Health Benefits of Citrus Fruits

By Dr. Maoshing Ni - Posted on Wed, Mar 18, 2009, 4:04 pm PDT to http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/17673/top-6-health-benefits-of-citrus-fruits/

Florida Citrus is in season, and what could be a better time to enjoy the sunshine fruits than in the winter? Aside from their delicious taste, citrus fruits can keep you healthy and looking younger. Read on to find out the top 6 health benefits.

1. Skin care

Citrus is considered a superfood for healthy skin. Many studies have confirmed the healing properties of oranges, which are attributed to a wide array of phytonutrients that function as antioxidants, including flavanones, anthocyanins, polyphenols, and vitamin C. These antioxidant nutrients help protect you from the ravages of free radicals, which alter the chemical structure of your cells. When free radicals damage enough cells, especially in the skin, signs of aging soon appear. Pro-Vita C Vital Infusion Complex, a natural skin treatment cream that I recommend, fights free radicals and helps restore firm, supple, youthful-looking skin with the use of vitamin C. Click here to learn more.

2. Bone Health
Calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health. While calcium is necessary to build and maintain bone, vitamin D is needed because the body cannot absorb calcium without it. Although cow's milk has traditionally been credited as the number-one food for strong bones, studies show that your body is able to absorb both calcium and vitamin D from orange juice as readily as from milk. Another bonus: Orange juice is famously full of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that also helps facilitate calcium absorption into the body. Keep in mind that citrus juice's acetic acid can erode teeth enamel, so don't brush your teeth for an hour after drinking juice.

3. Heart Protector
Citrus peel contains beneficial compounds such as polymethosxylated flavones (PMFs) and d-limonene that have been found to lower cholesterol, balance blood sugar, and activate liver detoxification. Studies have found that the PMFs found in pigments of oranges and tangerines reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) without altering the level of good cholesterol (HDL). In fact, orange peel may actually lower cholesterol better than some of the current medications on the market--and without the side effects.

4. Digestion Power
In Chinese cuisine, orange peel is often served as an accompaniment to red meat. The reason for this is that, according to Chinese medicine, orange peel aids in digestion of rich, fatty foods. One recommendation for better digestion is to start every day with lemon water -- using the juice of one lemon squeezed into 12 ounces of room temperature filtered water. This lemon water is slightly acidic, which helps to cleanse and move the roughage that stays behind in your intestines and system. Also, don't forget one of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water: It can pave the way for weight loss!

5. Eyesight Defender
Cataracts, a degenerative eye disorder that usually shows up as we age, are usually the result of free radical damage. The antioxidants in citrus fruit come to the rescue by neutralizing the damage to the retina caused by these free radicals. In studies it was found that high doses of vitamins E and C worked together to prevent cataracts even in high-risk groups.

6. Mood Enhancer
Most people link oranges to vitamin C, but they are also high in folate. Folate is believed to play a role in the creation of serotonin -- the brain's happy chemical. Even the smell of citrus fruits can enhance your mood. Studies show that the citrus scents, such as lime, lemon, grapefruit, and orange, can lift your mood and increase your energy. Essential oils of these fruits can be dabbed on your temples or at the back of the neck for a burst of alertness.

I hope you enjoy the healthy and delicious benefits of citrus fruit this winter. I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

-Dr. Mao