bitter orange
Citrus x latifolia – Persian Lime
Citrus x limon – Lemon
Citrus x limonia – Rangpur
Citrus x paradisi – Grapefruit
Citrus x sinensis – Sweet Orange
Try making a salad of greens, orange segments, avocado slices, onions and lime vinaigrette. Another savory combination includes orange or grapefruit segments, chicken, walnuts and a vinaigrette with a dash of hot sauce or soy sauce and ginger. Roasted beets work well with orange or grapefruit segments and an orange-juice flavored vinaigrette. Saute onions in orange juice, add orange segments, a touch of fresh dill and use it as a topping for chicken or fish.
What’s the best way to get at the citrus peel: zest or chop?
A zester is best. And if you don’t own one, use a grater instead.
What are your favourite ways to use the rind?
Lemon or lime zest is great in fruit smoothies and stirred into plain yogurt that is topped with raspberries and/or strawberries and sweetened with a bit of stevia or unpasturized honey. I like to add it to many of the healthy muffins and pies I bake, as well as the salad dressings I make with lemon juice and olive oil.
Is it best to use organic, or does it matter?
Yes, it is better to choose organic ‘ especially when you’re eating the peels ‘ because the skins of conventionally grown citrus fruits can contain pesticide residue.
Benefits:
They're Rich in Vitamins and Plant Compounds
Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, a nutrient that strengthens the immune system and keeps your skin smooth and elastic.
In fact, just one medium orange has all the vitamin C you need in a day.
Citrus fruits also have good amounts of other vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly, including B vitamins, folate, thiamin, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and copper.
Additionally, they are rich in plant compounds that have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
These compounds include over 60 varieties of flavonoids, carotenoids and essential oils, and they are responsible for many of citrus fruit's health benefits.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and protects the body from damaging free radicals. It is also required for the synthesis of collagen, which helps wounds heal and helps hold blood vessels, tendons, ligaments and bone together. Folate is necessary for cell division and DNA synthesis. Thiamin is a B vitamin important in metabolism.
Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which provides structure and elasticity for your skin and tendons. As an antioxidant, it neutralizes free radicals before they damage healthy cells, which prevents inflammation that can lead to chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease. Men need to get 90 milligrams and women should consume 75 milligrams of vitamin C in their daily diet. You'll get 53 milligrams of vitamin C from one small orange, 34 milligrams from one-half of a small grapefruit and 27 milligrams from one large tangerine.
Flavonoids are a group of substances responsible for the fruit's color and bitter flavor. They're also antioxidants that reduce inflammation and may prevent cancer by helping your body eliminate carcinogens and killing cancer cells. The membranes and white pith of the fruit contain a high proportion of flavonoids. Eating the whole fruit may supply up to five times more flavonoids than you would get from a glass of juice.
They're a Good Source of Fiber
Citrus fruits are a good source of fiber. Just one cup of orange segments contains four grams of fiber.
To put that in perspective, it's recommended that you consume 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories you eat. It's estimated that only 4% of men and 13% of women in the US get that amount.
Oranges are particularly high in soluble fiber, the kind of fiber that helps lower cholesterol levels.
Compared to other fruits and vegetables, citrus fruits are unique in that they have a higher ratio of soluble to insoluble fiber.
You’ll get 2.4 grams of dietary fiber from a small orange, 1.8 grams from a large tangerine and 1.1 grams from one-half of a small grapefruit. About 60 to 70 percent of the total fiber in an orange or grapefruit is the soluble type that lowers cholesterol and helps prevent spikes in blood sugar. The rest is insoluble fiber, which adds bulk to digestive waste and prevents constipation.
Citrus Fruits Are Low in Calories
They're low in calories, yet their water and fiber contents help fill you up.
Here's how many calories the main kinds of citrus fruits contain:
- 1 small clementine: 35
- 1 medium orange: 62
- 1/2 pink grapefruit: 52
- 1/2 white grapefruit: 39
- Juice from 1 lemon: 12
What's more, a 2015 study that looked at people's eating habits and weight over 24 years found that eating citrus fruits was linked to weight loss.
One small orange, one-half of a small grapefruit and one large tangerine are all equal to about 100 grams. You would have to eat almost two small lemons to consume 100 grams and gain the same amount of nutrients in one small orange. A 100-gram serving of orange, grapefruit or tangerine has 32 to 53 calories, 8 to 13 grams of total carbohydrates and 7 to 11 grams of sugar. Oranges and grapefruit have low glycemic index scores, which means their natural sugars don't cause a big spike in blood sugar.
They May Reduce Your Risk of Kidney Stones
They can form when your urine is very concentrated or when you have higher-than-normal amounts of stone-forming minerals in your urine.
One type of kidney stone is caused by low levels of citrate in urine.
Many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, can raise the levels of citrate in your urine, lowering the risk of kidney stones.
Drinking citrus juices and eating these fruits can offer a natural alternative to potassium citrate supplements.
According to data on American eating habits over the last 40 years, kidney stones are more common in people who eat fewer citrus fruits.
They May Help Fight or Protect Against Cancer
Many studies have linked citrus fruits to a reduced risk of certain cancers.
In one study, people who ate one grapefruit or drank one serving of grapefruit juice daily had a lower risk of lung cancer.
Other studies have suggested that citrus fruits may also protect against esophageal, stomach, breast and pancreatic cancers.
These fruits contain a host of plant compounds, including flavonoids, that may help protect against cancer.
Some of these flavonoids act as antioxidants and may block the expression of certain genes that are responsible for some degenerative diseases, including cancer.
Citrus fruits may also help fight cancer by suppressing cancers, blocking the formation of new cancers and making carcinogens inactive.
Excellent natural pain reliever
In case you have a headache, drink a glass of water with a few freshly-squeezed citron juice. Citrons have got anti-inflammatory as well as pain-relieving qualities that ought to help make your headache disappear naturally.
Efficient against heartburn
You are able to repeat exactly the same experiment as above: squeeze some fresh citron juice in a glass of water and drink it slowly. The water can help clear your throat through the acid which made its way up, whilst the citron juice will relax the pain for a short period.
Eating citrus fruits could be good for your heart.
In fact, a Japanese study found that people who ate higher amounts of these fruits had lower rates of heart disease and stroke.
Furthermore, a 2017 review suggests that grapefruits are linked to a decrease in systolic blood pressure.
Several compounds in citrus fruits can improve markers of heart health.
For example, their soluble fiber and flavonoids may improve cholesterol levels by raising "good" HDL cholesterol and lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
And many of the flavonoids in citrus fruits, including one called naringin, are strong antioxidants that benefit the heart in several ways.
They May Protect Your Brain
The flavonoids in citrus fruits may help ward off neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, which result from the breakdown of cells in the nervous system.
In part, these diseases are caused by inflammation.
Flavonoids found in citrus fruits have anti-inflammatory capabilities that are thought to help protect against the chain of events that causes the nervous system to deteriorate.
Specific types of flavonoids, including hesperidin and apigenin, have been shown to protect brain cells and improve brain function in mice and test-tube studies.
Several studies in older adults have also shown that citrus juices may boost brain function.
To fight infection.
Grapefruit seed extract can be used to fight infections and can rid the body of unhealthy bacteria, according to holistic nutritionist Sally Pansing Kravich (who’s worked with Kerry Washington).
Grapefruit—and citrus in general—can also promote kidney health, adds dermatologist Michael Lin, who’s based in California. “Citrus fruits are packed with folic acid, a type of vitamin B that can aid in preventing kidney disease and birth defects among pregnant women,” he explains. “Good kidney health helps the body filter blood, remove waste and regulate the balance of electrolytes. Maintaining balanced levels of electrolytes helps prevent dehydration and dry, dull skin.”
To improve your immune system and digestion.
Skincare expert Adrienne Shostak recommends starting your day with hot lemon water rather than coffee or tea. “Lemons are rich in vitamin C and potassium,” she says. “Vitamin C is an excellent fighter against colds and potassium stimulates brain and nerve functions, while regulating the blood pressure. Lemons also aid in digestion and clean toxins from the blood, which keeps the skin clean.” She suggests drinking the juice of half a lemon with hot water, adding a bit of honey or turmeric (another potent antioxidant) first thing when you wake up. Then, wait 30 minutes before eating (if you can!) to maximize the benefits. (You’ll want to drink the concoction fairly quickly though, says wellness expert Cassie Sobelton, as lemon water can be harmful to your teeth’s enamel if it sits there for too long.)
Clementines are another great digestion aid, Kamburowski says. “Although they’re tart and acidic, they also contain essential alkaline minerals that are key to helping balance the body after digestion,” she explains. “Add them to your daily juice or smoothie, or simply eating them piece-by-piece as an energy-boosting afternoon snack.
To jumpstart your metabolism.
It might sound crazy but citrus fruits can actually raise your metabolic rate while resting, says Jolie Martin, Laser Medical Esthetician and skincare expert at NYC’s SKINNEY Medspa. “The phytonutrient load found in citrus fruits can burn additional calories making them an ideal addition to your fitness…or resting plan,” she explains.
According to Beth Shaw, author of YogaLean, grapefruit is especially great for metabolism boosting: it’s high in enzymes, which burn fat, and has a high water content as well, keeping you hydrated.
To brighten your skin.
“If you are looking to achieve clear, glowing and blemish-free skin, make sure citrus fruits such as lemons, limes or grapefruits are part of your daily diet and beauty routine,” says Dr. Roshini Raj, gastroenterologist and founder of TULA skincare. “Citrus fruits are a rich natural source of vitamin C, which helps destroy free radicals in your body while providing a radiant glow to your skin and rejuvenating skin from the inside.”
If you have sun spots or uneven skin tone, citrus can help with those, too. “The retinol antioxidant in grapefruit helps treat this condition, renewing damaged skin,” says Kamburowski. “The potassium in grapefruit helps to smooth wrinkles and age spots and provides a protective shield against UV rays, while amino acids makes the skin firm and soft.” (Check out Grown Alchemist Polishing Facial Exfoliant: Pink Grapefruit & Glucomannan Extract to reap the benefits of this superfood on your skin.)
To purify.
Citrus essential oils provide exceptional cleansing benefits to the skin as well as some anti-inflammatory ones, which make them extremely beneficial for healing blemishes or even razor cuts, says Julia Teren of Thesis Beauty.
These oils not only clean, though, they can also deodorize. “Oils like lime and lemon enjoy popularity in deodorants as they also help inhibit odor-producing bacteria,” she explains. “They do a great job deodorizing armpits, feet and hands and controlling sebum production on an over-reactive scalp.” (Kind of gross…but also pretty awesome.)
To lift your spirits.
Try citrus as mood-boosting aromatherapy, Teren suggests. “Citrus oils such as bergamot, petitgrain, mandarin and grapefruit are incredibly aromatic and uplifting when used in mists, diffusers, and natural candles,” she says. “They help relieve signs of stress and fatigue, promote relaxation and elevated mood.” For a spa-like unwinding experience, soak in your bathtub with Thesis Beauty’s Dead Sea Bath Salt Citrus Grove, which will benefit your senses and your skin.
Carbohydrate
The main energy-yielding nutrient in citrus is carbohydrate; citrus contains the simple carbohydrates (sugars) fructose, glucose and sucrose, as well as citric acid which can also provide a small amount of energy. Citrus fruits also contain non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), commonly known as dietary fibre, which is a complex carbohydrate with important health benefits. The predominant type of fibre in citrus is pectin, making up 65 to 70 percent of the total fibre. The remaining fibre is in the form of cellulose, hemicellulose and trace amounts of gums. Citrus also contains lignin, a fibre-like component. In the body, NSP holds water-soluble nutrients in a gel matrix which delays gastric emptying and slows digestion and absorption. This tends to promote satiety, and may reduce the rate of glucose uptake following consumption of glycaemic (available) carbohydrate, thus helping to prevent a surge in blood glucose levels. Improper regulation of blood glucose results in either hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose) or hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose). NSP can also interfere with the reabsorption of bile acids which may help in lowering plasma cholesterol levels.
A reasonable goal for dietary NSP/fibre intake is 25 to 30 g/day, but in many developed countries the actual average intake is closer to 15 g. With one medium orange containing approximately 3.0 g of NSP, citrus fruit can make a valuable contribution to meeting the daily fibre goal.
Potassium
Potassium is an essential mineral that works to maintain the body's water and acid balance. As an important electrolyte, it plays a role in transmitting nerve impulses to muscles, in muscle contraction and in the maintenance of normal blood pressure. The daily requirement of potassium is approximately 2 000 mg and, while frank deficiency of potassium is rare, there is some concern that a high sodium-to-potassium intake ratio may be a risk factor for chronic disease. Increased consumption of citrus fruits and juices is a good means of increasing potassium intake. One medium orange and one 225 ml glass of orange juice provide approximately 235 mg and 500 mg of potassium, respectively.
Phytochemicals
These naturally occurring compounds found in plants have a wide range of physiological effects and may help to protect against various chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease. The wide variety and number of known phytochemicals continue to grow, as does understanding of their role and importance in the diet. Several classes of phytochemicals, including monoterpenes, limonoids (triterpenes), flavanoids, carotenoids and hydroxycinnamic acid, have been isolated from citrus.
Cancer
After numerous studies of fruit and vegetable intake and cancer development, there is a consensus that consuming these foods has a protective effect. However, it is unlikely that one anticarcinogenic substance in particular is responsible for the benefit. There is reasonable scientific support for vitamin C's protective role in cancer. Many of the animal, cell culture and human studies have suggested it has a positive effect. However, epidemiological studies provide good evidence that protective effects are more closely associated with the consumption of fruits and vegetables rather than with the enormous levels of vitamin C often used in cell culture and animal studies.
Neural tube defects
During the first stage of pregnancy, adequate folate intake is critical for reducing the risk of severe birth defects, namely spina bifida and anencephaly. Public health recommendations in the United States include the consumption of 400 mcg of folate per day for women of child-bearing age. Regular consumption of citrus foods can help supply adequate folate and thus reduce the risk of these birth defects.
Some Consequences:
High Amounts Could Cause Cavities
Eating lots of citrus fruits or juices could increase the risk of cavities. That's because the acid in citrus fruits erodes tooth enamel.
Interestingly, certain compounds in citrus peels may combat the bacteria that cause dental cavities, although more research is needed to see how that information could be used.
Fruit Juice Isn't as Healthy as Whole Fruit
While orange and grapefruit juices contain lots of vitamin C and other nutrients often found in whole citrus fruits, they're not quite as healthy.
That's because a serving of juice delivers much more sugar and way less fiber than a serving of whole fruit.
There are a couple reasons why that's a problem.
First, more sugar per serving translates to more calories. Drinking fruit juice and other high-calorie beverages can cause you to gain weight.
Second, when your body takes in large amounts of fructose (the type of sugar in fruit juice), it is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream and delivered to your liver.
If your liver gets more fructose than it can handle, it turns some of the extra fructose into fat. Over time, those fat deposits can cause fatty liver disease.
Getting fructose from whole fruit is not a problem, given that you're getting a smaller amount at a time. Plus, the fiber found in fruit buffers the fructose, causing it to be absorbed more slowly into your bloodstream.
Grapefruit Can Interact With Certain Medications
Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice can be a problem if you take certain medications.
There's an enzyme in your gut that reduces the absorption of certain medications. Furanocoumarin, a chemical in grapefruit, binds to this enzyme and keeps it from working properly.
Furanocoumarin is also found in tangelos and Seville oranges (the kind used for marmalade).
There are several prescription and over-the-counter drugs that are affected by grapefruit, including:
- Some statins, for high cholesterol, including Lipitor and Zocor
- Some calcium channel blockers, for high blood pressure, including Plendil and Procardia
- Cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant drug
- Some Benzodiazepines, including Valium, Halcion and Versed
- Other medications, including Allegra, Zoloft and Buspar
Helpful Teas
Raspberry-Cranberry Tea
This citrus tea recipe is ready in a jiffy and is perfect when unexpected guests arrive at home- take 4 cups freshly brewed tea, preferably chilled, and mix it with 4 cups of a cranberry-raspberry drink (you can also whip up a few cranberries and raspberries in a blender, dilute it with water, and make your own drink).
Finally, serve it with a dash of crushed pepper for a spicy tang.
Lemon/Orange Tea
This recipe is really simple and easy to make, and tastes great too! Heat 6 cups of water in a large saucepan and add a stick of cinnamon and a teaspoon of sugar to it (you can add honey if you’re aiming for a healthy drink). Once it starts simmering, add 2 regular tea bags to the water and turn off the heat and close the lid, and allow it to rest for an hour.
Right before serving, add the juice of 2 fresh limes (or orange as per your choice), a few ice cubes and garnish with some mint leaves.
Useful against insect bites and small cuts
Citron fruit and leaves produce a powerful lemony odor that effortlessly impregnates clothes. Even though it is pleasant for us, the smell efficiently repels mosquitoes, moths along with other insects. Rubbing a few drops of citron juice onto a mosquito bite is considered in lowering the itching sensation. And if you add a few drops of juice into a small cut, it ought to help stop the bleeding very quickly.
Natural remedy for bad breath
Citron pulp, juice, extract or seeds are viewed to help enhance bad breath naturally. However, simply because bad breath is frequently but a sign of an actual medical problem, this can be just a temporary solution. Due to its higher vitamin C content, citrons were utilized in the past to deal with seasickness, scurvy, nausea and vomiting. Moreover, these were suitable for the management of skin diseases as well as hemorrhoids. The scientific explanation for this is that vitamin C plays a role in maintaining skin and blood vessel integrity and therefore helps skin heal and helps prevent hemorrhoids, that are essentially blood vessels, from bleeding.
Better Immunity: It’s no surprise how drinking citrus teas could boost the immune system- they are an excellent source of vitamin C and contain powerful antioxidants that boost immunity and protect against a wide range of infections and health conditions. Drinking citrus tea is thought to make you less prone to infections, cold and cough.
Weight Control: Research has found how consumption of citrus teas as opposed to soft drinks could help promote weight loss in a natural and healthy way. Some studies also suggest that these teas contain catechins- compounds that help burn body fat.
Protection against Cancer: Citrus teas are very rich in powerful antioxidants that fight free radical damage and prevent the body from falling prey to different forms of cancer. The polyphenols in citrus teas are thought to be toxic to cancer cells.
Heart Health Wonders: Heart disease claims millions of lives worldwide, and you can protect yours by simply swapping your fizzy drink cans for a cup of citrus tea. Research has shown how citrus teas were effective in cutting down the risk of heart disease by upto 11 percent! Regular consumption of citrus tea is thought to lower bad cholesterol levels and raise good cholesterol levels, thereby preventing many potential heart diseases.
Kidney Stone Protection: If you’re at the risk of developing kidney stones, citrus teas may help protect you- they contain citric acid and water, both of which stimulate flushing out of excess salts from the body and thereby prevent kidney stone formation.
Better Digestion: The vitamin C content present in citrus teas is believed to stimulate digestion, eliminate the bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract and keep it functioning better and more efficiently.
Better Bone Health: Women in their menopausal stage can guard themselves against osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions by simply drinking more citrus teas. Most citrus fruits are thought to contain calcium and potassium which help maintain a healthy bone mineral density and prevent bone disorders.
