Oranges Offer Protection Against Cardiovascular Diseases – Physician
Dr. Ayotunde Fasunla, an Ear,
Nose and Throat physician, says frequent consumption of oranges offers
protection against cardiovascular diseases. Fasunla, of the University
College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, disclosed this in an interview with
the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Ibadan.
He said oranges, which are generally available throughout the year, have enormous health and nutritional values.
“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. 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.”
Fasunla also said drinking a glass of
orange juice daily would help to improve wound healing, boost the immune
system and protect the body against chronic diseases.
“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.”
Written by Olamide Dasilva
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