Red oranges - health benefits

We are all used to the fact that oranges are orange. Even the name of the fruit in English for many centuries sounds like "orange", giving the name the appropriate color. However, not everyone knows about the existence of a special kind of oranges - red. They came to us from the sunny island of Sicily, so they are also called Sicilian (or bloody).

Red oranges are not inferior in usefulness to the human body, and in some ways even surpass their orange counterparts. Amazing shades of juicy red pulp will decorate any table, and the unusual taste will not leave anyone indifferent.

What are red oranges crossed with?

The usual orange orange appeared in China and it was from there that he stepped around the world. This orange fruit was formed by crossing two citrus fruits - pomelo and tangerine. Today, oranges are so widespread that you can buy them at any supermarket.

With orange oranges, everything is more or less clear. But what is his red relative? Sometimes there is a statement that this is a hybrid of ordinary orange orange and pomegranate. But this is fundamentally wrong statement, because these are plants belonging to different species and they cannot interbreed with each other. In fact, bloody oranges are a natural mutation of ordinary orange varieties, which happened under the influence of certain natural factors.

The exact origin of these unusual fruits is still not known. Perhaps their homeland, like that of orange oranges, is Southeast China. But today it is most widely believed that for the first time red citruses began to be found on the island of Sicily near the volcano Etna. This volcano is active and erupts relatively often, saturating the surroundings with volcanic gas and ash. In addition, volcanic activity and the proximity of the sea contribute to a strong difference in day and night temperatures. Thanks to these natural features, the appearance of an unusual red color in oranges can be explained.

An amazing mutation began to be inherited and as a result several varieties of red oranges were even bred. They differ in shades of skin and pulp.

Unlike remontant orange relatives, ripening year-round, red fruits have seasonality. They ripen from December to May, it was during this period that they were saturated with all the beneficial substances from volcanic soil.

Various varieties of Sicilian orange are grown today not only in Italy, but also in South Africa, Morocco, Spain, China, the southern coastal states of the USA - California and Florida, as well as in other subtropical regions of our planet. However, experts say that the best taste and aroma are still those fruits that are grown on a magic patch of earth at the foot of Mount Etna.

What is the difference between red orange and ordinary

Sicilian oranges contain a large number of anthocyanins, which give their color a blood-red hue. These are the pigments that make up the “colored” vegetables and fruits (eggplant, pepper, plum, etc.). They are very useful for the body, in particular for maintaining a healthy vision. In ordinary oranges, only carotene is present, giving them a bright orange color.

Composition and calorie content

The calorie content of red orange is low: 36–39 kcal per 100 g. This indicator depends on the variety and place of growth. The glycemic index is 35 units.

Energy value of fruits (average value):

• carbohydrates - 9.93 g;
• fat - 0.13 g;
• protein - 0.7 g.

It contains vitamins A (beta-carotene), C, B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B9, E, H, PP, K. Especially it should be said about ascorbic acid (vitamin C). In red oranges it is much more than in orange. One fruit of Sicilian orange is able to compensate for the daily requirement of the body for this vitamin.

Of the trace elements in fruits, there is calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, iodine, cobalt, manganese, zinc. It is rich in dietary fiber, pectins, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, anthocyanins (which give it an unusual color). Like all citrus fruits, red oranges contain volatile and essential oil.

What are the benefits of red oranges

Sicilian oranges are just a storehouse of healthy ingredients. With regular use of them in food can significantly improve health.

First of all, these fruits, like any citrus fruit, are used to increase immunity. This is relevant for seasonal epidemics of acute respiratory infections and influenza, with spring vitamin deficiency.

The presence of dietary fiber in their composition normalizes intestinal motility and increases the feeling of satiety. Fibers collect and remove toxins and excess cholesterol from the body. As a result of such cleaning, a person has greater resistance to stress and reduces fatigue.

Beta-carotene helps maintain the reproductive function of cells in a normal state, positively affects the health of hair, skin, nails, sweat glands.

Anthocyanins regulate phospholipid metabolism, promote the production of collagen, have a beneficial effect on the visual system, eliminating the syndrome of "night blindness". Bones and teeth are strengthened, lymphatic drainage is enhanced.

Red oranges have a positive effect on liver function and general metabolism, increase appetite. When they are included in the daily diet, the nervous system is strengthened, the psychoemotional state is normalized, memory is improved, sleep is normalized, performance and attention are increased.

Fruit juice acts as an indirect anticoagulant, preventing the formation of blood clots. The zest of red orange, added to the food as a seasoning, helps stabilize blood pressure, strengthen the heart muscle, and prevent heart attack and stroke.
Unusual Sicilian fruit is especially useful for children and adolescents, because it supplies the necessary amount of pectin, calcium, phosphorus and other minerals and vitamins necessary for the growing body.

Due to the low glycemic index, these fruits are allowed in small quantities for diabetes.

Red orange is widely used in cooking. It is used in winemaking and the production of soft drinks, desserts, as a seasoning for main dishes.

Red oranges in medicine

Sicilian oranges, thanks to a large set of trace elements and vitamins, are used as a dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. The best way to use them is fresh, or in the form of freshly squeezed juices. With this use, a maximum of useful substances is preserved.It is better to refuse juice packaged by the factory method, since it is subjected to heat treatment and many useful substances in it are simply destroyed.

Bloody oranges are especially useful for a weakened body after a disease, as well as for the treatment of scurvy. During colds, you can use the fruit as a mild antipyretic and an immunostimulant.

The flavonoids that make up the product help strengthen bones and teeth, restore connective tissue, and help to treat rheumatism. Red oranges stimulate the growth and strengthening of blood vessels and capillaries. Due to this, the fruit is considered an effective treatment for the initial stages of varicose veins and hemorrhoids. The presence of iron makes it indispensable for the prevention and treatment of anemia.

Potassium improves intercellular metabolism, which, in turn, helps to remove excess fluid from the body and relieve swelling. That is why red oranges are effectively used to combat excess weight and cellulite. Fruits are low-calorie, this allows you to use them in a diet with weight loss.

The presence of magnesium and terpenes in the composition of essential oil has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system, normalizing its condition. A simple way to get rid of fatigue and depression, increase the stamina of the body - eat one red orange in the morning or evening.

Anthocyanins act as antioxidants and help fight cancer cells by neutralizing free radicals. They also have a beneficial effect on the retina, as a result of which vision is restored, intraocular pressure normalizes.

The antiseptic properties of cell juice can treat inflammation of the oral cavity. With periodontal disease, rinsing the gums with red orange juice is indicated. It helps to heal inflammation of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, including in the treatment of gastritis in the absence of increased acidity of the gastric juice. He will provide significant assistance with bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, asthma.

Red oranges help fight atherosclerosis, lowering blood cholesterol, normalize the bile duct and liver. They are used in the treatment of kidney stone disease. Fruit juice increases appetite and helps quench your thirst.

Sicilian oranges are a mild laxative. The acids in their composition help break down tight lumps of food, preventing them from getting stuck and accumulate in the intestines. Regularly eating red oranges can significantly improve the quality of digestion, get rid of flatulence, increase metabolism.

Red orange essential oil is used to create febrile medicines. It also exhibits calming, disinfecting properties, stimulates the heart rhythm, the function of the urinary system and the work of the bile ducts.

As a folk remedy, oranges (including red ones) are used to stop the hangover syndrome.

Red oranges in cosmetology

Sicilian orange, thanks to a rich list of beneficial properties, has taken a strong place in cosmetology. The composition of many cosmetics includes pulp extract and oil.

Pulp extract protects the skin from the effects of free radicals and the effects of harmful atmospheric factors - wind, cold, direct sunlight. As already mentioned, the juice of this fruit, which is remarkable in all respects, affects the production of collagen. This helps to restore the firmness and elasticity of the epidermis, smooth out small wrinkles. The skin tone increases, and muscle tension decreases.

The extract helps to cleanse oily skin and maintain it in a healthy state, moisturizing and soothing.

At home, the whole fruit is usually used. For all skin types, masks made of zest and pulp of an outlandish fruit are very effective.Such masks help to refresh and even rejuvenate the skin, have a whitening effect.

Sicilian orange oil, like pulp, is a natural bioactive remedy for maintaining youth and health.

Red orange oil: properties and applications

From red oranges, two completely different types of oil are obtained: fruit seed oil and essential oil.

Seed oil
Seed oil in its properties is very similar to ordinary seed oil, orange, orange. Some difficulty in obtaining it is that red oranges contain very few seeds. Therefore, such oil is valued more expensive.

Get it by cold pressing, then it is cleaned and refined. It has a light yellow color and contains a complex of organic acids: oleic, linoleic, palmitic. These components give the seed oil moisturizing, nourishing and anti-inflammatory properties.

The ability to stimulate the production of our own hyaluronic acid and collagen in the skin makes seed oil an indispensable product in cosmetology. The use of cosmetic preparations based on it calms and moisturizes the skin, protects it from ultraviolet radiation, enhances lipid metabolism, and increases barrier function. In addition, seed oil is quickly absorbed by the skin and leaves no greasy residue.

This oil helps to take care of dry and aging skin, as well as skin prone to inflammation, effective for acne. It can be used to care for oily skin, as it nourishes and cleanses without increasing its oiliness.

It is important to say about the benefits of red orange seed oil for hair care. The use of preparations based on it gives the hair shine and volume, stimulates growth, protects damaged tips. This oil is part of various shampoos and hair balms.

Essential oil
Bloody orange essential oil is obtained by pressing the zest, followed by distillation of the oil with hot steam. This valuable product has found application not only in cosmetology, but also in pharmacology and cooking.

Unlike orange seed oil, essential oil, in contrast, reduces the skin's resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, it is included in the composition of sunblocks to get even and beautifully tanned skin.

IMPORTANT! In no case should you apply essential oil in its pure form to the skin! Otherwise, instead of a deep even tan, you can get a sunburn.

But at the same time, red orange essential oil has a whitening effect. It can be included in cosmetic masks to brighten the skin.

Red orange essential oil gives a rejuvenating effect, it is often added to various creams and lotions for mature skin.

At home, you can prepare refreshing ice by mixing a glass of warm boiled water, 1 teaspoon of honey and 5 drops of essential oil. Then the liquid is poured into molds and frozen. The resulting ice should be wiped on the skin of the face.

The regular use of such cosmetics helps to increase skin tone and smooth small wrinkles on the face.

The same solution can be used to rinse the throat and mouth for inflammatory processes, as well as make applications for the gums. Water for such procedures can be replaced with infusion of chamomile or St. John's wort, and honey with soda or salt (table or sea).

By mixing three drops of red orange essential oil with two teaspoons of hypericum oil, you can get an effective remedy for a cold, even a chronic one. The resulting mixture should be instilled in two drops in each nostril two to three times a day.

Essential oil is often included in the anti-cellulite line, since it has been proven to influence the breakdown of subcutaneous fat. Cosmetics based on it are used for anti-cellulite massage, wrapping, as an additive for baths.To enhance the effect of essential oil, it can be used in a bath (not more than 5-7 drops), diluted with water and splashed onto hot stones.

Familiarity with red orange essential oil will also be good for hair. It softens dry scalp, tones it, strengthens hair roots, helps fight dandruff. That is why this substance is present in many shampoos and balms. The hair field of such an effect becomes strong, shiny, voluminous. Sometimes it is recommended to distribute 1-2 drops of essential oil on the comb and comb the hair with this comb. Massage with the simultaneous application of essential oil helps strengthen hair follicles, give hair strength and shine.

The pharmacological effect of the oil is primarily due to its effect on the nervous system. Volatile aromatic substance is able to restore the balance of the nervous system, calm, reduce anxiety, irritability, sadness, increase the feeling of confidence. Red Orange Essential Oil is an excellent antidepressant.

The use of essential oil inside is not recommended without consulting a doctor.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the huge list of useful properties, red oranges have contraindications.

First of all, this is an individual intolerance to the product.

Further, do not lose sight of the fact that any oranges, including red ones, are strong allergens. They can cause a reaction from slight redness to pulmonary edema. Therefore, you must first test the product in a small amount to make sure that there is no allergic reaction. Only then can you safely include it in your diet.

Organic acids and essential oils can cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, so you should not eat fresh orange zest. Red oranges are contraindicated in gastritis with high acidity, as well as with ulcers. Acids negatively affect tooth enamel, so the product should not be abused.

With caution, it is necessary to introduce these fruits to women during pregnancy and lactation. On the one hand, they can be of undoubted benefit by supplying the body with a lot of useful substances, including folates, necessary for the proper development of pregnancy. But allergic reactions can cause a deterioration in the condition of both the mother and the fetus. Therefore, do not eat too many red oranges, so as not to provoke an allergy. For the same reasons, do not get carried away with these fruits during lactation.

Limit the number of red oranges is necessary for losing weight people. Despite the low calorie content, a large number of fruits eaten increases the amount of carbohydrates entering the body, which is not at all desirable when dealing with excess weight.

Interesting Facts

Orange trees are plants of the subtropical zone. They are covered with evergreen foliage and live up to 700 years. Begin to bear fruit 10-12 years after planting. Bloom in large white flowers with a pleasant aroma. The fruits of red oranges are usually smaller than those of oranges, with easily detachable peels of various shades - from orange to dark red.

There are three main varieties of red oranges. On their basis, breeders are developing new hybrids of amazing fruit.

Sanguinello
Late-ripening variety with elongated medium-sized fruits. The skin color is brownish-red, reminiscent of rust. The pulp is intense red in color and very sweet in taste. It is grown mainly in Spain.

Tarocco
Mid-season variety with small fruits. Its peel is orange, covered by the moment of ripening with red spots. The pulp is orange-red, with raspberry-grape notes, sweet and sour. This is a real Sicilian variety that is still grown in the province of Syracuse.

Moro
Early ripe variety with medium fruits.The fruit is covered with orange peel with red spots and violet spots. The flesh is thick red, sometimes dark purple. The taste is sweet, with a pronounced orange aroma and berry aftertaste.

Red Sicilian oranges today cease to be an exotic overseas miracle. More and more often this fruit can be found on the shelves of our country. Their cost is slightly higher than ordinary oranges, but not by much. Therefore, having met these amazing fruits on sale, be sure to get them and try them. They will delight you with a wonderful taste and give health.

Video: red oranges - a storehouse of vitamins and a unique taste