Citrus fruits are of the Rutaceae plant family, due to the content of flavonoids and limonoids. Citrus fruits are known for their fragrance. The juice of citrus fruit contains varying quantities of citric acid which is why they have different colors and flavors. They are well known as good sources of vitamin C, but the quantity of vitamin C they contain varies. The method of cultivation of the fruit also goes a long way to determine its nutritional components.
Citrus fruits have so many health benefits, including aiding weight loss. Here are some citrus fruits that have various health benefits.
1. Orange
Orange is one of the most common citrus fruits there is. It is also called sweet orange and is of the citrus species known as “Citrus X sinensis.” Oranges are believed to be originated from China around 312 BC and are now grown in large quantities around the world with Brazil cultivating up to 24% of the world’s total. Oranges are cultivated basically in the tropical and subtropical climate.
The health benefits of oranges are numerous to mention. Oranges aid weight loss by burning more calories than you consume when you eat them. They are also a good source of thiamin, folate, and vitamin C and therefore boost metabolism. Oranges are perfect substitutes when you desire to take something sweet but healthy. You can make orange juice out of an orange fruit or you can just take the fruit as it is.
2. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is of the citrus species “Citrus X paradisi.” It is known for its semi-sweet sour and somewhat bitter taste. Grapefruit is a citrus hybrid of an ancient accidental cross-breeding between two citrus parents which are sweet orange and pomelo.
Grapefruit is also a rich source of vitamin C, fiber pectin, and the antioxidant lycopene. Recent studies show that grapefruit reduces cholesterol level in the body thereby aiding weight loss. Scientists also advise you to take grapefruits before your meal to reduce belly fat, promote digestion, and body metabolism.
3. Lemon
Lemon is a citrus fruit of the species “Citrus Limon.” It is native to South Asia, basically Northeastern India. The fruit is rich in citric acid and has a low pH of about 2.2 given its sour taste. Lemon is rich in vitamin C and other phytochemicals such as polyphenol, tannin, and terpenes. Lemon helps in weight loss based on its rich content of vitamin B, Riboflavin, and other minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and above all vitamin C.
It is scientifically proven that a rich blend of lemon and honey detoxifies and also burns unwanted body calories. Starting your day with this rich blend is a very good idea if you want to lose weight.
4. Lime
Lime is a green hybrid citrus fruit that has a high content of citric acid and of the species “Citrus aurantifolia.” They are a rich source of vitamin C and are having so many health benefits including helping in weight loss.
Limes contain 88% water, 10% carbohydrate and about 1% of fat and protein. Limes reduce body calories by aiding quick digestion based on its high fiber content and also vitamin C and also increases body metabolism.
5. Tangerine
Tangerine is a hybrid citrus fruit of the species “Citrus tangerina.” Tangerines are sweeter, less round and smaller than oranges, and they are rich in fiber and citric acid. Tangerine is about 85% water, 13% carbohydrate and has a negligible amount of fat and protein.
You can take tangerine to substitute your sugar intake and reduce your calorie count. They are also a rich source of vitamin C which aids in the burning of belly fat. The fiber content of this fruit helps in digestion thereby reducing the accumulation of fat in the body. Tangerine also help in body metabolism and ultimately in weight loss. So if you are looking for a handy and sweet citrus fruit to help you achieve your weight loss goal, tangerine is the fruit for you.
6. Citron
Citron is an old natural citrus fruit of the species “Citron medica.” It has a very pleasant smell and is rich in vitamin C and fiber. Citron is a very medicinal citrus fruit that is used widely to cure so many illnesses. It is also beneficial in weight loss as it increases the body metabolism and also lowers the body’s calorie intake based on its vitamin C content.
7. Clementine
This is a citrus hybrid fruit between sweet orange species and mandarin orange species. Clementine is a very sweet citrus fruit and it’s easy to peel like tangerine. It has less acid than orange and could be easily segmented. Clementine contains about 87% water, 12% carbohydrate and a negligible amount of fat and protein.
Clementine is very rich in vitamin C and other minerals such as magnesium, iron, and calcium. A study shows that Clementine aids in weight loss and it’s having similar phytochemical interactions as grapefruits.
8. Calamondin
Calamondin is a very economically important citrus fruit of the species “Citrus microcarpa.” It is a hybrid predominantly cultivated in the Philippines. Calamondin has a sour taste and is rich in vitamin C, so is a cool citrus fruit that aids weight loss.
9. Pomelo
Pomelo is the largest citrus fruit known in the “Rutaceae” family. It is of the species known as “Citrus grandis”;Â a non-hybrid citrus fruit that looks like the grapefruit. It is one of the natural citrus fruits from which others were hybridized and is commonly cultivated in southern Asia.
Pomelo is highly medicinal and contains so many nutrients such as riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin C, vitamin B, iron, magnesium, zinc, and sodium. Pomelo is also a healthy fruit that burns unhealthy fat and helps in weight loss.
10. Finger Lime
For thousands of years now, finger lime fruits have been helpful in treating diseases and maintaining good health. Basically, people ate it for its delicious taste and ability to ward off diseases. Finger lime juice was also used as an antiseptic cleanser on infected sour many years ago. These days, finger lime serve new benefits like facilitating weight loss.
It contains folate, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin E than mandarin and many other citrus fruits out there.
It is rare to see anyone bat an eye about eating citrus fruits. Instead of just eating them for their delicious taste, which is not a bad idea, you should take advantage of its ability to help you shed some weight.