Gardening from A-Z: Oranges

oranges

I thought I would address oranges because there is a misunderstanding about them. Oranges used to be considered a great source of Vit C, but for years now, the soils have been deficient in magnesium which oranges need to make Vit C – so they don’t.

And compared to other fruits and vegetables, they had no levels anyways.

But there is more to oranges than Vitamin C. They are rich in fiber!!

Especially if they are organic. I find that all foods that I grow in my good soils are much more fibrous!! Two types of fiber are essential to our diet. Non-soluble not only allows for transport and food for good healthy bacteria but helps regulate stool transit or movement. The soluble fiber regulates blood sugar uptake into the portal blood that takes nutrients to the liver.

  • Oranges also contain other vitamins: B1 and B6 and B9
  • They contain minerals: calcium, and hopefully some magnesium
  • They are rich in flavonoids and carotenoids

So medicinally, what are they good for?

  • Protect against respiratory issues (asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia)
  • Protect against rheumatoid arthritis
  • Help prevent kidney stones
  • Reduce risk of stomach cancer