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Citrus fruits are fantastic and famous for being a great source of natural vitamin C and citric acid.

Their health benefits and properties have been known and used for centuries in different fields such as medicine, cosmetics, and even as a biofuel. They come from the Rutaceae family, where you can find different types of citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, tangerines, limes, and grapefruits. Although originally from Asia, citrus fruits have adapted to different climates, giving each place a local variety of citrus fruit.

In Spain, lemons and oranges from Valencia are eaten practically year-round, producing nationally 7 million tons just last year. These are in demand fruits thanks to their health benefits as well as for their refreshing taste having both an acidic and sweet touch that goes great with a number of other flavors.

The amount of variety and versatility make citrus fruits a unique ingredient in different dishes from cuisines around the world. Blending well with both sweet and savory dishes, citrus fruits are ideal in salads and salad dressings, great to pair with meats and fish and make for a star ingredient in baked goods as well.

Not only are they refreshing but they also help to strengthen our immune and digestive systems.

Benefits of Citrus Fruit 

Great Source of Vitamin C and Other Nutrients 

Vitamin C is probably the one that we hear most about but, why is it so important? Well, this vitamin plays a huge role in the growth and development of our cells and tissues. It’s also a natural antioxidant that helps us recover from sore throats and the common cold. However, it’s important to note that as beneficial as vitamin C is, like everything else, too much of something isn’t good either. It can cause diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pains. Besides vitamin C citrus fruits also contain vitamins A, B1, and B2, as well as minerals such as sulfur, copper, and potassium. 

Helps Our Digestive System

Thanks to its diuretic properties and ability to eliminate toxins from the body it helps our digestive system to disinfect itself by dissolving food and relieving heartburn. And, as it’s a great healing agent, it helps prevent and heal ulcers and damage to the esophagus, stomach, and intestine.

Better Skin 

Citrus fruits hydrate our body. Which in turn keeps our skin looking clean, dewy, and fresh. Some popular home remedies say that by drinking a little lemon or lime juice every day on an empty stomach (usually in the mornings) helps to keep your skin looking healthier. Home remedies say it may be beneficial to take the juice of a lemon or lime every day on an empty stomach to help the skin look healthier.

Can Help Combat Illnesses 

Its diuretic properties not only help the digestive system to stay clean but also eliminates toxins and regulates glucose and uric acid levels in the blood as well as fat. This can be very positive for people with diabetes and cholesterol imbalances. 

Besides being delicious, citrus fruits have many beneficial properties. Eating them on a regular basis strengthens our internal systems and helps to make our whole body work harmoniously. Bear in mind though that fruits provide us with natural sugars. These are very healthy and natural, but we should not abuse them. It’s important to combine fruits with meats, fish, and vegetables to have a balanced diet.

Citrus Fruit Recipes:

• Veggie Smoothies with Citrus
• Pico de gallo with lemon
• Oysters with pomegranate and lemon