Blood oranges are known for their vibrant color and dark, crimson flesh. It is a citrus fruit. This orange has deep reddish flesh because it contains a polyphenolic compound called anthocyanin. The fruit is loaded with essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like potassium. It is low in calories and connected to several powerful health benefits. Consuming blood oranges can help to lose weight, boost immunity, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes. Blood oranges are available in many varieties, and each of them is known for its unique taste, texture, and nutritional value.
Types of Blood Orange
The three main types of blood oranges.
1. Sanguinello
Sanguinello is also known as Sanguinelli. It was discovered in Spain in 1929. The fruit has fewer seeds, and its flesh is tender and sweet. Sanguinello yellow skin is compact and has a clear color with a red tint while the flesh is orange with multiple red streaks.
2. Tarocco
Tarocco is also known as the half-blood because the red pigmentation on the flesh is visible. This type is sweet and juicy and has the highest vitamin C concentration. Tarocco has thin orange skin blushed with red and contains no seeds.
3. Moro
Moro with deep red flesh and bright red rind is the most vibrant blood orange. It is also known as deep blood orange. Moro has a milder flavor and has a strong aroma. This type has a more bitter taste than Tarocco or Sanguinello.
Blood Orange Nutrition
Blood orange has pigments known as anthocyanins in their flesh, and sometimes in their peels. This fruit is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They contain folate, potassium, B vitamins, magnesium, and copper minerals. An 8-ounce serving of blood orange contains:
- Fat: 0 g
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbs: 25 grams
- Sugars: 21 g
- Vitamin C: 93%
- Folate: 20%
- Potassium: 11%
Health Benefits Of Blood Orange
1. Promote Weight Loss
Blood Orange is low in calories and loaded with fiber. They also contain anti-adipogenic and antioxidant properties. According to studies fiber passes through the digestive tract very slowly, that help to stay full for longer by extending the digestion in the stomach.
2. Boost Immunity
Blood orange contains a good amount of vitamin C. Which has immunostimulant properties that protect one from illness and infection. The vitamins present in this fruit help prevent cell damage by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. As it has been found in research that vitamin C supplementation improves white blood cell production and boosts killer cell activities. Eventually, these functions help strengthen the immune system.
3. Reduce The Risk Of Diabetes
Blood orange contains flavonoids the main bioactive compounds with multiple beneficial effects. This fruit also has anti-diabetic properties. They regulate biomarkers associated with renal function, glycemic control, lipid profiles, hepatic enzymes, and antioxidant enzymes. The flavonoid compound modulates signaling pathways related to glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity.
4. Promote Skin Health
Anti-oxidants in oranges help protect skin from free radical damage. As mentioned before blood orange is rich in vitamin C that provides antioxidant protection against UV-induced photodamage. Blood orange contains beta-cryptoxanthin that gets converted into vitamin A in the body. This vitamin is well known for its anti-wrinkle and anti-aging effects.
5. Helps Absorption Of Iron
Citrus fruits are essential for the normal functioning of our body. They help in the absorption of iron. Anemic patients are recommended citrus fruits. Anemia is a condition in which an individual lacks an adequate amount of mineral iron.
6. Good Eye Health