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5 Reasons to Eat Citrus

CLAIRE DEBERG

5 Reasons to Eat More Citrus Fruits

'Tis the season...for citrus! Our signature flavor, Citrus Vanilla, was the first Blume Honey Water created in our flavor trifecta. 

Since citrus is in season during the cooler months in the U.S., we thought it the perfect time to share with you five (of the many!) reasons to choose citrus. (Hint: it's more than just for the Vitamin C!). 

Sweet, brightly colored citrus fruits bring a burst of sunshine into winter days. But citrus fruits are not only flavorful and pretty — they’re also good for you.

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 Southeast Asia.

About one third of all citrus fruits are made into juice now that they are being cultivated the world over.

These citrus fruits include:

  • Lemons

  • Limes

  • Oranges

  • Grapefruit

  • Mandarins

  • Clementines

  • Kumquats

  • Tangelo

  • Blood Orange

  • Pomelo

  • (As well as many more hybrids and varieties)

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CITRUS

Citrus fruits have a bunch of health benefits, from boosting immunity to fighting cancer.

  1. VITAMIN C Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, a nutrient that strengthens the immune system and keeps your skin smooth and elastic. One medium orange has all the vitamin C you need for a single day of great health!

  2. FIBER RICH Citrus fruits are a good source of fiber. Just one cup of orange segments contains four grams of fiber. Since the US has recommended you consume 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories you eat, citrus fruits really help you get to that number! Fiber has several health benefits, including improving digestive health and aiding weight loss.

  3. LOW CALORIE If you’re watching your calorie intake, citrus fruits are a good choice. 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

4. CANCER FIGHTER Citrus fruit may help fight or protect against cancer. Many studies have linked citrus fruits to a reduced risk of certain cancers. 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. Citrus fruits may also help fight cancer by suppressing cancers, blocking the formation of new cancers and making carcinogens inactive.

5. BRAIN LOVERS 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.

In conclusion: eat more citrus fruits! Now is the time to load up on fresh, in-season citrus fruits and include them in more of your daily recipes. And, you can always sip on Citrus Vanilla Blume Honey Water!