All the benefits of our Blood Oranges
Blood oranges are a natural variant of ‘standard oranges’, whose red colouring is caused by exposure to cold during the ripening period in winter. If the fruit are exposed to the cold at night, a gene called Ruby is produced in blood oranges, which triggers the production of the deep red plant pigment in the cells. These secondary plant substances are also known as anthocyanins.
Blood oranges were first cultivated in Italy, where they originated, but have since spread all over the world.
Body and health benefits
Blood oranges are real vitamin bombs and are an excellent source of:
– Vitamin C
– vitamin A
– potassium
– manganese
– anthocyanins
– antioxidants
– Dietary fibres
But what does all this mean for our bodies?
Vitamin C and antioxidants
The antioxidants, minerals and nutrients contained in blood oranges in particular can offer numerous positive health effects. Vitamin C, for instance, helps the body heal itself by supporting healthy blood vessels and muscles. The ability to absorb iron is also improved by vitamin C.
Blood oranges are also rich in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant. These are known for their ability to eliminate free radicals in the body. Free radicals are produced during metabolic processes and can trigger diseases such as cancer; therefore, blood oranges can positively contribute to reducing this risk.
Cholesterol regulation
Blood oranges, like many types of citrus fruits, are very rich in vitamin C, which has been shown to help reduce cholesterol. According to a recent US study, regular consumption of vitamin C can not only significantly reduce ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol in the body, but also help increase levels of ‘good’ HDL cholesterol.
Supports the immune system
Another benefit of vitamin C contained in blood oranges is its ability to strengthen the immune system. It is important to regularly consume sufficient quantities of vitamin C, as it is water-soluble and the body cannot store it indefinitely. Regular intake of sufficient vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system and, in particular, to maintain efficient white blood cells.
Stroke prevention
Blood oranges are also rich in so-called flavonoids, which create the rich flavour of the fruit and positively influence blood vessel function and blood flow in the body. This can help reduce the risk of stroke in some people. For example, recent research has shown that higher consumption of flavonoids significantly reduces the risk of ischemic stroke in women.
Balanced diet
Blood oranges, as already mentioned, are rich in antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress and thus lower the risk of health problems such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
The dietary fibre contained in blood oranges is found in both soluble and insoluble form in the fruit and benefits the digestive system. The soluble fibre turns into a kind of gel in the stomach, where it absorbs cholesterol before it can enter the bloodstream, helping to reduce cholesterol levels. Insoluble fibre, on the other hand, acts as a prebiotic. This means that it provides ‘new food’ for the good bacteria in the human gut and promotes healthy digestion.
With all these positive ‘side effects’ and their excellent taste, we believe that blood oranges should not be missing from any diet! Therefore, if you would like to order directly now or if you would like to be inspired by our other fantastic products, you can go directly to the shop here.
Medical sources and studies:
Blood Oranges: Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Information, and More (webmd.com)
American Garden Association: “Unusual citrus.”
American Heart Association: “Dietary Flavonoids and Risk of Stroke in Women.”
ESHA Research, Inc., Salem, Oregon.
Harvard Health Publishing: “Can vitamin C prevent a cold?”
Mayo Clinic: “Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet.”