Health Benefits of Citrus Fruit

Citrus fruits contain;

Vitamin C - required for immunity, heart and cardiovascular function, development of sex hormones, stress management, skin tissue health (including gums and digestive tract as well as outer skin), wound healing

Magnesium - regulates stress management, energy production, carbohydrate digestion, muscle, heart and nervous system function, and brain and mental functions. Works with calcium in bone formation and heart function, relief of menstrual cramps in adolescent girls

Benefits of citrus;

• Just half a grapefruit counts as one of the five recommended portions of fruit and vegetables a day and contains 110% suggested daily vitamin C requirements for adults, as well as vitamins A, B1, B2 and B6
• Sodium-free, cholesterol-free and fat-free, Florida grapefruit was the first fresh produce item to receive the American Heart Association heart-check mark - designating foods low in sodium, cholesterol and fat. It is also rich in potassium, which can help to lower blood pressure
• Iron absorption - grapefruit juice helps increase your body's ability to absorb iron from certain vegetables (like spinach)
• As well as calcium, both vitamin C and D are the most important nutrients for the production of collagen, which makes up bones and teeth
• Glycaemic Index (indicates time that energy is released from foods, the lower the score the longer-term energy burn) oranges have a GI of 40 and grapefruit 26, both low
• Vitamin C is required for the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin, the neurotransmitter that regulates our sleep, as well as being important for heart health
• Vitamin C is essential for increasing semen volume, and for ensuring that sperm do not clump together. It also has the capability to boost sex drive and strengthen the sex organs in both men and women
• Citrus fruits contain bioflavonoids; these support and boost the antioxidant quality of vitamin C, which these fruits have in rich supply
• Oranges and lemons are a rich source of beta-carotene which is the most active precursor of vitamin A. Vitamin A is important in cancer prevention and treatment of pre-cancerous conditions.
• Citrus fruits also contain vitamin A, folic acid, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. The white pith contains pectin which helps to lower blood cholesterol levels and bioflavonoids
• Pink grapefruit contains five times the amount of vitamin A as white grapefruit