Orange

Description

The orange is one of the finest gifts of nature. It is the most popular wide-spread of the citrus fruits. It is a very delicious and nourishing fruit which is up to 12 cm. in diameter, though most common ones are only 6 to 8 cm. in diameter. The fruit grows on a spreading evergreen tree, up to 12 m. tall, with dark green leaves and fragrant flowers.

            There are many varieties of oranges. The more important ones are loose-skinned orange, tight-skinned orange and sour orange. The loose-skinned orange is very popular in India and the tight-skinned one is very popular in Europe.

Origin and Distribution

            The orange is a native of southern China. It is believed to have been introduced into south India from where it was taken to the western world by Vasco da Gama in 1498. However, it did not spread in India and t4e present cultivated varieties were introduced from abroad. It is extensively cultivated in the U.S.A., Spain, Brazil, China, Japan, Palestine, Italy, South Africa, Egypt and Mexico. In India, the loose-skinned orange grows widely in Nagpur and Pune in Maharashtra state, Assam and Coorg.

Food Value

            The orange is a rich source of protective food ingredients like vitamins A, B, C and calcium and its health-promoting properties emanate from this fact. It is superior to almost any other fruit as a source of calcium. The orange also contains sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, sulphur and chlorine.

Orange*
Food Value		Mineral and Vitamins
Moisture	87.6%	Calcium	26 mg
Protein	0.7%	Phosphorus	20 mg
Fat	0.2%	Iron	0.3 mg
Minerals	0.3%	Vitamin C	30 mg
Fiber	0.3%	Small amount of
Carbohydrates	10.9%	Vitamin B Complex
	100%
*Value per 100 gms edible portion		Calorific Value - 59

Its vitamin C content helps the body tissues to use the calcium contained in the food.

Natural Benefits and Curative Properties

            The orange is 'a predigested food as the starch of the orange is converted into readily assailable sugar by the rays of the sun. It is thus readily absorbed in the blood. It produces heat and energy in the body immediately after its use.

            The regular use of orange prevents frequent attacks of common cold, influenza and bleeding tendencies. It keeps one healthy and strong and contributes towards longevity. Orange juice, among all the fruit juices, is more suitable for all ages and can be given with advantage in all kinds of diseases.

Fevers

            Orange is an excellent food in all types of fever when the digestive power of the body is seriously hampered. The fever patient suffer from blood poisoning called toxemia and the lack of saliva coats his tongue and often destroys his thirst for water as well as his desire for food. The agreeable flavor of orange juice helps greatly in overcoming these drawbacks. Orange juice is the most ideal liquid food in fevers like typhoid, tuberculosis and measles. It gives energy, increases urinary output and promotes body resistance against infections, thereby, hastening recovery.

Dyspepsia

            The orange is an effective food remedy in chronic dyspepsia. It gives rest to the digestive organs and supplies nutrition in a most easily assailable form. It also stimulates the flow of digestive juices thereby improving digestion and increasing appetite. It creates suitable condition for the development of friendly bacteria in the intestines.

Constipation

The orange is beneficial in the treatment of constipation. Taking one or two oranges at bedtime and again on rising in the morning is an excellent way of stimulating bowel action. The general stimulating influence of orange juice excites peristaltic activity and helps prevent the accumulation of food residue in the colon, which leads to putrefaction and auto-intoxication.

Diseases of Bone and Teeth

This fruit, being an excellent source of calcium and vitamin C, is valuable in the diseases of the bone and teeth. Disorders in the structure of the teeth usually result from shortage of vitamin C and calcium and these can be overcome by sufficient intake of orange. Dr. Harke, a Chicago physician, has claimed to have cured several patients of pyorrhea and dental caries by giving them orange juice in large amounts.

Children's Ailments

Orange juice is considered an excellent food for infants who are not fed on breast milk. They should be given 15 ml to 120ml of orange juice daily according to age. It prevents scurvy and rickets and helps growth. This juice can also be given with beneficial results to more grown up babies whose normal development is in satisfactory. They should be given 60 ml. to 120 ml. of orange juice daily.

Heart Disease

Orange juice, sweetened with honey, is highly beneficial in heart diseases. In cardiac conditions like coronary ischemia and infarction, when only liquid food is advisable. The use of orange juice with honey is a very safe energy giving liquid food.

Difficult Expectorations

The use of orange juice mixed with a pinch of salt and a tablespoonful of honey is an effective food remedy for tuberculosis, asthma, common cold, bronchitis and other conditions of cough associated with difficult expectorations. Due to its saline action in the lungs, it eases expectorations and protects from secondary infection.

Acne

The orange peel is valuable in the treatment of pimples and acne. The peel, pounded well with water on a piece of stone, should be applied to the affected areas. It is said to be more effective, if it is pounded with rain water.

The orange is used in a variety of ways. It is usually taken as a dessert fruit. 'Large quantities of the fruit are used for making orange juice, which is canned. It is also made into squashes. Oranges are also used for marmalades and jams. Essential oil from the rind of the fruit is valued in perfumery.