Can Oranges Lower Your Cholesterol?
You might think that something as simple as eating an orange a day would be enough to keep your cholesterol in check. But is that really the case? Oranges have long been recognized for their high concentration of hydroxycinnamic acids, thought to have health benefits such as lowering cholesterol. In fact, research continues to suggest that drinking half an orange per day — about one-quarter of an orange — is equivalent to taking in about 10 percent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
If you’re wondering if oranges lower your cholesterol, the answer is yes; they do so by increasing the concentration of citrulline malate in the body (a byproduct of protein breakdown). This explains why eating an orange regularly can increase your levels of this beneficial veggie.
What’s the Effect of Eating an Orange on Your Cholesterol?
The high levels of vitamin C present in oranges are thought to be responsible for lowering cholesterol. While not everyone benefits from this effect, it’s likely that people with high blood pressure and high cholesterol should aim to consume more orange-colored foods to benefit themselves.
How to Know for Sure if You Have Elevated Cholesterol
If you find that you have a high cholesterol level, you can try to boost your vitamin C levels by consuming more oranges. However, this can be very difficult to achieve on a consistent basis. It’s important to remember that foods high in vitamin C also tend to be high in Iron, so having an orange every so often isn’t going to solve your iron problem.
The Benefits of Eating an Orange and How It Affects Your Cholesterol
The high levels of vitamin C present in oranges are thought to be responsible for lowering cholesterol. While not everyone benefits from this effect, it’s likely that people with high blood pressure and high cholesterol should aim to consume more orange-colored foods to benefit themselves.
While eating an orange is not a great way to boost your cholesterol, it’s a good idea to consume at least one per day. In fact, consuming an orange once per week can prevent heart attacks and strokes. It’s believed that the high vitamin C content in oranges plays a significant role in maintaining the body’s health.
Overeating and Increasing Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Studies have found that people who consume a high number of sweets and free-loading proteins (e.g., red meat, full-fat dairy products) are at an increased risk of developing heart disease. On the other hand, people who consume a high number of vegetables and fruits are at a lower risk of getting heart disease. This is likely due to the fiber content found in vegetables and the anti-inflammatory properties of fruit.
Conclusion
The American Heart Association recommends that everyone eat two to three oranges per week to benefit themselves and their loved ones. If you’re wondering what’s in an orange, the citrus fruit contains a compound called beta-carotene, which is believed to prevent and treat cancer and heart disease. People who consume two or more oranges per week have been found to have lowered cholesterol levels and increased levels of vitamin C in their bodies.
While eating an orange once per week isn’t a great way to boost your cholesterol, it’s a good idea to consume at least one each day. In fact, consuming an orange once per week can prevent heart attacks and strokes. It’s believed that the high vitamin C content in oranges plays a significant role in maintaining the body’s health.