The Vitamin C rich oranges are very good for the overall health. They are known for their ability to promote optimal health. But this citrus fruit has a big positive impact especially on the heart health. Oranges are highly nutritious fruits and the powerhouse of Vitamin C. They also contain good amount of dietary fiber. Other than these, oranges are very good sources of folate, Vitamin B1 or thiamine, Vitamin A, potassium and calcium. Oranges are known for their phytochemical power as well. They contain loads of phytochemicals or phytonutrients. These plant chemicals are crucial for the human health as they protect against many diseases. These phytonutrients such as citrus flavanones, anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, and polyphenols, in combination with Vitamin C make it a great fruit for the health. In addition, a flavanone called hesperidin in oranges is known for its ability to improve heart health.

Vitamin C, water-soluble antioxidant in the body, plays an important role to keep the heart healthy. It fights against free radicals and prevents the damage in the cells. In this way Vitamin C prevents cholesterol to be oxidized. Oxidized cholesterol sticks to the artery walls, builds up plaques, which blocks or prevents the blood flow and that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Vitamin C, by neutralizing free radicals and preventing the oxidization of cholesterol, helps to keep the heart healthy and risk free.

The orange juice is very good for reducing blood pressure levels. A study suggests two glasses of orange juice daily helps to reduce blood pressure levels significantly. Hesperidin, a flavanone, improves blood vessel function and also lowers high blood pressure level. It is helpful in reducing blood cholesterol levels as well.

All the citrus fruits including oranges are fat free and cholesterol free. In addition, they are very good sources of dietary fiber. A diet that is fat free and cholesterol free and rich with fiber is always great for the heart health.

Folate also plays an important role in heart health. It processes the amino acid homocysteine in the body and if the folate is not sufficient in the body then unprocessed homocysteine accumulates in the blood. This can lead to heart attack.

Other minerals in oranges are also important for the heart. Potassium is very helpful in reducing the blood pressure levels and in preventing stroke. Calcium is a very helpful mineral for maintaining blood pressure levels as well. It is also required for nerve transmission and regulation of heart muscle contraction.

Regular intake of oranges or orange juice can really improve heart health and prevent from heart diseases. It’s a good idea to eat one orange a day to keep the heart healthy and reduce the risk of heart attack.

Sourecs:

http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20020322/orange-juice-for-heart

http://www.theheartdisease.net

http://www.sunkist.com/healthy/disease-protection-heart-disease.aspx

http://www.qualityhealth.com/

http://www.medicinenet.com/hesperidin/supplements-vitamins.htm