You would not believe how many citrus fruits there really are. Obviously there are lemons and limes and my personal favorite source of Vitamin C, the orange, but the bounty is so much more than that! Kumquat, oro blanco, kabosu-all citrus fruits packed full of potassium and tangy tastes. This isn’t just an article about why I think citrus is tasty, though, it’s all about why these funky fruits are super beneficial for your health! They’re great for your skin, gut, and heart, so you should definitely consider slipping a few lemon slices into your Hydroflask!
We all know about the immune super boost that an orange holds, but a little known fact about this fruit is that it also assists in the control of blood sugar and cholesterol. Fiber is found in all citrus fruits, which makes oranges a healthy, filling snack, especially since the amount of simple sugars is low. The peel is where the magic happens, though. Studies have investigated the properties of citrus peels, and the components found in orange peels can lower cholesterol better than most prescription drugs.
Limes are just the best. Not only do they go well in smoothies, guacamole, and meringue pie, but a few slices in a plain glass of water go a long way. In fact, lime juice has been shown to improve skin health, due to its nutrients that boost collagen strength, aid in digestion, due to flavonoids, and aid in joint health with antioxidants. And, seriously, you can marinade almost anything in lime and it tastes fantastic. The same goes for lemon, which is not only used for skin health, but also for heart health, minor weight loss, absorption of iron, and even kidney stone prevention!
Grapefruit is an extremely beneficial citrus fruit. Not only does it contain large amounts of Vitamin C, but it also has potassium, lycopene, and choline, which aid in heart health. It is also a good source of antioxidants and fiber while remaining low in calories and glycemic index. There are no magic weight loss fruits, but grapefruit is high in water and fiber and low in sugar and calories, which makes it the perfect addition to any diet.
The pomelo is a fruit that is often forgotten when considering citrus. It is a HUGE fruit that holds several days worth of vitamin C, as well as a good dose of thiamine (vitamin B1), which supports metabolism. The essential oil from the peel has also been used for antifungal properties on skin and has been used for experimentation in killing cancer cells. The effect of pomelo extract on cancer cells in humans are still being explored, but the results so far are highly exciting and promising!
If you weren’t already sold on citrus fruits, I hope this article changed your mind. Obviously, eating whole lemons and limes won’t drop your cholesterol levels and clear your skin overnight, but adding citrus fruits to your diet can make these changes over time. They’re not only tasty and tangy, but packed full of nutrients, vitamins, fiber, and other compounds that are making an impact in the health industry. The best place to start is a nice cold glass of lemon water, and from there, the possibilities are lime-itless!