There are a variety of citrus fruits available all over the world. Citrus fruits are of the family Rutaceae and genus Citrus. This type of fruit has been cultivated for several reasons, such as for ornamental purposes as well as for medicinal reasons. All these fruits provide nutrients that are important to the body. However, there are seven of the citrus varieties that have more nutrients compared to other varieties. These varieties have been thoroughly studied and have shown to be effective in preventing the usual diseases found in the modern world.

1. Grapefruits

   Called Citrus paradisi by the horticulturists, the taste of grapefruits indeed feels like paradise. It’s sweet and tangy, and its juiciness gives several health benefits afforded by any types of citrus fruits. Grapefruits provide a huge amount of vitamin C compared to all other citrus fruits. Just a half of 250 grams of grapefruit can already provide the body with almost three-fourths of the required daily value of vitamin C. Grapefruit also contains vitamins A, B1 and B5, plus fiber and potassium, all for only 40 calories.

   Grapefruit has several health benefits too; in fact, it is higher among fruits in terms of its capacity to eradicate the free radicals in the body. Therefore, grapefruit can help in preventing the development of cancer cells in the body. Moreover, grapefruits help lower the cholesterol level through its high amounts of pectin. Pectin is a soluble fiber that helps reduce the development of atherosclerosis. In grapefruit, LDL cholesterol level is lowered therefore preventing cardiovascular complications brought about by high cholesterol levels. If one has kidney stones due to calcium oxalates, grapefruit can also help by increasing the amounts of citric acid in the body, thereby preventing formation of this type of stone. Lastly, grapefruit has naringenin, a type of flavonoid that has been shown to repair the DNA that is damaged in prostate cancer cells. By enjoying grapefruit juice regularly, one can be assured of getting optimal health.

2. Lemons

   Known as Citrus limon in the scientific world, lemons are very popular type of citrus fruit. Talking about lemons evokes an image of summer sunshine, as one remembers the image of childhood selling lemonades by the sidewalk. Lemon is one of the healthiest citrus fruits because of its vitamin C content and the various phytonutrients that have shown to be effective in several diseases prevention. The vitamin C in lemon is already an effective antioxidant and anticancer. It neutralizes the body’s free radicals, liberating the body from further oxidative stress and destruction of healthy cells. Another thing that makes lemon a healthy citrus fruit is its prevention of arthritis. Ina study published by the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, participants who consume large amounts of vitamin C rich lemons have lower tendency of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Limes

   Limes are smaller than lemons and they are called Citrus aurantifolia scientifically. It can be oval-shaped or round-shaped, with taste that may either be sweet or sour. The sourer the lime is, the higher is its citric acid content. Limes are especially healthy because of its high levels of flavonoids flavonol glycosides and kaempferol, which are effective antibiotic. Studies have shown that in West Africa where there is an epidemic of cholera, individuals who include lime in their daily meal are more likely to be protected from the infection of the bacteria Vibrio cholera. Just like its cousin, the lemon, the vitamin C content of lime, which provides almost 50 percent of the required daily allowance per one-fourth cup of lime juice, can help protect the body from cancer and other related diseases.

4. Tangerines

   Compared to the ordinary orange, tangerine, or Mandarin orange, has more health benefits. A cup of raw tangerine can already provide the body with 87 percent daily value for vitamin C. Tangerine also contains vitamins A, B6 and folate. The fruit also contains calcium, potassium and magnesium that is beneficial to optimal health. Moreover, tangerine or Citrus reticulate, is rich in phytonutrients that can help in preventing several neurodegenerative diseases., arthritis and upper respiratory problems. The best thing about tangerine, which is common in many citrus fruits, is its high fiber content which prevents the cholesterol from being absorbed by the body thereby preventing cardiovascular problems.

5. Kiwi

   A kiwifruit is sometimes mistaken as a citrus fruit because of how it looks like. Kiwi is scientifically known as Actinidia deliciosa, and it is more of a berry or plum family. However, the effect it has for health is almost the same as other citrus fruits. Kiwi is rich in vitamin C; just a piece of the fruit can already provide 120 percent of the vitamin C daily value. The fruit also contains fiber and potassium. The best thing about kiwi is its phytonutrients which can help in any types of upper respiratory problems. Aside from that, it is an effective antioxidant and the dietary fiber of the fruit is advantageous to the cardiovascular and digestive health.

6. Oranges

   Orange is the most popular among the citrus fruits. When one gets sick, there will always be orange juice by the bedside. This is because orange has several healing properties. Just a piece of orange , or roughly 120 grams, can already provide the body with 116 percent RDA of vitamin C, 12.5 percent of fiber, 9.8 percent of folate, vitamin A, B1, potassium and calcium. It is also rich in phytonutrients. In fact, orange have healing phytonutrients in flavanones, anthocyanin and hydroxycinnamic acids. These phytonutrients, which are mostly found in the white peel and the pulp of orange, helps in the reduction of blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Studies also showed that orange is an effective anti-inflammatory substance; the reason why it is a mainstay at the bedside of the sick. In a certain study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the flavones in the peel of orange is more effective in lowering the cholesterol compared to any statin drugs. Unfortunately, this is ignored when orange is eaten, or during the process of juicing the orange.

7. Kumquats

   Just a piece of raw kumquats, or about 19 grams of it, can provide the body with 14 percent of vitamin C daily needs. This means that to get the most value, a person should take at least 8 kumquats per day. Kumquat, or Citrus japonica, is an oval shaped orange with edible sweet rind. The flesh of kumquat is quite acidic, which actually provides greater health benefits. Because the rind is tasty, it is mostly included in making jams, jelly, butter and other types of preserved foods. Just like its cousins, kumquats are rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, riboflavin and calcium. All these nutrients are necessary to attain optimal health.

Sources
halegroves.com
victoria-anisman-reiner.suite101.com
healthyfoodssite.com
nutrition-and-you.com