There is something to look forward to during the winter months, besides Spring (haha) and it is orange season! The peak season for oranges are the months of December through April. This wonderful fruit can be used in so many different ways including: salads, savory dishes, drinks, desserts, or a portable snack.
Vitamin C is found in oranges and although it won’t prevent you from getting a cold it may help shorten them! Vitamin C is also found in lemons, limes, grapefruit, cantaloupes, mangoes, papayas, bean sprouts, green peppers, plantains, and broccoli. Grab an orange and let vitamin C play a part in your body’s overall health.
Vitamin C plays a role in so many wonderful functions within your body including:
- Helps with the formation of collagen in the body and that holds the your cells together.
- Prevents bleeding gums and bruising.
- Helps heal wounds, cuts, and burns.
- Aids in the absorption of iron.
- Is an antioxidant that helps to reduce free radicals in the body that cause tissue damage. Therfore, it may help prevent some cancers.
What is your favorite way to eat an orange?
Photo courtesy of Leo Druker.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Love oranges all citrus really, been experimenting with roasted grapefruits and oranges. I am totally excited for cara cara oranges, bought for first time of the season yesterday.
Brooke,
You mentioned collagen and when I hear collagen my mind automatically thinks of anti-wrinkle products and nice lips! Do you think that a high/increased Vitamin C intake helps you have prettier skin that ages more slowly? Is Vitamin C a common ingridient in anti-wrinkle/skin topicals or does the benefit more come from ingesting vitamin C?
Thanks,
Nicole
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for stopping by
Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants, which help reduce cellular damage throughout the body. Increased sun exposure will cause cellular damage to your skin; however, I am not as familiar with research findings for Vitamin C used only topically. Staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen is the first line of defense in skin protection! Let me know if you have any more questions!