Fruit offers protection against cardiovascular diseases

An Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Physician, Dr Ayotunde Fasunla, says frequent consumption of oranges offers protection against cardiovascular diseases.

Fasunla, of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Ibadan.

He said that oranges, which are generally available throughout the year, have enormous health and nutritional values.

"Oranges offer protection against cardiovascular diseases.

“The herperidin, a flavour in oranges, has been shown to lower high blood pressure.

"The folate content is necessary for lowering levels of homocysteine, a potent cardiovascular risk factor.

The ENT doctor also said that the Vitamin C content of the orange also offered protection against Colon cancer.

"Vitamin C is the primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body that disarms free radicals and prevents them from damaging cells.

"This is why a good intake of orange juice is associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer.

"Orange is a strong anti-inflammatory agent that prevents free radical damage that triggers conditions like asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis," he said.

Fasunla also said that drinking a glass of orange juice daily would help to improve wound healing, boost the immune system and protect the body against chronic diseases.

He said there were many benefits of eating an orange a day, urging people to also eat the inner white pulp of the fruit.

"The wound healing properties of oranges have been associated with a wide variety of photonutrient compounds.

"However, most of these are found in the peel and the inner white pulp of the orange.

"Unfortunately, the inner white pulp is not eaten by majority due to lack of knowledge on its benefits," he said.