Citrus Fruit

SUMMARY:

Citrus involved in the formation of collagen, bones and teeth, red blood cells and enhances the absorptionof iron from food and resistance to infection.

There are different types of citrus such as grapefruit, orange dwarf, lime, tangerine, orange.

It is perhaps the vitamin that has generated more controversy in recent times and which, possibly, have been investigated. It is also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C is soluble in water and still remain fairly stable in the acidic solution is usually the least stable of the vitamins to be extremely sensitive to the action of oxygen , the heat and light .

The peels of citrus fruits are rich in essential oils, which usually have components with antimicrobial activity. Then, the presence and concentration of these canplay an important role in the observed differences in the deterioration. However, there is no relation to the color of the fruit.

Introduction

Citrus is originated about 20 million years in Southeast Asia. From then until now have been many changes due to selection natural hybrids and natural and produced by man .

The spread of citrus from their places of origin was mainly due to large migrations, conquests of Alexander the Great , the expansion of Islam , Crusades, the discovery of America , etc.

Citrus fruits belong to the class Angiospermae, the dicot subclass, route the order to the family Rutaceae and gender citrus and has more than 145 species, among which are: orange (Citrus sinensis), mandarin (Citrus reticulata ), lemon (Citrus limon), lime (citrus aurantifolia), grapefruit (citrus paradisi). Itcree the general area of origin of citrus southwestern Asia including from Saudi Oriental eastward to the Philippines and from the Himalava south to Indonesia and Australia, the movement of dispersal of different types of citrus occurred within the general area home since before there was recording history.

Vitamin C is involved in the formation of collagen, bones and teeth, red blood cells and enhances the absorption of iron from food, and resistance to infection. Vitamin C, as antioxidant, helps reduce the risk of many diseases , including cardiovascular, degenerative diseases and even cancer.

Folic acid is involved in the production of red and white cells in the synthesis of genetic material and antibody formation system immune.

Potassium is a mineral needed for pulse generation and transmission nervous and normal muscle activity, is involved in the balance of water inside and outside the cell .

Magnesium is related to the functioning of the bowel, nerves and muscles , is part of bones and teeth, enhances immunity and have a smootheffect laxative.

The acids malic and citric havea action disinfectant and alkaline urine. Citric acid output action of vitamin C.

With the exception of the Mandarin provides less amount of vitamin C than other citrus, it remains a source excellent vitamin. It is known to security that this vitamin has a clear anti-infective action, stimulating the formation of antibodies and the activity of phagocytes (cells that encompasses microbes and cells that are destroyed strange inside).

Cancer, AIDS , infectious diseases and chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism, decrease the concentration of vitamin C in theplasma, so it is interesting in these cases to ensure their contribution through food . Other situations that are increased requirements are: smoking , alcoholism , use of certain medications, pregnancy and lactation , stress, emotional or environmental and intense practice of sport .

Eating mandarin oranges or grapefruit can yield more benefits in the winter months and seasonal changes, when they are frequent fluctuations in the immune system and is likely to get colds or infections.

Tangerine is a fruit that has more carotenoids in their composition, provides beta-cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene in amounts outstanding. The antioxidant activity of phytochemicals and vitamin C, provide the food physiological properties which go beyond the proper nutrition. The antioxidants fight the harmful effects of free radicals, substances responsible for the development of cardiovascular diseases, degenerative diseases and cancer.

In case of anemia caused by iron deficiency, is very helpful to eat tangerines, oranges, grapefruits or lemons accompanying the iron-rich foods or supplements of this mineral because they provide vitamin C increases iron absorption and this speeds recovery.

For athletes, by the content of potassium, vitamin C, carotenoids and other nutrients in the tangerines, oranges and grapefruits are a good alternative to replace the minerals and fluid activity lost after physical and to minimize the risk of injury and strengthen the defenses. Its juice mixed with water, soda, and sugars can do it perfectly the functions of rehydration drink during competition in sports that have a longer duration to 90 minutes, in which the loss of glucose , water and electrolytes are more pronounced.

The orange and its juice are excellent source of vitamin C, flavonoids and beta-carotene, so that this fruit is considered particularly interesting for health cardiovascular. These substances are based antioxidant, inhibit the oxidation of so-called "bad cholesterol" (LDL-c) and keep it from being deposited on the walls of blood vessels and thus prevent atherosclerosis.

Citrus fruit baskets [citrus fruit basket]