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Origin of Cara Cara Orange
Well, the statement “It’s what’s inside that counts” couldn’t have been any truer in the case of the caracara orange. From the outside what looks like just another common orange is actually a different breed altogether.
From the inside, the flesh of the caracara orange is pinkish red seedless. When ripe, its flesh is tender, succulent and extremely juicy.
Now if you are asking yourself “But why is it called cara cara orange?”
Well, the answer is it actually got its name from the place when it was first discovered in. Which is at Hacienda Cara Cara in Venezuela in 1976.
Health Benefits
We all know the proverb “an apple a day,” but equally an orange could be recommended.
Juicy and sweet and renowned for its concentration of vitamin C, oranges make the perfect snack and add a special tang to many recipes; it is no doubt the most popular fruits in the world. Oranges are generally available from winter through summer with seasonal variations depending on the variety.
There are thousands of reasons why eating an orange a day is a good idea, but on this post, we will be discussing the 5 most important health benefits.
- Cancer Prevention: One of the most renowned health benefits you can get from the rich content of vitamin C in oranges is cancer prevention. Vitamin C in oranges, also known as a powerful antioxidant, has been proven the ability to prevent free damaging radicals or cancerous cell from harming other healthy ones. Additionally, people also find a link between the antioxidant hesperidin in oranges and the reduction of tumour development.
- Oranges alkalize the body: Although oranges are acidic before you digest them, they contain many alkaline minerals that help to balance out the body after they are digested. In this respect, they are similar to lemons, which are one of the most alkaline foods available.
- Blood Circulation and Creation: There is another very powerful aspect of oranges and orange juice, its folate content. Folate is a member of the B complex, technically it is vitamin B9. This important vitamin is essential for the creation of DNA and the growth of new cells. Folate also keeps cells safe from mutation, which is one of the ways that free radicals damage the body. Furthermore, folate plays a role in building new red blood cells, as well as stimulating the flow of blood to the extremities. This means that the organ systems are well-oxygenated and are working at full capacity. This supports the overall metabolism of the body and the functioning of all the systems, making them more efficient.
- Inflammation: Studies have shown an excellent anti-inflammatory property in citrus fruit, including oranges. As a result, by reducing inflammation in several body parts, oranges also lower the risk of diabetes and atherosclerosis. Along with that, you are helping to improve your heart and protect against various heart diseases.
- Boosts Immune System: Citrus fruits are also a great way to keep your health in the present. That’s because they are filled with Vitamin C, which you need to produce the white blood cells that destroy viruses, bacteria and other foreign invaders. Oranges also contain vitamin A, folate and copper, nutrients that assist Vitamin C in keeping your immune system in tip-top shape.
Nutritional value
Water: g 86.75
Energy: kcal 47
Protein: g 0.94
Total lipid (fat): g 0.12
Carbohydrate, by difference: g 11.75
Fibre, total dietary: g 2.4
Sugars, total: g 9.35
Minerals
Calcium, Ca: Mg 40
Iron, Fe: Mg 0.1
Magnesium, Mg: Mg 10
Phosphorus, P: Mg 14
Potassium, K: Mg 181
Sodium, Na: Mg 0
Zinc, Zn: Mg 0.07
Vitamins
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid: Mg 53.2
Thiamin: Mg 0.087
Riboflavin: Mg 0.04
Niacin: Mg 0.282
Vitamin B-6: Mg 0.06
Folate, DFE: µg 30
Vitamin B-12: µg 0
Vitamin A, RAE: µg 11
Vitamin A, IU: IU 225
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol): mg 0.18
Vitamin D (D2 + D3): µg 0
Vitamin D: IU 0
Vitamin K (phylloquinone): µg 0
Lipids
Fatty acids, total saturated: g 0.015
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated: g 0.023
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated: g 0.025
Fatty acids, total trans: g 0
Cholesterol: mg 0
Amino Acids
Other
Caffeine: mg 0
Footnote: “Commercial varieties”
Source: Organic Facts, Care2, Authority Remedies, USDA
