Surprising benefits of citrus
Boost your health with these fragrant fruits.
There’s nothing like the aroma of peeling a clementine or zesting a lemon—and studies have shown that sniffing citrus oil may in fact improve mood and alleviate fatigue. Aside from being used as an eco-friendly cleaner and a natural beauty aid, eating citrus has big-time health benefits. Here’s why citrus should frequent your grocery basket.
It may prevent cancer. Study after study has linked citrus to anticancer activity including a lower risk of breast, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. A Japanese study on more than 10,000 participants connected people who regularly eat citrus to lower risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
It may help your gut. Recently, researchers have begun to investigate whether mandarin peels could be used as a treatment for gastrointestinal disorders. Citrus phytochemicals may prevent colon cancer. In traditional Indian medicine, sipping warm lemon or lime water has long been regarded as a digestive aid (it’s best consumed after meals or first thing in the morning).
It may lessen memory decline. Citrus peel extract may reduce brain damage from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease thanks to powerful flavonoids and free-radical-fighting properties. Save your peels to enjoy candied!
