An orange is a fruit of various citrus species in the family Rutaceae (see list of plants known as orange); The sweet orange reproduces asexually (apomixis through nucellar embryony); varieties of sweet orange arise through mutations.
The orange is a hybrid between pomelo (Citrus maxima) and mandarin (Citrus reticulata). The chloroplast genome, and therefore the maternal line, is that of pomelo. The sweet orange has had its full genome sequenced.
The orange originated in a region encompassing Southern China, Northeast India, and Myanmar, and the earliest mention of the sweet orange was in Chinese literature in 314 BC. As of 1987, orange trees were found to be the most cultivated fruit tree in the world. Orange trees are widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates for their sweet fruit. The fruit of the orange tree can be eaten fresh, or processed for its juice or fragrant peel. As of 2012, sweet oranges accounted for approximately 70% of citrus production.
In 2019, 79 million tonnes of oranges were grown worldwide, with Brazil producing 22% of the total, followed by China and India.
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for 1 orange (140 grams):
Calories: 66
Water: 86% by weight
Protein: 1.3 grams
Carbs: 14.8 grams
Sugar: 12 grams
Fiber: 2.8 grams
Fat: 0.2 grams
Vitamin C: 92% of the Daily Value (DV)
Folate: 9% of the DV
Calcium: 5% of the DV
Potassium: 5% of the DV
Oranges are a good source of fiber. One orange (140 grams) packs around 10% of the DV
Getting enough fiber on a daily basis is essential for overall health and helps keep your digestive system healthy by supporting regularity and fueling your beneficial gut bacteria.
Plus, diets rich in fiber are associated with a number of benefits, including decreased risks of heart disease, colon cancer, and obesity.
Oranges are also high in certain nutrients, especially vitamin C and folate.
One 140-gram orange covers 92% of your daily vitamin C needs. This water-soluble nutrient is essential for your health. Your body uses it for immune function, collagen synthesis, iron absorption, and more.
Folate is a B vitamin that plays a role in metabolism, fetal and placental development, and many other important processes.
In addition to vitamin C and folate, oranges provide smaller amounts of other nutrients, including calcium, potassium, and thiamine.
A number of nutrients and plant compounds found in oranges, including vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids, may help promote heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease if you consume them at optimal levels.
Plus, regularly consuming oranges and orange juice may help reduce heart disease risk factors.
One review of 10 high quality studies found that consuming orange juice reduced several heart disease risk factors, including levels of: blood sugar, LDL (bad) cholesterol and the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP)
In addition to protecting heart health, regularly consuming oranges and other citrus fruits may help reduce the risk of other health conditions, including certain types of cancer and diabetes.
Studies suggest that diets high in citrus fruits may help reduce the risk of several types of cancers, including lung cancer, mouth cancer, stomach cancer, head and neck cancer.
