Fueled by Fruit: 5 Citrus Health Benefits

Find out all about the citrus health benefits your favorite fruits have to offer. Read on to discover their nutritional value and impressive health benefits.

In the heat of summer, is there anything more refreshing than a popsicle, sports drink, or iced drink with a citrus flavor?

As it turns out, your body agrees. Citrus fruits pack a serious punch when it comes to your health. The next time you're deciding between oranges and apples, consider these citrus health benefits.

Citrus Health Benefits

Citrus fruits are healthier alternatives to sugary snacks, but that's only the start. They offer plenty of other health benefits too.

1. Chock Full of Vitamin C

Have you ever heard that old wives' tale that if you think you're getting sick you should drink orange juice?

As it turns out, there's truth behind it. Oranges and other citrus fruits have high levels of vitamin C which strengthens your immune system.

As an added bonus, vitamin C makes your skin brighter and smoother.

A word to the wise: don't wait until you feel a cold coming on to add citrus fruits to your diet. The trick is to maintain steady levels of vitamin C, not try to do damage control when you're already underwater.

2. Good for the Ticker

Your heart health is one of the most important aspects of your health to protect, and citrus goes a long way.

People who have plenty of citrus fruits in their diets have lower rates of heart disease and stroke.

Researchers believe that this is a combination of several factors. Citrus fruits can lower your blood pressure, lower your bad cholesterol, and raise your good cholesterol. This adds up to a healthier heart.

3. Loads of Fiber

Fiber is one of the most underrated nutrients in our diets. It's vital for healthy digestion, and soluble fiber helps to control your cholesterol.

And yet the average American only gets 15 grams of fiber per day: half of the recommended 25-30.

Your body absorbs and uses fiber better when it comes from food rather than supplements, and citrus fruits are excellent sources of fiber.

4. Kidney Stones No More

Few things will sour a great day more quickly than the sudden and extreme pain of a kidney stone.

A kidney stone is a painful collection of minerals in your kidney. Some people are more susceptible than others, but we know that having plenty of citrate in your body reduces your risk for kidney stones.

Guess what types of foods are full of citrate? Citrus fruits.

5. Inflammation Control

Inflammation is one of those buzz words in the healthcare world today and for good reason. We're finding more and more ways inflammation impacts your health, from your heart to your risk for Alzheimer's.

Certain components in citrus fruits called flavonoids go a long way toward reducing inflammation and keeping your risk factors in check.

Stocking Up on Citrus

Citrus fruits do more than flavor a refreshing drink or garnish your water glass. They're full of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and other nutrients that keep your health strong today and for years to come.

Want to learn more about the health benefits of citrus fruits? Check out our other blogs about citrus fruit health benefits for more information on specific fruits.

Try our seasonal citrus box while its available...the Craft Citrus Club!

Our Rio box is a 15-lb curated box of our fresh-harvested citrus from South Texas. The fruit is NOT gassed, rather it is tree-ripened. Our season runs from Nov-May for  oranges, grapefruit and mandarins.

Our Grande box is a 30-lb box of either fresh-harvested Rio Red Grapefruit or Sweet Oranges from South Texas.