Citrus fruits are edible fruits that belong to the family
Rutaceae. The pulp of citrus fruits is juicy and these
fruits are either eaten by simply peeling off the skin, or are squeezed to make juice out of it. In early times, countries in the Mediterranean regions were leading producers of citrus fruits. Today however, the cultivation of citrus fruits is carried out in many countries of the world.
Citrus fruits are mostly cultivated in regions with warm climates.
Benefits of Citrus Fruits
All citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C (ascorbic acid) which is primarily essential for the prevention of scurvy.
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid in citrus fruits is important for health and maintenance of teeth. Secondly, vitamin C also detoxifies all the chemicals and toxins from the blood stream. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant and is necessary for proper absorption of iron in the body. Adequate consumption of vitamin C on a regular basis is also believed to lower the chances of high blood pressure, cancer and heart diseases. Vitamin C or citrus fruits are also very essential for enhancing our immune system. On the other hand, all citrus fruits have a characteristic fragrance, and they are used to make essential oils for aromatherapy as well as making perfumes. Orange is one of the most common and widely known citrus fruits in the world. There are several other fruits included in the citrus fruits list that have different health and other benefits. Let us have a look at it in detail.
List of Citrus Fruits
Oranges and lemons are commonly known citrus fruits in the world. However, there are several different citrus fruits found in the world, which one may not be aware of. Here is the complete citrus fruits list:
- Orange: Orange is considered as the king of citrus fruits. Valencia and Navel orange are popular varieties of oranges. Orange is the best natural method to cleanse and beautify skin. Oranges are also used in several cleansing agents, perfumes and for cooking purposes.
- Lemon: Lemon is one citrus fruit that has a myriad health benefits. It is used to disinfect wounds and lesions; it acts as an astringent and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Lemon mixed with water is used to treat sore throat and other anti-bacterial infections. Lemon is used in a variety of dishes including cleaning purposes. Read more on lemon health benefits.
- Lime: Lime is yellowish green in color and contains more amount of acid than other citrus fruits. Lime is mostly used as detoxifying agents for cleaning body. It is also used for culinary purposes. Read more on lime juice benefits.
- Mandarin: This is a seedless orange with loose skin. Mandarin is sweeter than any other varieties of oranges. Mandarin contains high fiber, and is fat and cholesterol free. Mandarin essential oil has a tonic effect on the digestive system and is also used as an anti-spasmodic.
- Clementine: The seedless variety of mandarin is Clementine. It is also high in fiber, vitamin C and potassium. It is considered as a natural energy booster.
- Tangerine: Tangerine is an orange-red mandarin with a citrus or sour taste. The acid content in this variety is relatively less. Tangerine is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B1, B2 and B6, calcium, iron and potassium.
- Grapefruit: Grapefruit is a larger variety of orange which in itself is found in numerous varieties. Grapefruit is rich in fiber, beta carotene, iron, calcium and contains lesser calories.
- Kumquat: Kumquat is a citrus fruit that has an edible skin. It is mostly meant for culinary uses or for making liqueur. Salted kumquats can be used for treating sore throat.
- Tangelo: Tangelo looks very much like an orange, but it has an oblong shape. It contains good amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A and is completely fat and cholesterol free.
- Minneola: Minneola is a cross between tangerine and grapefruit. It has a thin bright reddish orange colored peel that can be easily taken off. It is commonly found in the market under the name Minneola tangelo.
- Pummelo: Pummelo is similar to grapefruit, but somewhat larger. Its outer skin is much thicker and the fruit is less sweeter than other varieties of oranges. Pummelo is mostly used as a low calorie, low fat snack.
- Satsuma: Satsuma is a seedless type of orange that is easier to peel. Similar to other varieties of oranges, Satsuma is rich in vitamin C and potassium.
- Sweety (also, Sweetie): it is a cross between pummelo and grapefruit. Sweety fruit is green in color and a lot sweeter. This fruit is believed to reduce diastolic blood pressure.
- Ugli: Ugli is a kind of tangelo which looks like a cross between tangerine, grapefruit and orange. Ugli fruit is used to treat various allergies, hives and reactions on skin. It is also believed to protect a person from the occurrence of kidney stones.
Vitamin C, although required in little amounts, is very essential for proper functioning of the human body. Now that you have the citrus fruits list, you can choose any fruit of your choice and include it in your diet.
By
Madhura P
Published: 3/12/2010
https://www.buzzle.com/articles/citrus-fruits-list.html
Benefits of Citrus Fruits
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