Calories in oranges

A question that a health freak would pose before picking up an orange; how many calories in oranges? The answer is less than 100. Yes, an orange contains just about 80 calories and is the perfect health snack. Eating healthy is the latest mantra and most people are becoming calorie conscious. Oranges top the list of healthy snacks as the calories in oranges is low. At 80 calories per orange they make the perfect mid day snack to beat hunger pangs. Oranges contain pectin, a type of dietary fibre that helps in appetite control and weight management. Choosing an orange over a pack of chips as a mid day snack translates into increased weight loss and makes you feel full, satisfied and energetic.

Why should you include an orange in your daily diet? This small 3 inch seasonal fruit are rich in vitamins and minerals that have profound health benefits.

Orange nutrition facts:

· The health benefits of oranges has been intensively researched and substantiated. Oranges are packed with vital vitamins that are essential to our well being.

· Oranges is a well known citrus fruit and is high in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to help our bodies fight infections and aid in immunity. Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant that helps the body flush out harmful toxins from the blood. An orange a day keeps your skin glowing and radiant.

· Apart from vitamin C, oranges are also a good source of other flavnoid antioxidants such as alpha and beta carotenes, lutein, and zea-xanthin that help body build up resistance against infections and scavenge harmful radicals from the body. Eating food rich in flavnoid antioxidants are also known to help body fight cancer of the lung and oral cavity.

· This popular fruit is also high in fibre content that helps digestion and weight management. Pectin, a bulk laxative present in oranges is said to protect the mucous membrane in our colon and reduces risk of colon cancer by cutting down the exposure time to harmful toxins. Those who snack on oranges in between the day tend to eat lesser in subsequent meals which helps in cutting down calories and loosing those extra pounds.

· Pectin and minerals like potassium and calcium present in oranges are proven to reduce blood pressure.

· Apart from being low on calories oranges contain zero fat and cholesterol making it a perfect healthy choice.

· Oranges are known to contain good levels of B complex vitamins that are essential for the human body.

Eating an orange with breakfast helps in suppressing hunger for up to three hours. Oranges can also be easily carried to work and enjoyed as a mid day snack. An orange may be included in your daily diet in several forms.

A glass of chilled orange juice is a great way to beat the summer heat. Avoid commercially prepared juices as they tend to contain preservatives and other added chemicals. Orange juice is easy to prepare at home and makes a great intraday drink.

Add orange sections to your green and fruit salad to add flavour to your nutritious salads.

The peel of an orange need not be thrown instead it can be used in the preparation of several culinary dishes.

Orange lends a rich flavour to deserts and is also used in the preparation of jams and jellies.

Orange leaves are used in herbal tea.

A glass of orange juice can be a refreshing and nutritional health drink. When it comes to orange juice nutrition facts, doctors and dieticians across the globe recommend that everyone drink a glass of orange juice as it has the same health benefits of the fruit itself.

Though orange is a seasonal fruit, it is available through the year in most leading super markets. Wash oranges under running water before consuming to remove surface dirt and residue insecticides.

There are a number of juice recipes to try and impress your family. This tried and tested recipe just can’t go wrong.

Orange mint tea

Ingredients:

2 tea bags

4 cups of freshly squeezed orange juice

2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons of sugar

3 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint leaves

2 cups of water

Method of preparation:

Bring water to boil in a large saucepan and remove from heat.

Add the mint leaves, sugar, and tea bags and let the mixture stand for about ten minutes.

Transfer to a jug after removing the tea bags. Add the lemon juice and orange juice.

Chill in a refrigerator until serving.

Orange is a wholesome and nutritious fruit and the calories in oranges, is so low that it makes it easy for the body to burn and is a great option for health conscious working professionals who are on a calorie conscious diet.