Pure Goodness: Oranges

Oranges. A wonderful gift from nature.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the lovely Natalia of Fashioned by Love, who will be sharing her vast knowledge on healthy living and nutrition with us today. In a continuation of the pure ingredient series, entitled "Pure Goodness", this article focuses on fresh oranges. Enjoy!  

Originated thousands of years ago in Asia, oranges look like summer sunshine and smell of holidays spent in a beautiful Mediterranean village. Bursting with sweet flavour, unmistakable aroma and energy-filled bright colour, they were first used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat coughs and colds, while the oil was applied to relief tension and ease digestive discomfort.

Historically, the fruit was very expensive and in Victorian times reserved for weddings or to be presented as a very special gift at Christmas. In the 16 century Spanish explorers brought oranges to Florida, and then, the 18 century, to California. These days sweet oranges are grown in USA, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Portugal and Israel.

Oranges have been found to contain more than 60 flavonoids that work with vitamin C to provide anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory protection to the cells, including DNA, and may also reduce risk of several cancers and rheumatoid arthritis, strengthen capillaries and prevent varicose veins. Apart from plentiful quantities of vitamin C, oranges also contain heart-healthy fibre, folate, potassium and flavonoids, bone-building calcium and phosphorus, stress-reducing magnesium, and energy-producing vitamin B1.

Enjoy them as a snack, add to salads as oranges go beautifully with fresh crispy fennel and scrumptious avocado, blend into soups, make a refreshing drink full of fruity goodness or a spicy tea by combining orange peel, cinnamon and clove and, of course, don’t forget about zesty treats like this lovely orange and poppy seed cake or summer baked fruits.

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This article offers health, fitness and nutritional information and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk. No assurance can be given that the advice contained in this site will always include the most recent findings or developments with respect to the particular material. No part of this site, written articles or photographs contained herein, may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without express permission of the copyright holder(s).

Content: created by Natalia, of the lovely blog Fashioned By Love, for Haute Design | Images: 01, 09 Henri Del Olmo, Coté Sud F/M '06 | 02, 10, 13 Henri Del Olmo F/M '08 | 03, 06, 11 Todd Mashard via Kate Ryan | 04, 12 A Creative Mint | 05 Hermès | 07 Stella McCartney citrus print via LYST | 08 Véronique Mati, Coté Sud F/M '08