An Ear, Nose and throat (ENT) physician, Dr. Ayotude Fasunla, says regular consumption of oranges provides protection against cardiovascular diseases.
Fasunla, of the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, disclosed this in Ibadan on Monday, while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria.
He said that oranges, which are generally available all year round, have immense health and nutritional benefits.
“Oranges offer protection against cardiovascular diseases.
“The herperidin, a flavour in oranges, has been shown to lower high blood pressure.
“The folate content is necessary for lowering levels of homocysteine, a potent cardiovascular risk factor.
“The potassium content in orange helps to lower blood pressure, thereby, protecting against stroke and cardiac arrhythmias,” he said.
Dr. Fasunla, also said that the Vitamin C content found in oranges also protects against colon cancer.
“Vitamin C is the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body that disarms free radicals and prevents them from damaging cells.
“This is why a good intake of orange juice is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer.
“Orange is a strong anti-inflammatory agent that prevents free radical damage that triggers conditions like asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis,” he said.
Fasunla added that drinking a glass of orange juice daily helps improve wound healing, boosts the immune system and protects the body against chronic diseases.
He said there were numerous benefits to eating an orange a day, urging people to also eat the inner white pulp of the fruit.
“The wound healing properties of oranges have been associated with a wide variety of photonutrient compounds.
“However, most of these are found in the peel and the inner white pulp of the orange.
“Unfortunately, the inner white pulp is not eaten by majority due to lack of knowledge on its benefits,” he said.
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