THE orange contains a variety of health-promoting properties. The fruit is a rich source of protective food ingredients like vitamin A, B, C and calcium.
Recent studies have proven its superiority to any other fruit as a source of calcium. The orange also contains sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, sulphur and chlorine.
The orange is one of the finest gifts of nature and it is the most wide-spread of the citrus fruits. The orange (Citrus aurantium) is a native of southern China. The orange is used in variety of ways. It is usually taken as a desert fruit. Large quantities of the fruit are used for making orange juice, which is canned. It is also made into squashes.
Experts revealed that the regular use of orange prevents frequent attacks of common cold, influenza and bleeding tendencies. They say it keeps one healthy; strong and that it also contributes towards longevity.
According to the International Research Journal of Pharmacy, drinking orange juice reduces severity of inflammatory conditions like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis. It stated that the vitamin C content is good for preventing cold, cough and recurrent ear infections.
A physician in Chicago, Dr Harke, explained that orange fruit is a potent source of calcium and vitamin C, which is valuable in the treatment of diseases affecting the bones and teeth.
He further said that disorders in the structure of the teeth usually result from shortage of Vitamin C and Calcium, but that it can be overcome by sufficient intake of orange.
Dr Harke claimed to have cured several patients of pyorrhea and dental caries by giving them orange juice in large amounts.
“Orange juice, sweetened with honey, is highly beneficial in heart disease, in cardiac conditions like coronary ischaemia and infarction (when only liquid food is advisable). The use of orange juice with honey is a very safe energy giving liquid food,” Dr H.K. Bakhru disclosed in his book titled ‘Foods that Heal’, which was first published in 1990.
He also added that orange fruit is an essential and effective food in all types of fever. This is especially when the digestive power of the body is seriously hampered.
Orange juice was recommended as the most ideal liquid food in fevers like typhoid, tuberculosis and measles. This is because the extract gives energy, increases urinary output and also promotes body resistance against infections, thereby hastening recovery.
A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that when women drank half a litre of orange juice daily, their urinary pH value and citric acid excretion increased thereby diminishing the risk of forming calcium oxalate stones significantly.
Orange juice is also considered an excellent food for infants who are not fed on breast milk. These experts recommended 15ml. to 120ml. of orange juice daily to be given to the infants according to age. They discovered that it prevents scurvy and rickets and helps growth.
These experts also recommended 60ml. to 120ml. of the juice to be given daily to more grown up babies whose normal development is unsatisfactory.
Dr Bakhru said “the use of orange juice mixed with a pinch of salt and a tablespoonful of honey is an effective food remedy for tuberculosis, asthma, common cold, bronchitis and other conditions of cough associated with difficult expectorations.”
The orange is also beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Experts recommend taking one or two oranges at bedtime and again on rising in the morning. They said it is an excellent way of stimulating bowel action.
The general stimulating influence of orange juice excites peristaltic activity and helps prevent the accumulation of food residue in the colon, which leads to putrefaction and auto-intoxication.
The orange is an effective food remedy in chronic dyspepsia, which gives rest to the digestive organs and supplies nutrition in a most easily assimilable form. It also stimulates the flow of digestive juices thereby improving digestion and increasing appetite.
The orange peel is effective for treating pimples and acne. Studies show that the peel, pounded so well with water on a piece of stone, should be applied to the affected areas.
The International Research Journal of Pharmacy 2012, reveals that the orange peel is medicinally used against fungi. “Orange peel produces lethal effect on fleas, fire ants and house flies due to its 90 to 95 per cent limonene,” it stated.
The study explained that oranges are eaten to allay fever, as the roasted pulp is prepared as a poultice for skin diseases. The fresh peel is rubbed on acne.
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