The Polly Hale Newsletter Dec.2006 The Amazing Orange

Throughout the year flu bugs and cold germs seem to constantly make the rounds throughout offices and schools. Strengthening your defenses with citrus juices will give you and your family the Vitamin C you need to discourage the flu bug and common cold, helping to keep you strong and healthy.

Vitamin C boosts your immunity by:

• Increasing the production of disease fighting white blood cells.
• Raising levels of interferon, a natural disease fighter in your body’s immune system.
• Pumping up antibody levels and strengthening the way antibodies fight germs

The immune stimulating effects of Vitamin C lead to improved resistance against cold infections and may reduce the duration of colds. Whats more, Vitamin C can reduce the severity of symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing and sniffling. How much improvement can you expect? A recent study reported in the Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases showed that Vitamin C works as an antihistamine to decrease swelling and nasal secretions.

The Value of Oranges and their Juices

Orange and orange juice consumption appears to out perform Vitamin C supplements when it comes to fighting colds.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports in a study involving the effects of orange juice and a placebo in the prevention of the common cold. Volunteers between the ages of 17 to 25 years were studied for 72 days. Some consumed orange juice while others were given a placebo. Among the juice drinkers there were fewer colds, plus a reduction in cold symptoms. Yet another study shows that drinking orange juice may be more beneficial than taking Vitamic C supplements. The researchers theorize that the combination of vitamins and biflavenoids in orange juice may be more effective than VItamin C alone as a supplement.

This article provided by Hale Groves, providing fresh fruit baskets, gift baskets and Florida oranges and citrus, including delicious Florida fruit gifts, Honeybells, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Valencia Oranges, Tangerines and more! On the web at: www. HaleGroves.com.

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