6 Benefits Of Blood Orange

Blood oranges are recognized for their vivid color. Anthocyanin gives these oranges their bright orange flesh. Blood orange nutrition is getting more popular day by day. The low-calorie fruit is high in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Blood oranges may aid weight reduction, boost immunity, and reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes. This post discusses the health benefits of blood oranges.

Keep reading!

What Is Blood Orange?

Blood oranges (red oranges) originated in the Southern Mediterranean in the 18th century. Citrus sinensis oranges are smaller pomelo-tangerine hybrids.

Blood oranges thrive in warm, temperate climates (from December to April). These oranges are quicker to peel, have fewer seeds, and are sweeter.

You may eat them raw, create juice, or add them to baked products, beverages, salads, and other orange-based meals.

Blood oranges vary in taste, texture, and nutrients. 

Read more about blood orange variants.

Blood Orange Varieties

Tarocco, Sanguinello, and Moro are the three primary varieties of blood oranges.

Although Maltese, Khanpur, Washington Sanguine, Ruby Blood, Sanguine Doble Fina, and Delfino are less prevalent.

1. Moro

Moro blood oranges have brilliant red flesh and rind. Its flesh ranges from orange-veined ruby to vermillion, deep crimson, and near black. These oranges are sweet and fragrant. Moro is bitterer than Tarocco or Sanguinello and originates in 19th-century Lentini.

2. Tarocco

Not as prevalent as the other two, it’s largely cultivated near Mount Etna. Tarocco oranges have the most vitamin C. The red skin lacks seeds.

3. Sanguinello

Sanguinello (sometimes spelled Sanguinelli) was found in Spain in 1929.

It has fewer seeds and tender flesh. 

Throughout the Northern Hemisphere, the fruit develops in winter and lasts until April. It could ripen through May. 

Its yellow skin is compact, translucent, and scarlet, and its orange meat has red streaks.

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All these blood orange variants are low in calories yet abundant in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Let’s find out their health benefits

Blood Orange Health Benefits

1. Immunity Booster

Blood oranges are strong in immune-boosting vitamin C. This vitamin reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. Vitamin C boosts white blood cell and killer cell production. These functions boost immunity.
According to a study, citrus juice micronutrients (such as vitamin C and folate) increase immune responses.

2. May Reduce Fat Accumulation

Low-calorie and high-fiber blood oranges may promote weight loss. They are anti-adipogenic and antioxidant. 

Rats who drank Moro juice for 12 weeks gained less weight and fat. This happened despite the sugar’s energy boost.

These mice developed resistance to a high-fat diets.

According to a study, Moro juice may provide health advantages due to anthocyanin.

3. May Lower the Risk of Cardiovascular Problems

500 mL of blood orange juice decreased total and LDL cholesterol. 

As per the study, Vitamin C (500 mg/d) reduced LDL and triglyceride levels after four weeks.

A better lipid profile may minimize cardiovascular disease risk (CVD). Vitamin C reduces stroke risk, according to a study.

Blood oranges’ high potassium content may help manage high blood pressure, a primary cause of CVD, stroke, and CHD.

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4. Could Lower Cancer Risk

Dr. Holly Klamer, MS, RN, RDN, explains that blood oranges are rich in antioxidant nutrients. Vitamin C protects the body against free radicals. Anthocyanins protect the skin from sun damage and UVA rays. Chrysanthemums are also found in oranges and contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are polyphenols that act as anti-inflammatory agents. Blood orange helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.

5. May Benefit Skin Health

In a study, a red-orange extract was shown to increase antioxidant skin defenses and prevent photodamage. As previously stated, blood oranges are abundant in vitamin C, which provides antioxidant protection against UV-induced photodamage. Oranges also contain beta-cryptoxanthin, which is converted by the body to vitamin A. This vitamin contains wrinkle-reducing and anti-aging benefits.

6. Could Lower Diabetes Risk

Citrus fruits are rich in flavonoids, the majority of which have been shown to provide health advantages. Additionally, they have anti-diabetic properties. As a result, they have an impact on biomarkers for blood glucose management as well as lipid profiles and kidney function. In addition, citrus flavonoids affect insulin sensitivity and glucose absorption. They are therefore considered promising anti-diabetic flavonoids.

 

Blood oranges are colorful and flavorful. Their rich vitamin C and other essential ingredients are gaining popularity. Blood oranges are nutrient-dense and may inhibit fat formation, enhance immunity, cut cancer risk, lessen CVD risk, promote skin health, and lower diabetes risk. 

Important Takeaways

• Blood oranges are low in calories and high in vitamin C, fiber, and minerals.
• They boost immunity and prevent chronic illness.
• Blood oranges are used in salads, pastries, and meat dishes.

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Questions and Answers

Is blood orange considered a superfood?

Yes. They are nutritionally dense.

Antioxidants, fiber, and potassium make them healthy.

Is blood orange beneficial to one’s hair?

Yes. Blood oranges’ antioxidants may prevent hair follicle damage and promote hair growth.

Is grapefruit blood orange?

No. Both are unique fruits. Blood oranges are a kind of orange, whereas grapefruit is a hybrid of a pomelo and an orange.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information about the topic and is not to be taken as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice, treatment, and/or diagnosis. Always consult with your doctor before trying out any of the remedies/recipes suggested in the blog post.

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