This superfruit can help you keep your health in check in this unpredictable weather—and beyond
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Monsoon season in the Philippines can bring unpredictable weather. One moment it’s hot and humid, the next day there are torrential rains. We can’t downplay the risks posed by these fluctuations in the weather as this is also a time when diseases could get common among kids and adults alike.
Our immune system serves as our ultimate shield from unwanted germs and infections like cough, colds, and the flu. This is why it’s important to keep it in check at all times, especially during monsoon season.
According to registered nutritionist-dietitian Jo Sebastian, one way to do so is by eating good quality fruits like Australian premium oranges, which could “provide a day’s worth of your Vitamin C needs.”
“It’s great for immune function and even collagen production. Vitamin C also plays a role in iron absorption, specifically from plant-based sources of protein,” Sebastian told PhilSTAR L!fe.
Oranges are not just high in Vitamin C, but also folate or Vitamin B9, “which makes it great for cell maintenance and blood formation.”
Sebastian pointed out that oranges are a good source of fiber, with about 2.8 to 3 grams each, making them good for your gut health. “When it comes to this, there are three things to focus on: probiotics or bacteria for the gut, prebiotics or fiber as food for the gut, and a variety of nutrients,” she said. “Since oranges provide fiber, they could be your gut’s friend.”
The health expert added that oranges also help with blood sugar balance, blood pressure, and cholesterol due to their fiber content.
This is also especially beneficial during Christmas time, when we have to attend social gatherings here and there to strengthen our ties with our loved ones not just over good conversations but good food, too. It isn’t “inherently bad,” Sebastian noted. She said it’s all about finding the right balance with good fruits like oranges as we consume fatty and sugary food during the most wonderful time of the year.
By eating oranges, we can even achieve that holiday glow and maintain it all year round, too. “Vitamin C is a great antioxidant, meaning, they keep free radicals from attacking your cells,” Sebastian explained. “It could minimize stress, help with inflammation and wound healing to keep you glowing inside out.”
Why Australian premium oranges?
For those who are looking to make oranges a part of their days, Sebastian highly recommends Australian premium oranges as they are Grown in Good Nature, making it worth every bite. “Australia has a reputation for growing the best quality oranges that are also sweeter, thanks to their clean, green, and safe produce,” she said, noting that the “excellent growing conditions” in the country make the fruits available throughout the year.
Aussie oranges have two equally juicy and nutritious varieties: sweet Navel oranges, which are the preferred table fruit, and Valencia oranges, which are more on the tart side. “Australian oranges are sweet and tart, not too tart that makes your face squint up, but just enough to give you something new. It’s also great for the sweet tooth,” Sebastian said.
On top of being healthy and delicious, they are also versatile and can be enjoyed in more ways than one. You can peel it and have it as a snack—fresh or frozen, they are refreshing. You can also turn it into juice without the need for sugar and other sweeteners as they are already naturally sweet.
You can also use orange slices to amp up your salads as well as your favorite dressings and marinades.
According to Sebastian, there’s a myriad of ways to have them in recipes, too.
“For the savory taste, you can try recipes like orange chicken, citrus salmon, or orange and chicken salad,” she said, noting that they easily add more flavor to your go-to dishes.
“For the sweet tooth, incorporating orange in cupcakes and muffins or loaves are fun ways to spice it up,” she suggested.
Want to try healthy, delicious, and versatile Australian oranges? You can purchase them in local groceries near you, including The Marketplace, Shopwise, S&R, Landers, The Metro Supermarket, and Robinsons Supermarket.
For more information, check out Hort’s LinkedIn page to know more about the upcoming campaigns at https://au.linkedin.com/company/hort-innovation.
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Editor’s Note: BrandedUp is designed to provide you with insightful, inspiring, and educational content created by PhilSTAR L!fe in collaboration with brands like Hort Innovation.
