If you have found yourself worrying about eating fruit due to the high sugar content in your diet, take heart that citrus is low in sugar, high in fiber, and low in calories. It’s healthy and the original fast food. It makes a great snack any time of the day.
- Vitamin Rich. You know that citrus is full of vitamin C. Just one piece of fruit will give you all the C you need in a day. But there are other vitamins and minerals in citrus too, like B-vitamins, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and more that are also important to your health.
- Fiber Rich. When you eat the whole fruit, the citrus fruit has a lot of fiber. If you juice it, you’re taking all that goodness out. Of course, it’s great to use the juice too, but realize that for real health benefits you’re better off eating rather than drinking your fruit, even citrus.
- Low in Calories. Citrus fruit is naturally low in calories because, for the most part, it’s also low in sugar. You can eat citrus in higher quantities than other types of fruit for a substantial nutritional impact that doesn’t ruin your diet.
- Provides Protection from Kidney Stones. If you’ve ever had a kidney stone, listen up. You can reduce your chances of getting another one by eating at least one serving of citrus fruit every single day in order to increase the citrate level in your urine, which is protective against kidney stones.
- Fights Cancer. Let’s hear it for grapefruit. Studies show that individuals who drink one glass of grapefruit juice a day or eat one grapefruit per day tend to lower their risk of lung, esophageal, and other cancers.
- Boosts Heart Health. Keep in mind that health studies for citrus usually include eating the entire fruit, not drinking the juice. But a 2017 study showed a link to increased heart health for those who ate more grapefruit.
- Neuroprotective. Studies show that citrus provides some protection to your brain due to the fact that it has anti-inflammatory flavonoids. Most of the problem with disease in the brain is caused by inflammation, so if you can reduce that, you’re going to reduce your problem.
- Low Sugar. Some citrus is low in sugar and carbs, like limes. A lime only has 7 grams of carb per fruit, and a little can go a long way to add flavor. For example, a squeeze of lime over your salad can act as a dressing, which is a lot healthier than some other choices.
- Natural. You can use citrus to create numerous natural cleaning and health products that won’t contaminate the environment or add harsh chemicals to your home. This makes citrus even more healthy for you and your entire family.
Even if you are eating a low-carb diet, you need fruit in your diet. Citrus fruit is a great choice, and it pairs well with the other low-carb fruit, berries, too. You cannot go wrong with adding citrus to your diet daily.
