Health Benefits of the Navel Orange

Americans are always on the lookout for a quick solution. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing. At times, quick solutions are the best kinds. At other times, we tend to miss something important in our haste. In this article we will discuss so-called superfoods?

What are they? The term superfood is a neologism that is used to describe any food that provides seemingly preternatural healthy benefits. In recent years, fruits like the mangosteen and the acai berry have been the focus of countless dietary discussions.

According to the experts, these superfoods not only satisfy our daily nutritional requirements, but they may also reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer and hypertension. But are these possible health benefits real or simply a case of wishful thinking? The answer may surprise you.

First, it is important to note that there is such a thing as a superfruit. There is such a thing as a fruit that can cure diseases and common disorders. The first of these fruits was the standard orange. That’s right! Hundreds of years ago, the orange became the world’s first superfruit when it was used to treat a deadly disease called scurvy during the 13th and 14th centuries.

As you may know, scurvy is the result of a severe deficiency of Vitamin C. The body needs Vitamin to carry out a number of essential processes, including collagen synthesis. When the body does not receive enough of it, normal functions will cease and death is the inevitable result. Of course, the disease can be treated with a navel orange or two.

Like most oranges, the navel orange has 120 percent of the Vitamin C we need in a day. That is more than enough to cure the symptoms of scurvy in short order. Then there are the more theoretical benefits to consider. For instance, did you know that the navel orange may help reduce the risk of cancer? That’s right! Or wrong. Allow us to explain.

As we mentioned, the navel orange contains high amounts of Vitamin C. When consumed, this Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body. An antioxidant is a helpful little molecule that does battle with inimical pests known as free radicals. These free radicals are infamous for harming healthy cells, without the slightest provocation, we might add!

Since they can prevent this damage, countless medical professionals recommend diets that are high in antioxidants to patients who are at an elevated risk of diseases like cancer. The theory is that antioxidants may help prevent a cancerous tumor from metastasizing quite as quickly.

A slightly less popular theory concerning the antioxidants in the navel orange is that they may actually slow the aging process. Again, the theory is that antioxidants help prevent damage to healthy cells, which may slow some of the most obvious signs of aging.

Taste the Sunshine with Hale Groves

At Hale Groves, we believe the best gifts come from the land, not a factory. For generations, our fruit has been grown slowly under the Florida sun, picked at its peak, and delivered fresh to your door. From sweet Navel Oranges to rare Honeybells, every gift shares the simple joy of real flavor—perfect for holidays, milestones, or everyday moments worth celebrating.

Shop Now