The name Blood Orange may sound a bit sinister, but it is actually a natural variation of a regular orange. This mutation leads to the production of anthocyanins, causing blueberries to turn blue and blood oranges to turn bright red. Blood oranges were first cultivated in Italy, but later spread to various parts of the world.
Although there are dozens of varieties of blood oranges, there are mainly three in the United States: Moro, Sanguinati, and Taroko. Although each has a unique flavor, they all have similar nutritional value.
Due to its natural and delicious taste, blood oranges are great for juicing or slicing directly. You can also sprinkle blood orange slices on spinach salad or use these treasures to make marinades. Blood orange juice is an excellent cocktail seasoning and a great way to mix Prosecco.
Overall, blood oranges seem to be safe to consume, but if you have any health issues, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking any medication, it is strongly recommended that you consult a competent healthcare professional to understand what foods should be included in your diet.
The nutritional components of blood oranges
Blood Orange Powder
vitamin
Regular oranges and blood oranges are rich in vitamins and nutrients. According to the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences, both regular oranges and blood oranges of similar size contain over 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, ranging from 60 milligrams for women to 75 milligrams for men. Both blood oranges and regular oranges contain approximately 80 milligrams of vitamin C. Each type of orange can also provide about 5% of the daily required vitamin B-6, which is about 0.25 milligrams.
Blood Orange Powder
antioxidant
One of the only nutritional differences between blood oranges and regular oranges is the content of antioxidants, which are nutrients that can neutralize free radicals associated with a range of health conditions. The unique red pigment in blood oranges is due to the increased content of anthocyanins, which are a natural antioxidant with lower levels in ordinary oranges. According to a study in the Journal of Molecular Science and Food Research in 2005, the higher the anthocyanin content, the greater the dose of antioxidants, which is associated with lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease. However, subsequent studies have shown that although anthocyanins have antioxidant properties before consumption, many of their benefits can be disrupted during digestion.
Everything You Need to Know
Is blood orange good for your skin?
More specifically, blood oranges are rich in: Anthocyanins – helps fight off free radicals and inflammation. Vitamin C – helps treat or prevent scurvy disease. Vitamin A – helps maintain the health of the skin and some tissues in the body.
What Is a Blood Orange and What Does It Taste Like?
The blood orange has a complex flavor that's reminiscent of navel oranges, but is more floral and tart. Blood oranges are generally sweeter and less acidic than regular oranges. Some people have compared the taste to that of a raspberry.
Is blood orange good for hair?
The combination of vitamin C along with silica works together to assist in collagen formation and provide nutrients to support hair, skin and nails*. In addition, the blood orange extract gives the liquid a refreshing, tart flavor while adding in additional antioxidants*. Just two teaspoons per day is all you need.
How long do blood oranges last?
When storing, blood oranges will last for a week in a bowl at room temperature, or three weeks in the fridge. While available, buy extra and freeze the juice in airtight containers so you can still enjoy them out of season.
3 Health Benefits of Blood Oranges
Blood orange is a variant of Valencia orange and navel orange, containing a large amount of anthocyanins, which are the antioxidants that cause blood oranges to appear dark red. The color of red raspberries, some plums, and purple corn is also determined by this compound. Sometimes they are also called red oranges, but blood oranges are more commonly used.
Weight Loss
Anthocyanins and particularly cyanidin 3-glucoside, found in a large variety of fruits including Sicilian blood oranges, can help to counteract weight gain and to reduce body fat accumulation through the modulation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and metabolic pathways.
Beneficial for heart health
In fact, a study suggests that a diet rich in citrus fruits may help prevent heart disease and stroke.A small-scale study involving 15 individuals found that drinking 13.5 ounces of blood orange juice daily for two consecutive weeks significantly improved blood flow mediated dilation (FMD). This is an indicator of vascular function, and research results show that for every 1% increase in FMD, the risk of future cardiovascular events may decrease by up to 13%.
Increase the intake of important nutrients
Just one 8-ounce freshly squeezed blood orange juice can meet 11% of your potassium needs. In addition, blood oranges contain small amounts of fiber, iron, and calcium, which are also considered "nutrients of public health concern".
