Citrus fruits – a natural remedy during the winter months

Doesn’t the orange smell bring up associations with the Holiday season? Winter is the season of the citrus fruits and you can enjoy their abundance during the cold months and holiday days. Which fruits are citric?

Citrus fruits are slightly sour and juicy. These include oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruits, limes, satsuma, clementine and all hybrids of these. The kiwi is often mistaken for a citric fruit due to its high content of Vitamin C and the fact that is a more exotic fruit; however it does not classify as a citric fruit.

Citrus fruits are, without a doubt, one of the healthiest foods. Their thick peel reduces the amount of pesticides and nitrates, which can otherwise penetrate it easily and are found in higher amounts in any other fruit. Citrus fruits are most commonly thought of a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, containing a particularly high amount of Vitamin C, which makes them the best defense for the immune system. Consuming several citrus fruits a day prevents flu and colds during the winter months. Besides these substances, citrus fruits also contain an impressive list of other essential nutrients, including glycaemic and non-glycaemic carbohydrate (sugars and fibre), potassium, folate, calcium, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and a variety of phytochemicals. The specific citric acids have been valued as part of a nutritious and healthy diet as they help dissolve fats and reduce the weight. Nutrients contained in citrus fruits are easier to absorb by the organism than any other fruits due to the specific tastiness.

Orange
The well-known and preferred by many round orange fruit is a hybrid of the ancient Chinese grapefruit with a tangerine. It originated from Southeast Asia, most probably South China. Like all citrus fruits the orange is acidic and although not as strong as the lemon, it is still quite strong, which makes it an integral part of any healthy diet. It aids digestion, strengthens blood circulation and the heart. Regular consumption of oranges detoxicates the body. It also influences tonus, work capability and mood. Two oranges are a much more powerful energy source than the morning cup of coffee.

It can be consumed raw or in the form of juice. However, bear in mind that the juice needs to be consumed right after been squeezed as all the healthy nutrients disappear once they contact oxygen.

Lemon
Lemons fist grew in India, northern Burma and China. The fruit was known for its antiseptic properties and was used as an antidote for various poisons. It was a common belief that lemons could cure plague, jaundice and malaria and that they were a strong pain reliever. A lemon is rich in vitamins C, A, B, B2 and P. Its consumption stimulates the inner secretory glands, digestion and the liver’s function. Several drops of lemon juice in a glass of water or coffee instantly relieve headache. A glass of lemon juice a day is strongly recommended for people who work long hours and have little time to sleep as it energizes and strengthens the organism.

Lemon aromatherapy is efficient in the case of systematic headaches, fatigue and problems with concentration and memory. Massages with lemon oil enhance your well-being and are recommended during a cold or a flu.

Grapefruit
The grapefruit actually bears its name due to a misunderstanding. Centuries ago an English botanic wrongly classified the fruit as a type of grape and although later it became clear that the fruit is citric, its name was so common that changing it was deemed unnecessary. The grapefruit was first discovered in Barbados.
The slightly more sour taste comes from the higher concentration of citric acids. This makes the fruit perfect for loosing weight. Just as other citrus fruits, the grapefruit enhances digestion and can even be used as a diuretic, strengthens the immune system and energizes the organism. However, studies confirm that the consumption of grapefruit along with a medication should be avoided as some of the fruits’ substances can block the medication’s efficacy. Apart from this, the excessive consumption of grapefruit leads to the blockage of a particular enzyme, which is responsible for the production of the estrogen hormone. Scientists believe that this may be the cause for breast cancer.

Tangerine
This citrus fruit also originates from China. The tangerine contains all the nutrients found in other citrus fruits and its peel is thought to be the most efficient for the production of ethereal oils. The tangerine’s peel is the most valued part of the fruit – in the past it was used as a cure for stomachache and lack of appetite. Only last year scientists proved that the tangerine’s peel can be used successfully in the treatment of cancer, but it will take more time until this method is optimized and fully developed.
Due to its rich stack of vitamins, the tangerine is particularly efficient during colds in the winter. It also relieves digestion problems and tiredness. It has been argued whether the tangerine is allergen-free and children should be allowed to consume large quantities of it.