HEALTH TOPIC OF THE MONTH!
The Benefits of Citrus Fruits
There are quite a variety of citrus fruits: lemon, lime, clementine, mandarin, tangerine, orange, grapefruit, citron and pomelo.
Fun facts:
Did you know that grapefruit and pomelos are not the same? Pomelos are yellow-green, and range in size from that of a cantaloupe to that of a watermelon! They have a teardrop shape and are slightly sweeter than a grapefruit. It is thought that citrus fruits originated in SE Asia, becoming wildly popular wherever they
spread. The citron (citrus medica) is another citrus fruit that resembles a lumpy lemon and is used primarily for its zest, since its pulp is dry with little juice. The citron remains a permanent fixture in religious ceremonies and festivals including The Jewish Feast of
Tabernacles (Sukkot), which has roots as a festival of thanksgiving for the fruit harvest.
The benefits of citrus fruits include:
Vitamin C: needed for healthy skin, bones, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Supports the immune system, and an antioxidant (protects cells against free radicals and fights inflammation), helps absorb nutrients including iron.
Potassium: regulates fluid and muscle contraction, helps counteract the amount of sodium in our diet
Flavonoids: protect cells against free radicals and fight inflammation. Have a beneficial impact on gut bacteria and activity.
Fiber: helps with bowel movement regularity, helps decrease cholesterol, helps slow the absorption of sugar (better sugar levels).
*Citrus fruits (especially grapefruit) can interact with several medications. Please check with your PCP (Primary care provider) and pharmacist if you need to avoid any citrus fruits.
** This is with eating the fruit, NOT the juice which can spike sugar levels!
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/citrus-fruit-benefits
7 Reasons to Eat Citrus Fruits by Kerri-Ann Jennings, July 11, 2023
https://thewholeu.uw.edu/2022/05/23/citrus/ The Powerful Health Benefits ofCitrus Fruits by Anna Nekrich, May 23, 2022
Health Ministry 2/2024
P. Spegman