Facts About Oranges

The most well known vitamins contained in oranges is Vitamin C. Vitamin C is able to process the formation of collagen which is the basic component of connective tissue formation in the body. Optimal formation of collagen is necessary for the formation of ligaments, tendons, dentin, skin, blood vessels, and bone. Also assist the process of wound healing and tissue repair.

Vitamin C also plays a role in the process of absorption of inorganic iron (iron from non-animal foods), which can prevent and help cure anemia. Now, Vitamin C also as an antioxidant, which can help prevent cell damage from free radical molecules activity. Molecular free radicals oxidize protein, fatty acids, and DNA. Free radical damage has implications for the emergence of a number of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular, and cataracts.

Significantly, recent research suggests that high vitamin C content of foods, including fresh orange, can prevent the increase of oxidized LDL. High oxidized LDL is the main factor of developing heart disease. Several epidemiological studies have shown a significant relationship between vitamin C with the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

The level of food consumption with high folate content, like fresh oranges or juice, will increase levels of folate. Increased levels of folate lowers homocysteine levels, which is toxic to blood vessel walls. With decreasing levels of homocysteine, the risk of cardiovascular disease is also reduced.

Vitamin C in fruits, including oranges, also can be explained scientifically positive role in protecting the body against cancer. Results of epidemiological studies have shown, the level of consumption of fruits, one orange, and high sesayuran have a protective effect against cancer is better than the level of vitamin C intake (from food supplements) is high.

Oxidation of the eye lens has an important role in cataract formation, the role of antioxidants, including vitamin C, it becomes important. From the research shown that people with vitamin C and carotenoid concentrations in the blood that has high risk of cataracts is lower. However, there is no evidence to show that a high intake of vitamin C in the long term reduce the risk of cataracts.

Orange as a source of vitamin C is also thought to give the effect of prevention and cure of diseases such as bone loss (osteoporosis), kidney stones, impaired cognitive function, and asthma. But it still needed further research to prove these allegations.

To maintain health and maintain adequate reserves of vitamin C in the body, it is advisable to consume vitamin C as much as 30-100 mg per day. This need is already quite satisfied with a medium orange. That size orange contains about 70 mg of vitamin C. Or, by consuming one glass, about 225 ml of orange juice per day. Although several recent studies indicate, the consumption above 200 mg per day can optimally prevent some chronic diseases, taking vitamin C supplements in the form of excessive (above 500 mg per day) can cause negative effects, especially for those at risk of suffering from excess iron.

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