9 Incredible Benefits of Citrus Foods

They’re not only great tasting, but they can also help with reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and even high blood pressure if you include them in your daily food intake. Check out the nine incredible benefits of citrus foods!

1. What exactly are citrus oils?

We're discussing all that and more. But first, what exactly are citrus oils? Citrus oils are the top-favorite essential oils among naturopaths. A few popular scents are lemon, lime, grapefruit, mandarin, tangerine, orange, and bergamot. They are not made by squeezing lime or orange oil. The procedure is a little different. Steam distillation is commonly used to extract essential oils from a plant's leaves, bark, roots, and seeds. But citrus oils are extracted from the rinds of tangy fruits only.

They can either be cold-pressed or steam distilled and then packed in tiny amber-colored bottles for easy use. They evaporate rapidly if they come in contact with light and heat, and that's why they are stored in dark-colored bottles only. You can use these essential oils individually or mix and match a few to your liking. Now let's look at how you can use these fragrant oils. 

2. Aromatherapy 

First up, try aromatherapy. Are you down in the dumps? Do you want to raise your mood a little? Or simply want to bring in a refreshing change to your surroundings? Then diffusion can do exactly that. It is so easy to make your home smell like a spa. You can buy an aroma diffuser online or from a specialty store. Use 3 to 4 drops of citrus essential oil to relax. It has shown amazing stress-relieving properties.

According to studies, it can lower the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, get rid of fatigue, and put you in a great mood. You can even blend it with other oils like rose, lavender, sandalwood, or tea tree. The lemon essential oil has also been studied to reduce anxiety and depression in study animals. Remember to enjoy your aromatherapy sessions in a well-ventilated environment. Also, keep the session under 30 minutes. Another study found that citrus oils improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients.

It means that it can positively affect your brain's functioning. If you're having a rough time falling asleep, then defuse these oils with lavender essential oil. The gentle sedative properties can nudge you to fall asleep quickly. You can also spray the combination on your pillow to ensure a well-rested sleep.

3. It prevents cancer.

Did you know they could prevent cancer? Citrus essential oils are great antioxidants. That's why they are also called immunity boosters. Just add a few drops to your body care products like soaps, lotions, conditioners, shampoos, and deodorants. They will blend seamlessly and give off a citrusy fragrance.

You can even buy a few scented candles that have organic citrus oils. Sweet orange, mandarin, and grapefruit essential oils contain a compound called d-limonene, which has been proven to be extremely therapeutic. It inhibits the growth of tumor cells. Scientists found it could trigger cancer cell death or apoptosis. The phytochemicals from citrus oils also help to kill lung cancer cells.

4. Skin's amazing benefits

Looking for great skin? Acne and hyperpigmentation can cause your skin to look lusterless and dull. Say hello to soft, smooth, and glowing skin with citrus oils. Adding a few drops of lemon essential oil to your skincare products can help. This essential oil has antimicrobial and strong astringent properties. Studies have shown it to kill Staph aureus and E. coli bacteria on the skin. It's a powerful antiseptic too. These oils will clean your pores, get rid of infections, and tighten up your skin.

They can even prevent premature aging, loosening, and sagging. Those tiny bottles of citrus oils are a new way of getting rid of scars and dark spots. Remember to dilute it with a carrier oil. Using raw citrus oils directly on your skin can cause redness similar to sunburn due to their phototoxic property. Mix it well with coconut, jojoba, almond, or baby oil and do a patch test.

If no allergic reaction develops after 24 hours, then it's safe to be used on a larger area. The lime essential oil also has antifungal and antimicrobial properties. It can be used to treat athletes' feet and thrush effectively. You can toss it in your purse or car and use it as a hand sanitizer after mixing it with alcohol too. Your hands will be clean and smell great.

5. Avoid losing weight

Moving along, they may reduce weight. Citrus fruits like grapefruits have been touted for their amazing weight loss properties. Health nuts also believe that drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning can burn belly fat. The extracts from citrus fruits can also have a positive effect on weight management. Because essential oils differ from actual fruits, their nutrient and vitamin content also vary.

They can provide your body with unique benefits and help shed extra pounds. One animal study found obese rats who were given orange essential oil capsules displayed lower levels of cholesterol and a drop in their weight. You can add 1 to 2 drops of lemon essential oil to your drinking water. You will feel fuller and be able to stop binge eating. But a word of caution: not all citrus oils are edible.

Make sure to talk to your doctor before making citrus oils a part of your regular diet. Too much fat accumulation around the thighs causes a build-up of cellulite. There are studies where topical application and massaging with grapefruit oil have shown a significant reduction in the appearance of cellulite. This can boost your self-esteem and enhance your personality.

6. Air fresheners

Want a natural air freshener? Air fresheners impart a lively scent and help reduce odor. Since artificial sprays are loaded with toxins, they can damage your respiratory system in the long run. Try making a DIY air freshener that can invigorate you and have a comforting effect on your nervous system. Just fill your spray bottle with pure water and 10 to 12 drops of citrus essential oil. Ideally, you can add soluble, a dispersing agent, to the solution. But it's not mandatory. Shake the bottle well till the contents mix.

This mixture is so powerful that it can remove the stubborn cooking smell that refuses to leave your kitchen. It's hypoallergenic, so it's safe to use around infants too. Feel free to use it in your workspace and car. It is bound to put everybody in a great mood. You can also dip cotton balls in this mixture and leave them in your closet, drawers, or other closed spaces. Alternatively, you can douse a handful of cotton balls in oil and stick them in the canister of your vacuum cleaner. It will make your entire house smell fresh. 

7. Decontaminant and cleanser

It is also the best disinfectant and cleanser. Kitchen counters and bathroom cabinets tend to get sticky and dirty. Citrus oils are a synergistic combination of chemicals that are very effective for making your home squeaky clean. Just dilute 10 to 12 drops of your favorite essential oil in vinegar and spray it over the doorknobs, counters, and toilets to get rid of the dirt. The orange essential oil has insecticidal properties. Housefly larvae and pupae can be eradicated by using it topically as well as during fumigation.

Do you have dirty cutlery? Just use lemon essential oil and a vinegar concoction for cleaning chopping boards, knives, and other utensils. Dipping your vegetables and fruits in water and then adding a few drops of citrus oil can help you get rid of the pesticides. Let your produce sit in this mixture for 30 minutes and then rinse it off with clean water. You can also sprinkle a few drops of this oil into your laundry.

If your clothes have been sitting in the washer or dryer for a long time, they will get rid of the damp smell. There is nothing that these magical oils can't do. 

8. Analgesic

Now let's unravel their analgesic side. Essential oils play a key role in dealing with chronic pain naturally. Whether it's a headache or stomach ache, inhaling essential oils can instantly make you feel better. The soothing aroma changes your brain's response to painful stimuli.

A comparative study of people with bone fractures found a group of people inhaling orange oil experienced less pain compared to people who did not. Citrus essential oils can also be combined with other oils like eucalyptus, ginger, black pepper, clove, and lemongrass to relieve muscle soreness and joint pain.

It can give short-term pain relief and reduce inflammation. If you are going through a typically stressful situation, then pick up some orange essential oil. Experts have used it for kids undergoing dental procedures and women undergoing labor. It pretty much carries you through pain.

9. Boost your respiratory system.

Last but not least, they strengthen your respiratory system. Orange and bergamot citrus essential oils have been studied to prevent oxidative damage in the lung cells and stop the progression of COPD. A cold and cough can make it pretty difficult to breathe normally. Try diffusing lemon essential oil and get that much-needed relaxation for your muscles and throat.

This is a home remedy and does not have much scientific evidence. Boil a pot of water on your stovetop and add a few drops of citrus essential oils. Inhaling this steam can open up blocked nasal passages. It can be helpful for asthmatics too. Pregnant women also inhale these citrusy oils to get rid of symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

But why stop with just citrus essential oils? Other oils like pomegranate, rose, geranium and baobab are hardly talked about. Some can be used externally, while some are excellent additions to cooking.

Conclusion

The older a woman gets, the more her body will change. Some of the changes that women go through may seem normal, but they can be cancer signs. Consult your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. A small brown vertical stripe on one of your toenails might be a sign of melanoma. Urine bleeding refers to the presence of blood in the urine or stool.

If you're bleeding from an area that doesn't usually bleed, consult your doctor. Heartburn can be caused by excessive food or alcohol consumption. Constant heartburn causes the lining of the esophagus to age, which can lead to burette esophageal. This increases the risk of developing throat cancer and makes some people more prone to heartburn. Coughs are the most common sign of lung cancer.

Any cough that lasts longer than a month should not be ignored. If you smoke or have shortness of breath with this cough, consult your doctor. Be sure to keep your health in check and contact your doctor if you notice any changes.

What are the benefits of eating citrus?

Citrus fruits contain numerous compounds that can aid in heart health. Their soluble fiber and flavonoids may aid in increasing healthy HDL cholesterol while decreasing harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The fruits may help to lower blood pressure, which is another risk factor for heart disease.

What is the most beneficial citrus fruit?

Eating half a grapefruit before each meal is more than just a diet trick. The pink-colored citrus fruit is high in antioxidants and contains the phytonutrients liminoid, which inhibits tumor growth, and naringenin, which repairs DNA in human prostate cancer cells.

What citrus is healthiest?

Grapefruit is one of the most nutritious citrus fruits. It is high in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A.

Is citrus a superfood?

Citrus fruits are regarded as superfoods! This means they belong to a subset of foods that are both low in calories and high in nutrients.

Is citrus good for your hair?

Lemons and limes can do wonders for your hair. Regular use will unclog pores and promote healthy hair follicles, resulting in increased hair growth. Try one of these remedies once a week if your hair needs some TLC.

Is citrus anti-inflammatory?

Citrus fruits have anti-inflammatory properties as well as being high in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Can you eat citrus fruits every day?

Citrus fruits are popular among dieters because they are low in calories, but Live Science advises its readers not to consume too many at once. The Mayo Clinic even revealed that having too much vitamin C throughout the day is possible. Citrus fruits are also acidic, which can cause heartburn.

Is citrus good for weight loss?

Weight loss occurs as a result of an increase in metabolism and fat burning caused by vitamin C, which is found in citrus fruits. Citrus fruits, due to their vitamin C and antioxidant content, are used by some to aid in natural weight loss.

Is citrus good for the skin?

The skin benefits of citrus fruits are numerous. Their vitamin C content helps you achieve youthful-looking skin by improving skin elasticity. It may also reduce UV-induced photodamage and pigmentation, and the peel of citrus fruits exfoliates the skin.[1]