Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: Citrus fruits like lemons, grapefruits and oranges are water-dense, sweet and delicious and are packed with healthy dose of vitamin C - one of the most important antioxidants required for the body.
The fruits are often rich in fibre — notably pectin, a soluble fibre, that helps lower cholesterol. Pectin is also found in the peel of citrus fruits.
Citrus fruits are a good source of folate and potassium, with small amounts of magnesium, calcium, and other nutrients. They also contain dozens of phytochemicals, including carotenoids and limonoids. Citrus flavonoids such as hesperetin (in oranges), naringin (in grapefruit), and tangeritin (in tangerines) have cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
Ideally, a cup of citrus juice has more vitamin C than a piece of whole fruit because it is concentrated. But it is also higher in sugar and calories—and lacks the fibre of the whole fruit. However, glass of juice is a good way to start the day (especially if it`s fortified with calcium), but it is better to eat whole fruit, which has less effect on blood sugar and is more filling.