They key to a long and healthy life is largely attributed to what we put inside our bodies. Eating a wide variety of foods such as five fruit and vegetables a day, protein, starchy foods and unsaturated oils is considered the best diet. Water is a healthy and cheap choice for quenching you thirst at any time. But what other drinks hold life-boosting properties?
Orange juice holds a number of health properties, according to medical consultant Dr Sarah Brewer and dietician Juliette Kellow.
Citrus fruits are best known for containing vitamin C, which supports the immune system, but do far more than just fight infections, say the pair.
In their book titled ‘Eat Better Live Longer’, they explain how citrus fruits like oranges are linked with everything from protection against heart disease and cancer to slowing down cataract development.
They write: “Various studies link higher intakes of vitamin C and the phytochemical found in fruit with a reduced risk of heart disease.
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“One large study of almost 115,000 adults found people who has the highest amount of citrus fruits in their diet (compared with the lowest) had a 28 per cent reduced risk of stroke, while for those with the highest levels of citrus juices, the risk decreased by 35 per cent.
“Studies show eating vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits, can reduce the risk of cataracts. Because vitamin C is an antioxidant, having more vitamin C in the eye fluid helps to prevent oxidation that clouds the lens.
“In one 2016 study, scientists found diets rich in vitamin C reduced the risk of developing cataracts by a fifth, and, over a decade, stopped them progressing by a third.”
Oranges contain more than 170 phytochemical with anti-inflammatory, anti tumour, and antioxidant functions, are rich in hesperidin, which may lower cholesterol levels, and are a good source of beta-cryptoxanthin, for lung health.
Other citrus fruits you may want to consider are grapefruit and lemons and limes.
Grapefruit can help to lower cholesterol levels, while lemons and limes benefits the heart, as they enhance flavours of food without having to add salt.
Dr Brewer and Ms Kellow recommend having one portion of citrus fruit every day, which is the equivalent of one glass of juice.
Citrus fruits release more juice when warm, so aim to keep them at room temperature.
For maximum health benefits the duo say orange and other citrus fruits are best eaten raw.
They advise: “Enjoy the whole fruit (rather than just having a glass of juice) so you get the fibre.
“The peel contains considerably more antioxidants than the juice, so use the grated zest to add flavour to your dishes.”
A recent study found a glass of wine a night could boost heart failure patients’ life expectancy.