Top 10 Health Benefits of Oranges

8. Prevents Cancer

Oranges also help prevent cancer because of their antioxidant compounds, such as hesperidin and naringenin that fight free radicals.

Zeaxanthin and carotenoids, in particular, protect against different types of cancers, especially prostate cancer. The compounds called limonoids present in the fruit fight cancers of the mouth, breast, lung, skin, stomach and colon.

Parents will also want to know that a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that the intake of oranges, orange juice and bananas in the first two years of life may cut the risk of developing childhood leukemia. Furthermore, orange juice contributes to chemoprevention against mammary, hepatic and colon cancers.

9. Keeps Eyes Healthy

Yellow and orange-colored fruits and vegetables are excellent for eyes as they are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A which is vital for your eyes.

In addition to beta-carotene, oranges contain other carotenoids that are converted in the body to vitamin A. The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, for example, have been shown to protect against chronic eye diseases.

Plus, the vitamin C and other antioxidants in oranges reduce the risk of developing cataracts and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.

10. Fights Aging

Oranges are considered a good anti-aging fruit because it contains antioxidant compounds that fight free radicals, which contribute to aging and a number of degenerative diseases.

Research suggests that vitamin C, which oranges have in abundance, is an essential antioxidant vitamin in this regard. In fact, one cup of orange juice can fulfill one-fifth of the body’s daily requirement of vitamin C.

Oranges also prevent premature aging of skin as vitamin C and beta-carotene facilitate skin repair.