Orange is a delicious juicy fruit commonly known as “Santra” and “Narangi”. The fruit is a rich source of vitamin C which makes it a powerful immune booster.
Orange is packed with various essential nutrients and a high fiber content that helps improve the energy levels. The daily consumption of 1-2 cups of Orange juice before breakfast improves digestion. The antioxidant activity of Orange helps protect against certain problems such as liver disease, asthma and cholesterol levels.
Applying Orange juice on the scalp helps improves hair growth and delays the greying of hair. It also prevents dandruff due to its antiviral property. Orange peel or essential oil helps delay skin ageing due to its antioxidant property. It keeps the skin moisturized, softens it and has a cleansing effect on oily skin. It also reduces inflammation in the affected area because of its anti-inflammatory property.
Excessive consumption of Oranges may cause abdominal discomfort and it may also lead to heartburn[2-6][16].

What are the synonyms of Orange?

Citrus reticulata, Kamla lebu, Narangi, Santra Kittle, Kamala, Koorg kudagu orange, Kamalapandu, Sumthira, Sohniamtra, Santara, Naranga, Nagarariga, Tvaksugandha, Mukhapriya, Tangerine[1][2].

What is the source of Orange?

Plant Based

Benefits of Orange

What are the benefits of Orange for Cancer?

Modern Science View

Orange might be beneficial in the management of cancer. Lutein and β-cryptoxanthin in Orange have antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. Orange induces apoptosis in cancerous cells and protects the normal cells. Thus, consuming Orange reduces the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer and skin tumor formation[7][12].

What are the benefits of Orange for Liver disease?

Modern Science View

Orange might be beneficial in the management of hepatitis C. Orange has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Orange helps to reduce inflammation in patients suffering from hepatitis C virus infection. Naringin and hesperidin in Orange reduce the synthesis and release of lipids in liver. Orange also reduces the level of elevated liver enzymes in patients with hepatitis C virus infection[7][16].

What are the benefits of Orange for Irritable bowel syndrome?

Modern Science View

Orange might be beneficial in the management of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS). Orange is a rich source of fibers. Orange adds bulk to the stool and helps in their easy passage[7][15].

Ayurvedic View

Orange helps to control the symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to Ayurveda, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is also known as Grahani. Grahani is caused by an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Orange help to improve Pachak Agni (digestive fire) due to its Ushna (hot) potency. This helps control the symptoms of IBS.
Tip:
1. Take 1-2 cup fresh Orange juice.
2. Add water and have it with breakfast.

What are the benefits of Orange for Asthma?

Modern Science View

Orange might be beneficial in the management of asthma. Orange has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Orange contains flavonoids that decrease the frequency of asthma. Orange also reduces wheezing associated with asthma[7][13].

Ayurvedic View

Orange helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (Asthma). Taking Orange helps to calm Vata-Kapha dosha, remove excess mucus from the lungs and give relief from the symptoms of asthma. This is due to the Ushna (hot) potency of Orange.
Tip:
1. Take 1-2 cup fresh Orange juice.
2. Add water and have it with breakfast.

What are the benefits of Orange for Indigestion?

Modern Science View

Not enough evidence is available to support the role of Orange in indigestion[7].

Ayurvedic View

Indigestion means the state of incomplete process of digestion. The main reason for indigestion is Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). Taking Orange helps to improve digestive fire due to its Ushna (hot) nature. It helps to correct indigestion and digest food easily.
Tip:
1. Take 1-2 cup fresh Orange juice.
2. Add water and have it with breakfast.

What are the benefits of Orange for Atherosclerosis (plaque deposition inside the arteries)?

Modern Science View

Orange might be beneficial to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Orange is a rich source of vitamin C. Vitamin C has strong antioxidant activity. It prevents lipid peroxidation and plaque deposition in the blood vessels[7][14].

How effective is Orange?

Insufficient evidence

Asthma, Atherosclerosis (plaque deposition inside the arteries), Cancer, Cancer of colon and rectum, Indigestion, Irritable bowel syndrome, Liver disease

Precautions when using Orange

Advice from Experts

Ayurvedic View

Orange should be avoided if you have acid reflux due to its Amla (sour) taste.

Modern Science View

Use Orange cautiously if you have any gastrointestinal disorders as Oranges have been associated with intestinal obstructions.

Ayurvedic View

Orange should be avoided if you have acid reflux or indigestion problems due to its Amla (sour) taste.

Breastfeeding

Modern Science View

Consult your doctor while taking Oranges during Breastfeeding[12].

Other Interaction

Modern Science View

1. Orange may increase the absorption of anti-inflammatory medicines. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Orange along with anti-inflammatory medicines[12].

2. Orange may increase the absorption of anti-hyperlipidemic medicines. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Orange along with anti-hyperlipidemic medicines[12].

3. Orange may decrease the absorption of antibiotics. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Orange along with antibiotics[12].

4. Orange may have an additive effect with anti-cancer medicines. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Orange with anti-cancer medicines[12].

Pregnancy

Modern Science View

Consult your doctor while taking Oranges during Pregnancy[12].

Side Effects

Modern Science View

Bowel obstruction[12].

Recommended Dosage of Orange

Orange Juice - 1-2 cup a day or as per your requirement.
Orange Candy - 4-8 candies a day or as per your requirement.

How to use Orange

1. Orange Raw fruit
a. Take Orange fruits.
b. Peel off properly and eat.
c. You can enjoy them preferably in the breakfast or after 3-4 hours of meals.

2. Orange Juice
a. Peel of the Orange fruit and put it in the juicer.
b. Separate the pulp from the juice using a strainer.
c. Drink it preferably in the breakfast or after 3-4 hours of meals.

3. Orange Candy
You can eat Orange candies as per your liking and requirement.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What are the constituents of Orange?

Modern Science View

Oranges are rich in carbohydrates, amino acids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic derivatives and steroids and are responsible for its pharmacological properties[2].

Q. Can you eat Oranges on an empty stomach?

Modern Science View

Yes, Oranges can be consumed on an empty stomach. This is because fruits that contain citric acid might alter the food in the stomach when taken after meals. So it is generally advised to consume it before or 3-4 hours after meals.

Q. How many Oranges should you have in a day?

Modern Science View

You can have 2-3 Oranges in a day. However it is generally advisable to avoid them in the evening and in case you have a sore throat, cough and cold. Oranges are also high in calories due to sugar content so monitor the quantity.

Q. How much sugar is present in an Orange?

Modern Science View

It is often observed that approximately 9 grams of sugar is there in 100 grams of Oranges. So, monitor your Orange consumption if you have diabetes or if you are on a diet.

Q. How do you extract Orange oil?

Modern Science View

Orange peel oil is very useful and can be extracted easily with the help of orange peels.
Tip:
1. Peel of the Orange.
2. Grate the peel properly.
3. Let it dry for 2-3 days.
4. Now put the dried grated orange peel into the vinegar or alcohol.
5. Let it stand for 2-3 days.
6. The oil will be diffused out into the alcoholic or acidic medium.

Q. How does Orange peel whiten teeth?

Modern Science View

The constituent present in the Orange that is responsible for whitening of teeth is d-limonene.
Tips:
1. Peel the Orange.
2. Gently rub the white portion of the peel onto the teeth.
3. Follow it by regular brushing of the teeth.

References

1
Chapter 3.CITRUS RETICULATA BLANCO.REVIEW OF LITERATURE.46
2
Apraj VD, Pandita NS.Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Evaluation of Citrus Reticulata blanco peel.IJPPR.2014;6(2):328-331.
3
Boughendjioua H, Boughendjioua Z.Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Essential Oil of Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) Cultivated in Algeria.Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res.2017;44(1):179-184.
4
Choi HG.Natural Oriental Medicinal Composition For The Promotion Of Hair Growth And Method Of Preparing The Same. USA;US 7,771,759 B2.2010.
5
Garzaro M, Raimondo L, Pecorari G, et al.Palatability, digestibility and emotional pattern in 60 healthy volunteers after ingestion of an iced dessert presented in four different flavours: a subjective evaluation.J Biol Regul Homeost Agents.2012;26(2):237-243.
6
Wang Y, Qian J, Cao J, et al.Antioxidant Capacity, Anticancer Ability and Flavonoids Composition of 35 Citrus (Citrus reticulata Blanco) Varieties.Molecules.2017;22(114):1-20.
7
WebMD.Tangerine: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
8
Erukainure OL,Ebuehi OAT, Choudhary MI.Orange Peel Extracts: Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant, Antioxidative Burst, and Phytotoxic Activities, Journal of Dietary Supplements.2016 13:5,585-594.
9
Alessio PA, Rossi A, Bene M.Efficacy of Orange Peel Extract in Psoriasis.Global Journal of Dermatology & Venereology. 2015;3:1-4.
10
Jamil N, Jabeen R, Khan M.et.al.Quantitative Assessment of Juice Content, Citric Acid and Sugar Content in Oranges, Sweet Lime, Lemon and Grapes Available in Fresh Fruit Market of Quetta City.IJBAS.2015;15(1):21-24.
11
Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010
12
Aghajanpour M, Nazer MR, Obeidavi Z, et al. Functional foods and their role in cancer prevention and health promotion: a comprehensive review. Am J Cancer Res.2017;7(4):740-769.
13
Hosseini B, Berthon BS, Wark P, et al. Effects of fruit and vegetable consumption on risk of asthma, wheezing and immune responses: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients.2017;9:341.
14
Moser MA, Chun OK. Vitamin C and heart health: A review based on findings from epidemiologic studies. Int. J. Mol. Sci.2016;17:1328.
15
Vries J, Birkett A, Hulshof T, et al. Effects of cereal, fruit and vegetable fibers on human fecal weight and transit time: A comprehensive review of intervention trials. Nutrients.2016;8:130.
16
Gonçalves D, Lima C, Ferreira P, et al. Orange juice as dietary source of antioxidants for patients with hepatitis C under antiviral therapy. Food And Nutrition Research.2017;61. 17. Sak K. Chemotherapy and dietary phytochemical agents. Chemotherapy Research and Practice.2012.
17
Apraj VD, Pandita NS. Evaluation of skin anti-aging potential of Citrus reticulata blanco peel. Pharmacognosy Res.2016;8(3):160–168.
18
Riso R, Visioli F, Gardana C. Effects of Blood Orange Juice Intake on Antioxidant Bioavailability and on Different Markers Related to Oxidative Stress .J. Agric. Food Chem.2005:53:941−947.
19
Nutrition.Nutrition During Pregnancy. Chapter 17.313-327.
20
Parle M, Chaturvedi D. ORANGE: RANGE OF BENEFITS:review. IRJP .2012: 3 (7):59-63.
21
Guo J, Tao H, Cao Y, et al.Prevention of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes with Aged Citrus Peel (Chenpi) Extract.J Agric Food Chem. 2016;64(10):2053-2061.
22
Bakhru HK.Foods that heal:The natural way to good health. Orient paperbacks.2014.

Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.

References

Chapter 3.CITRUS RETICULATA BLANCO.REVIEW OF LITERATURE.46

Apraj VD, Pandita NS.Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Evaluation of Citrus Reticulata blanco peel.IJPPR.2014;6(2):328-331.

Boughendjioua H, Boughendjioua Z.Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Essential Oil of Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) Cultivated in Algeria.Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res.2017;44(1):179-184.

Choi HG.Natural Oriental Medicinal Composition For The Promotion Of Hair Growth And Method Of Preparing The Same. USA;US 7,771,759 B2.2010.

Garzaro M, Raimondo L, Pecorari G, et al.Palatability, digestibility and emotional pattern in 60 healthy volunteers after ingestion of an iced dessert presented in four different flavours: a subjective evaluation.J Biol Regul Homeost Agents.2012;26(2):237-243.

Wang Y, Qian J, Cao J, et al.Antioxidant Capacity, Anticancer Ability and Flavonoids Composition of 35 Citrus (Citrus reticulata Blanco) Varieties.Molecules.2017;22(114):1-20.

WebMD.Tangerine: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].

Erukainure OL,Ebuehi OAT, Choudhary MI.Orange Peel Extracts: Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant, Antioxidative Burst, and Phytotoxic Activities, Journal of Dietary Supplements.2016 13:5,585-594.

Alessio PA, Rossi A, Bene M.Efficacy of Orange Peel Extract in Psoriasis.Global Journal of Dermatology & Venereology. 2015;3:1-4.

Jamil N, Jabeen R, Khan M.et.al.Quantitative Assessment of Juice Content, Citric Acid and Sugar Content in Oranges, Sweet Lime, Lemon and Grapes Available in Fresh Fruit Market of Quetta City.IJBAS.2015;15(1):21-24.

Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010

Aghajanpour M, Nazer MR, Obeidavi Z, et al. Functional foods and their role in cancer prevention and health promotion: a comprehensive review. Am J Cancer Res.2017;7(4):740-769.

Hosseini B, Berthon BS, Wark P, et al. Effects of fruit and vegetable consumption on risk of asthma, wheezing and immune responses: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients.2017;9:341.

Moser MA, Chun OK. Vitamin C and heart health: A review based on findings from epidemiologic studies. Int. J. Mol. Sci.2016;17:1328.

Vries J, Birkett A, Hulshof T, et al. Effects of cereal, fruit and vegetable fibers on human fecal weight and transit time: A comprehensive review of intervention trials. Nutrients.2016;8:130.

Gonçalves D, Lima C, Ferreira P, et al. Orange juice as dietary source of antioxidants for patients with hepatitis C under antiviral therapy. Food And Nutrition Research.2017;61. 17. Sak K. Chemotherapy and dietary phytochemical agents. Chemotherapy Research and Practice.2012.

Apraj VD, Pandita NS. Evaluation of skin anti-aging potential of Citrus reticulata blanco peel. Pharmacognosy Res.2016;8(3):160–168.

Riso R, Visioli F, Gardana C. Effects of Blood Orange Juice Intake on Antioxidant Bioavailability and on Different Markers Related to Oxidative Stress .J. Agric. Food Chem.2005:53:941−947.

Nutrition.Nutrition During Pregnancy. Chapter 17.313-327.

Parle M, Chaturvedi D. ORANGE: RANGE OF BENEFITS:review. IRJP .2012: 3 (7):59-63.

Guo J, Tao H, Cao Y, et al.Prevention of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes with Aged Citrus Peel (Chenpi) Extract.J Agric Food Chem. 2016;64(10):2053-2061.

Bakhru HK.Foods that heal:The natural way to good health. Orient paperbacks.2014.