Whether consumed as slices or juice, oranges are popular breakfast items, providing a natural complement to your morning meals. These fresh fruits are known to contain various essential vitamins and offer many hard-to-beat benefits. In the guide below, find out why they should become a regular feature in your diet.

Why Should You Consume Oranges?

1. Improve Your Immune System

Your immune system gets triggered whenever there’s the slightest indicator of illness. Once activated, it sends white blood cells to fight off the infection and restore order to the body. Vitamin C is the key to its strength, helping protect the cells and increasing production. A single 8-ounce glass of orange juice contains the recommended daily value of this nutrient. 

2. Support Brain and Heart Health

Flavonoids are nutrients found in fresh fruits. They act as anti-inflammatory antioxidants, easing the strain on your brain and preserving its function. As a result, they can help boost memory. 

The flavonoids in oranges also lower the risk of heart disease by keeping bad cholesterol at a minimum. Consuming a cup of these fruits per day will supply almost a quarter of your recommended daily value.  

3. Promote Iron Absorption

Constant fatigue, weakness, and headaches are common iron deficiency symptoms. This condition can occur when your body has difficulty producing hemoglobin and experiences a shortage of red blood cells. While oranges don’t contain much iron, they offer a generous amount of vitamin C. This nutrient can increase the amount of iron absorption.

4. Reduces Potential for Arthritis

Arthritis can develop at any point in your lifetime, usually as a result of general wear and tear leading to joint deterioration. It can also be due to an issue with the immune system that causes it to attack the lining of the joints. Fortunately, oranges can help lower the risk of this condition. They contain carotenoid antioxidants, which are anti-inflammatory. These nutrients can also naturally alleviate discomfort for those already diagnosed with arthritis.

If you’re looking to stock up on fresh fruit, stop at Cranberry Country Market in Tomah, WI. This family-owned business maintains a vast produce inventory and is currently receiving shipments of California oranges. As a country store, they recognize the importance of quality ingredients. Call (608) 374-4944 to speak with a friendly team member, or visit their website for additional information on their fresh produce.