Citrus trees are recognized and appreciated the world over for the beauty of their fruit, the fragrance of their flowers and the lush appearance of their foliage. But the most important characteristics that have led to the proliferation of this cultivation are the sensory qualities, together with nutritional and therapeutic properties of the fruit, essential to the diet of men, women, children and the elderly.
The principal types of substances found in citrus fruit are carbohydrates, organic acids, minerals and vitamins, along with a wide range of compounds that, although limited in their concentration, perform important biological functions in the human cellular metabolism.
Oranges, mandarins and Clementine stand out for their elevated total sugar content, whereas in lemons, the acidic component prevails, represented almost exclusively by its citric acid substance. The sugar property of citrus fruit is composed principally of sucrose, fructose and glucose all of which constitute an easily absorbable, excellent source of energy.
One glass of orange juice at breakfast is all that is needed in terms of energy requirements for the human organism during the first half of the day. One glass of juice is all that is needed to recuperate the energy expended during the course of rigorous sporting activity. The organic acids (citric, malic and isocitric) perform vital biological functions, ensuring continuity in the cellular respiration cycles. Furthermore, the citric acid and the pH factor present in orange juice form an effective buffer able to regulate pH levels in the stomach. Thus, drinking orange juice does not cause an increase in gastric acidity as is widely believed.
The high content of mineral elements, especially potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus as well as  traces of iron, copper, zinc, manganese, sodium, cobalt, sulphur, bromine and iodine make this fruit necessary and essential in a daily nutritional diet as most of these substances catalyse various enzymatic processes present in the organism. Also, the low sodium content make the citrus fruit highly adaptable to special diets, most particularly for sufferers of hypertension that require a low-sodium diet.
Citrus fruit, be it whole fruit or freshly squeezed juice, is one of the major sources of vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) found in the diets of populations across all industrialized countries. They are highly recommended for the cure of scurvy and for immune deficiencies while a series of scientific experiments on vitamin C have demonstrated their important function in the prevention of cancer.
Ascorbic acid with its well-known antioxidant capacity is able to block free radicals, toxic substances produced by the human organism that cause degenerative phenomena at a cellular level. A premature or accelerated aging process is attributed to the existence of these free radicals, though their activity is believed to be the cause of much more serious diseases such as cancer.
Amongst the citrus fruit variety, the Tarocco is the richest in vitamin C with levels in the juice that range from 70 to 90 mgll/100ml. If we consider that the human  organism’s daily requirements  of vitamin C is 60 mg (US RDA), clearly drinking one glass or consuming two fruit a day makes it possible to meet this dietary need. Citrus fruit also contain an appreciable amount of other vitamins such as beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A, the B complex (B1, B2, and B6) vitamins, inositol, pantothenic acid and nicotinic acid of equally important therapeutic value versus several diseases mentioned later on.
Oranges, mandarins and lemons also contain Vitamin P a Bioflavonoid derivative with anti-allergen, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Moreover, Vitamin P treats capillary fragility and acts against the thickening of blood vessels, thus reducing the risk of thrombosis. The red pigments found in Tarocco, Moro and Sanguinello oranges belong to the bioflavonoid category known as anthocyanins, equally capable of treating the capillary fragility. But anthocyanins’ most important characteristic is the capacity to function as “scavengers” of free radicals, more specifically as antioxidants at a cellular level. Therefore, consuming oranges or pigmented juices can help prevent all the damage caused by the free radical reactions that manifest themselves when the human organism is under stress (i.e. premature aging, intoxication, gastric ulcers and not the least of which cancer). Finally, last but not least, are the presence of proteins, enzymes, fibre, lipids and essential oils, all extremely important from a dietary and therapeutic point of view.

The contribution of citrus fruit in medicine

All the various types of citrus fruit contribute significantly to the body’s health, in particular blood oranges. Whether consumed whole or as juice, blood oranges help fight the fragility of capillaries, with a light sedative effect, an anti-inflammatory that if consumed regularly also help prevent conditions and symptoms related to colds.
With the change in season and lowering temperatures, our organisms prepare to fight off the first signs of the flu. To help it along in its fight against the cold climate change and viral infections, it is necessary to store a greater quantity of vitamins and minerals that reinforce the immune system. The leading source of winter immunity reinforcement is without a doubt Vitamin C, a primary ally of our immune system, that when consumed, effectively fights off cold symptoms and other respiratory infections, activating the immune system’s white globule cell action, leading to a much faster recovery. That is not all. Vitamin C is an essential element in many organic functions, with a high potency anti-oxidant effect that facilitates Vitamin E action against free radicals as well as the intestinal absorption of iron, the absorption of carbohydrates in its protein and fat synthesis, promotes the formation of collagen for the benefit of the epidermis and all tissues, regulating capillary resistance and permeability, contributing to the health of gums and teeth and reducing the risk of neurological disorders at birth.

Finally, not to be overlooked, are the health benefits of the coloured (flavedo) citrus fruit peel itself, rich in beta carotene and aromatic essences used extensively in phyto and aromatherapy as sources of energy stimulants, antiseptics, antispasmodics, digestives and so forth.

During Pregnancy

A group of Mexican researchers discovered that a Vitamin C supplement during pregnancy will reduce the risk of premature childbirth. The premature breaking of the membranes that contain the fetus is relatively common in pregnant women and such breakage can increase the risk of premature childbirth. The presence of Vitamin C in the membrane’s structure, composed prevalently of collagen is common knowledge. Following previous research, the results of which clearly indicated that women who did not add sufficient quantities of Vitamin C to their daily dietary intake, be it before or during pregnancy, were much more predisposed to premature breaking of the membrane. Water-soluble Vitamin C does not linger long in the organism and the unused quantity is flushed out daily. During pregnancy levels of Vitamin C and other substances that circulate in the blood plasma decrease due to the various processes set in motion to ensure the regular development of the fetus.
Increasing the Vitamin C dietary intake in pregnant women therefore avoids the decrease in quantity stored in the white globules. Moreover, it is not recommended that its intake be in pill form, but rather by eating fresh and nutritious fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruit and broccoli, all containing natural Vitamin C. To this effect, The Institute of Medicine (USA) has recently recommended all women consume 75 mg of Vitamin C daily, of which can be obtained in a single portion of about 200 grams of pure, concentrated orange juice, containing 100mg of Vitamin C. It is therefore not difficult to satisfy the daily recommended value.

The Orange and cancer

The Italian Cancer Research Association (AIRC) organizes every year, in various town squares across Italy, the “The Orange of Health” fair, with the objective of raising awareness with necessary information to disseminate and influence public opinion regarding prevention, and offering the possibility of purchasing a fresh basket of blood oranges.
Doctors and nutritionists have no doubt about the virtues of this fruit, non-fatty and rich in precious minerals for the benefit of our organism. Recent data illustrates the high quality content of this fruit in the prevention of certain serious illnesses of this century, for example tumours.
Citrus fruit is in fact the premier choice of fruit and vegetables recommended by oncologists.
Highlighting the cancer-fighting effects of citrus fruit is an Australian study from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), a government research institute, aired by CNN online. According to the Australian experts, after having thoroughly examined 48 international studies on the health effects of citrus fruit, daily consumption of this fruit would reduce by as much as 50% the risk of developing certain tumours of the digestive tract (mouth, larynx, stomach, and colon) to say the least!
Experts believe substances found in oranges and mandarins protect against cardiovascular diseases, decreasing by 19% the risk of stroke, obesity and diabetes.
“The antioxidants contained in citrus fruit, explains researcher Katrine Baghurst, inhibit the growth of tumour cells and fortifies the immune system”. Oranges, continues Baghurst, contain more antioxidants than any other fruit, an impressive 170 phyto-chemical varieties, with over 60 flavonoids that have demonstrated their anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and anticoagulant properties as well as inhibiting the formation of thrombosis.

The contribution of vitamins towards the health and beauty of the epidermis is indispensable as well as an invaluable source of energy and vitality. The secret is hidden in the nutritive properties of the citrus fruit, including Vitamin C, A, PP, B likewise calcium, phosphorous and magnesium all of which deliver essential nutrients to the skin.
When one speaks of citrus fruit, the first aspect that comes to mind is Vitamin C. Besides being important to one’s general health, especially in favouring the integrity of bone tissue and blood vessels (as already mentioned), this vitamin is also a veritable beauty elixir. Fundamental for the reproduction of collagen, rendering the epidermis firm and resilient, a potent, smoothening, firming and disinfecting force, perfect in the battle against wrinkles, dark patches and impurities. But citrus fruit are not only rich in these substances. Vitamin P, for example, most present in oranges, fortifies and tones blood vessels, improving circulation and controlling water retention. Moreover, it acts as a powerful antioxidant on cellular membranes and facilitates the absorption of iron. Citrus fruit also contain a great deal of Vitamin B, fundamental to a strong equilibrium of the nervous system, not to mention the presence of calcium, bromide, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, copper, iron and sulphur. Because of the presence of all these properties, citrus fruit plays a leading role in most all beauty treatments, particularly effective for devitalized and depleted skin.
To combat aging without cosmetics and treatments, your best anti-age weapons are indeed citrus fruit. Just one glass of orange juice will produce benefits! Wrinkles, loss on tone, dull hair? Everyone recognizes the signs of aging, though not everyone knows the cause. Among the major causal factors are free radicals, unstable molecules, partly produced by the organism has a consequence of transformation processes and the assimilation of food, and partly due to its defence against external agents. Sometimes however it reacts overzealously. Amongst possible factors underlying this overreaction are, cigarette smoke, smog, disease, stress and perhaps, an excessively rigorous fitness program. As soon as they are produced, free radicals search out other positive force molecules with which to conspire, giving way to a process known as oxidation. During these phases, they may damage cellular tissue reaching the nucleus and the genetic property, opening the way to premature aging and degenerative diseases. To aid the organism in its battle against such mechanisms one can improve one’s lifestyle beginning with one’s dietary nutrition. Nature indeed has provided nutrients that are bona fide, true sources of vitamin, mineral and enzyme chargers, all capable of cleansing away free radicals, rendering them innocuous.
Citrus fruit are amongst those that can effectively contribute in the fight against premature aging, rich as they are in antioxidants. Only a glass of orange juice a day therefore is enough to guarantee full health benefits, and this, not only for the prevention of premature aging. Oranges and citrus fruit indeed perform purifying, mineralizing and detoxifying functions, as well as assisting the liver and digestive process and generally reinforcing the nervous system, all indispensable to achieving glowing, healthy skin. Moreover, they also regulate the intestines, liquefying the bloodstream, with antibacterial and antibiotic properties. Most important however is to consume these citrus fruit always raw and fresh, as juice or in whole slices.
They are the winter fruit par excellence, by which a whiff of their incredible sweet perfume conjures up images of a splendid, sunny day. Lemons, oranges, mandarins and grapefruit are not only colourful and tasty, but also beneficial thanks to their endless bountiful properties, indispensable allies in the pursuit of beauty and well-being. Above all, their unsurpassed content of Vitamin C, granting citrus fruit their incredibly potent, antioxidant power, resulting in the prevention of fine lines and cutaneous spots. Furthermore, they are impressively effective in combating rosacea and in significantly reducing the visual imperfections caused by cellulite, due to the bioflavonoid content that act on the body’s microcirculation, decreasing the permeability of capillaries and increasing resistance. But, there’s more.
The peel of citrus fruit, actually, exercise a potent astringent action against pores and oily skin, typical of subjects with acne, while the essential extracts impart a softer more elastic tone to the normal and mixed skin complexions, nevertheless always respecting the skin’s natural physiological balance.

Finally the juice of citrus fruit is ideal to apply after shampooing as it’s been shown to improve overall hair shine and resistance.

• Orange Astringent – Squeeze one orange then with an absorbent cotton swab spread the juice over entire face and neck area. Leave dry then rinse with warm water
• Orange Mask for delicate Skin – nutritious, anti-wrinkle skin toner. Mix the juice of one sweet orange with two spoons of natural yogurt and one spoon of olive oil, then massage the compound over face using delicate circular motions. Let stand and absorb for five minutes and rinse clean.
• Revitalizing Mask for oil Skin – Take some orange peels, remove the outside layer, add a spoon of lemon juice and boil in water until the whole blends and the compound becomes white and consistent. Massage over face and rinse with lukewarm water.
• Anti-wrinkle, firming Orange Mask for oily and depleted Skin – Apply the squeezed pulp of an orange over the clean surface of entire shoulder, neck and face area and let stand for 12-20 minutes. Rinse off.
• Mandarin Mousse for Body – Refreshing and relaxing. Mix three spoons of essential mandarin oil with a cup of fresh cream until fully blended and homogenous in consistency. Then simply apply the crème over entire body area, letting it absorb for 10 minutes before rinsing, for truly soft, velvety and delicately perfumed skin.
• Lemon Mask for Hands – Mix one spoon of lemon juice with two or three drops of extra virgin olive oil and spread over hands, massaging gently.
• Revitalizing Treatment for tired Skin – Mix the juice of lemon, grapefruit and some water in equal measure. Pour the resulting liquid in an ice cube tray and place in freezer. When your skin is tired and depleted, remove a cube and rub rapidly over face and absorb the excess liquid with a clean soft tissue.
• Preventing Imperfections – Using this uniquely fragrant fruit, it is possible to produce a bath treatment aimed at improving bothersome oily and blemished skin imperfections. Just mix 150 grams of fresh lemon juice with 10ml of essential lemon oil, 5ml of essential peppermint and rosemary mint oil together with 80ml of 90 % pure alcohol. Finally, just pour two spoons of the compound in bath water, in any case at a temperature not to exceed 30° and repeat the treatment once a week.
• Grapefruit Oil massage – Effective in streamlining leg and thigh area, reducing the sensation of swelling that sets in during the course of the day. Mix a small cup of almond oil with ten drops of essential grapefruit oil and two drops of ivy extract. To achieve a potent astringent and vasoconstrictor, repeat the massage for 15 minutes, once a week, for at least one month.

Advice on purchasing, conservation and utilization

• Avoid purchasing mandarins with a ruffled peel, destined to spoil quickly.
• Lemons must be as light in weight as possible. Heavier fruits mean thicker peels thus less pulp and more seeds.
• the perfect place to store citrus fruit requires above all a moderate ambient temperature in which case the fruit will last anywhere from one to two weeks. Citrus fruit being sensitive to cold climes must therefore not be stored in the refrigerator.
• the best oranges for fresh squeezed juice are of the smaller diameter dimensions, measuring approximately 64-73 cm (cal. 8) as they have the thinnest peel, more fibrous juice and less seeds.