Many citrus fruits are in season right now, and some people swear by them for preventing colds and the flu. But there are other, even more important reasons that you should include more citrus fruit in your eating plan…

Citrus fruit is a good source of fiber. Sure, we all love to drink a glass of orange juice with breakfast, but it’s those thin membranes in the oranges themselves that contain all the fiber. And as we know, fiber can help you feel full and protect your digestive health.

Get your potassium. One orange can lend your diet about 240 milligrams of potassium, which is one of the primary nutrients that helps you avoid stroke and heart disease.

Avoid anemia. Citrus fruits can help you absorb iron from your foods, preventing anemia and other health complications. Pair citrus fruits with high-iron foods like spinach, meat, seafood, and beans.

Lower your glycemic index. If you’re pursuing a “low glycemic” diet, this means that you’re eating foods that release their sugars into your bloodstream more slowly and steadily. An orange scores a 45 on the glycemic index, whereas a serving of watermelon scores 75 and a plain baked potato clocks in at 111. So, some citrus fruits might be a better produce option for those on a low glycemic diet.

It might lower your cholesterol. According to some evidence, vitamin C can lower your “bad” cholesterol. However, if you’re using statins (medications to lower cholesterol levels), you might need to skip the grapefruit, which can interfere with their ability to function.

Just in case you’re not convinced, here’s a bonus reason to eat more citrus fruits: It’s so easy! You can toss an orange or grapefruit into your backpack or purse, and enjoy them at work, on a hike, or while out running errands. Reap valuable vitamins while staving off cravings for unhealthy foods, and you can enjoy the health benefits at the same time.

Of course, if it’s weight loss you’re after, you should call us to schedule an appointment. We can help you design an eating plan that’s right for you, so you can drop unwanted pounds while fighting disease at the same time.