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The orange is one of the most consumed fruits in the world, but do you know its origin and how it came to our markets? In this article we tell you the history of orange consumption, its properties and benefits when consuming it.

The orange is the fruit of the orange tree, a tree in the Rutaceae family that is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia about 4,000 years ago. The first records of orange cultivation date back to ancient China, where it was considered a symbol of prosperity and good luck. Arab traders introduced the orange to the Mediterranean in the 10th century, and from there it spread throughout Europe thanks to the crusades and voyages of exploration.

The orange we know today is the result of hybridization between the bitter orange and the mandarin, which was produced naturally or artificially sometime between the 15th and 17th centuries.

The sweet orange became popular for its pleasant flavor and its high content of vitamin C, which helped prevent scurvy, a disease caused by a lack of this vitamin. The orange was also used for medicinal, cosmetic and culinary purposes.

Today, the orange is one of the most produced and exported fruits in the world, with China, Brazil, India, the United States and Mexico as the main producing countries. The orange is mainly consumed in the form of juice or whole, but its peel is also used to make jams, sweets, liqueurs and essential oils.

Orange has numerous properties and health benefits, among which are:

• It is a source of vitamin C, which contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system, the formation of collagen for the skin, bones and cartilage, and the protection of cells against oxidative damage.
  

• It contains other antioxidants, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which help prevent premature aging and protect against some chronic diseases.
  

• It provides fiber, which promotes intestinal transit and the feeling of satiety.
  

• It has an alkalizing effect, which balances the body’s pH and prevents acidosis.
  

• It is diuretic, purifying and anti-inflammatory, which facilitates the elimination of toxins and retained fluids.
  

• It stimulates the production of saliva and gastric juices, which improves digestion and prevents ulcers.
  

• It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which helps fight respiratory and oral infections.
  

• It is rich in folic acid, which is essential for the development of the fetus during pregnancy.
  

   
  

As you can see, the orange is a very complete fruit and beneficial for your health. We recommend that you include it in your daily diet, preferably fresh and whole to take advantage of all its nutrients.

Autor: Selene.