5 Surprising Benefits of Citrus Fruits

There’s something special about cooking with ingredients while they’re in season. And right now citrus fruits are at their peak.

Not only are citrus fruits packed with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients, but they can also boost your energy, improve skin health, and even help you fight off certain illnesses.

But that’s not all! So let’s look at these 5 citrus fruit benefits, and why you should include them in your diet.

1. Vitamins & Minerals Galore! 

Citrus fruits contain a host of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, folate, potassium, and calcium. Vitamin C is a great immunity booster, it’s especially important to help protect against infection and diseases.

The antioxidants found in citrus fruits also act as natural anti-inflammatory agents, reducing inflammation throughout the body. Folate helps prevent birth defects in pregnant women while potassium helps keep blood pressure levels regulated and calcium helps build strong bones and teeth. 

If you’re looking for a boost of Vitamin C, check out my Honey Lemon Ginger Shots recipe.

2. Fresh Breath 

Citrus fruits are known for their ability to freshen breath naturally. Lemons and oranges contain compounds that help break down bacteria in the mouth and fight off bad breath.

The acidic nature of these fruits also helps remove plaque buildup on the teeth, leaving your mouth feeling clean and fresh after eating them. Plus, they taste great too! 

This Homemade Lemonade with Honey Simple Syrup recipe is so easy to make and will make your breath feel extra fresh.

3. Helpful For Weight Loss 

Citrus fruits are naturally low in calories but high in fiber—making them ideal for weight loss diets. Fiber helps you feel fuller longer so you don’t feel like snacking between meals as often; this can help reduce caloric intake overall which is great for those looking to shed a few pounds!

They are also full of water which can help flush toxins out of your body and make you feel hydrated throughout the day. 

I highly recommend my Healthy Orange Creamsicle recipe, if you’re looking to lose some weight but don’t want to cut out on the treats.

4. Aids Digestion 

The fiber content of citrus fruit is often overlooked but it is actually super beneficial when it comes to digestion. Citrus fruits contain both soluble and insoluble fiber which helps promote regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.

Eating citrus regularly can also reduce bloating and cramps caused by indigestion. It’s important to get enough fiber in your diet—the recommended daily amount is 25-38 grams—and incorporating citrus into your meals can help you reach this goal. 

So remember to add some lemons or limes into your meals for better digestion!   

5. Improve Skin Health  

Vitamin C helps produce collagen which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin over time. So consuming citrus fruits actually keeps your skin looking youthful and vibrant.

Eating lots of oranges or grapefruits can also help prevent signs of aging such as age spots or sun damage due to their high antioxidant content.

They can also help even out skin tone by lightening dark patches on the face or body caused by sun exposure or acne scarring over time. 

Whether you’re looking to boost immunity, get fresher breath, or shed a few pounds, citrus has got you covered! With its unique combination of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, the benefits of citrus fruits are endless and they’re one food group that should not be forgotten when thinking about nutritious meals! So don’t be afraid to experiment with these delicious yet versatile treats today. You won’t regret it!