Features of citrus fruits
They are the most widely cultivated fruit in the world. They are found naturally and cultivated in Asia, Australia, the warm regions of North and South America and the Mediterranean climate of Europe.
The most popular citrus fruits are lemons, oranges and grapefruits that are easily available in the market. Little tangerines are readily bought and liked by children. The largest citrus fruit is the pomelo, called the giant orange. The slightly sour taste and juiciness of citrus fruits make them ideal as a snack, an addition to cakes, desserts and tea. They have amazing taste, smell and properties, which are used in the food, cosmetic, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. All citrus fruits are a good source of vitamin C.
Citrus fruits: types
Many properties of citrus fruits are common to all types, but each of them also has its own unique characteristics.
Orange fruit, like other citrus fruits, is a good source of vitamin C. It is a source of B vitamins and potassium. The characteristics of this fruit depend on growing conditions, ripeness at harvest, storage conditions and duration.
The orange flesh varies in color from light to dark orange. It has a sweet and sour taste. The fruit is eaten raw, squeezed into orange juice, or used for canning. Essential oils are obtained from the peels of fruits, flowers and young shoots. Candied orange peel is used in confectionery.
Note! One orange covers the body’s daily requirement for vitamin C. These are fruits with a low glycemic index. They are a rich source of folic acid, which, together with B vitamins, support the production of serotonin, the happiness hormone.
Flavonoids contained in oranges reduce the amount of free radicals and substances that cause inflammation in the body. This reduces the risk of vascular damage and the development of type 2 diabetes.
Beta-carotene has a positive effect on vision and skin condition. Vitamin C contained in fruits also triggers the production of collagen, which has a positive effect on hair growth and prevents hair loss.
Grapefruit is a fruit created by crossing a sweet orange and a pomelo. In stores you can find pink, white, green or red grapefruit. Grapefruit has a sour, slightly bitter taste, which is due to a substance it contains called mercaptan. Red and pink grapefruit are a source of lycopene, a compound with antioxidant properties.
Contains an invaluable element for weight loss, many ingredients that accelerate metabolism. Pectins prevent the absorption of fats from food and have a positive effect on digestion. These fruits slow down the absorption of carbohydrates. In addition, they stimulate the secretion of insulin, which reduces blood glucose levels. They have a beneficial effect on the heart and reduce cholesterol levels.
Lemon benefits. Contains limonene, a strong antioxidant with anti-cancer properties. Like other citrus fruits, it is an alkaline product and helps maintain the acid-base balance of the body.
Lemon is usually added to tea and is also used to make refreshing drinks. The peel of the fruit is used in the cosmetic, medical and dietary industries.
Lime , which has numerous nutritional and medicinal properties, is considered a relative of lemon, but is not only smaller, but also more sour. Lime fruits are round in shape, with green skin and pulp. It has a sour taste – more sour than lemon. Lime is a source of vitamin C, but contains less of it than lemon. Positively affects the functioning of the digestive system.
Kumquat is a fruit that has numerous properties and nutritional values. It is a source of beta-carotene, which is a provitamin of vitamin A, which supports vision, vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, and antioxidants that protect against cancer.
The kumquat fruit is similar in shape and color to an orange, but much smaller. In contrast, the skin of the kumquat is soft and thin, making it edible. The pulp has a sour-bitter taste.
Why should you eat citrus fruits regularly?
They have antioxidant properties, strengthen the body’s immunity, and reduce cholesterol levels, the excess of which causes many dangerous diseases such as heart attack, diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Additional Information! Citrus fruits also stimulate the production of digestive juices, which have a positive effect on the functioning of the gallbladder, thereby regulating the digestion process.
They are a good source of vitamin C, as well as B vitamins, and numerous minerals. Thanks to their vitamin C content, they strengthen the body’s immunity and improve the absorption of iron from food, thereby preventing anemia.
They also contain dietary fiber and flavonoids. They have a beneficial effect on maintaining the acid-base balance of the body due to their alkalizing properties. They are ideal in the diet of people trying to lose weight because they are low in calories and contain lignin, a substance that increases the feeling of fullness.
Citrus fruits in skin care
Vitamin C is the most commonly used vitamin in cosmetics and is abundant in citrus fruits. It supports collagen production, which improves skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles. It also helps lighten age spots and strengthens blood vessels. Vitamin C creams can be used by women of all ages and skin types. Orange flower oil is used for soothing massages and baths – it prevents insomnia.
Pay attention! Orange and grapefruit extracts are an important ingredient in creams for all skin types. They have healing properties against acne, and also strengthen the skin, especially dry and mature skin.
Cosmetics, thanks to the content of citrus essential oils, refreshes and stimulates:
- orange oil slows down the aging process;
- tangerine – tightens skin pores;
- lime – has an antiseptic effect;
- grapefruit – helps get rid of cellulite.
Lemon oil is a natural body strengthener and a very effective cosmetic product that can be used to care for skin, hair and nails. It is worth having it at home, especially during periods of frequent illness, as it is very effective in relieving common ailments such as sore throat or cough.
The flavonoids found in citrus fruits help reduce acne, scars and dark spots, and skin irritations. Therefore, orange, grapefruit and tangerine extracts are important ingredients in preparations that improve the condition of hair, skin and nails. You can whiten yellowed nails by rubbing natural lemon juice into the nail plate.
Citrus fruits in the kitchen
Citrus fruits are valued for their juicy pulp, which is delicious when eaten raw. But that’s not all: orange and grapefruit juices are a great addition to breakfast or lunch. Liqueurs are made from fresh or dried peels of oranges, lemons, tangerines and grapefruits with the addition of essential oils.
Citrus fruits go well with pineapples and bananas. They make delicious salads with nuts and vegetables. Mix the pulp with ice to create a refreshing cocktail. You can successfully use lemon juice to season seafood, cold appetizers or salads.
Are there any contraindications to eating citrus fruits?
Citrus fruits can contribute to the occurrence of unwanted allergic reactions, both food, skin and inhalation, so it is worth monitoring whether side effects occur after consuming them. They can irritate the intestinal walls and, as a result, increase pain.
