The lesser known benefits of Oranges

Todays post is all about Oranges.

We have an orange tree in our garden and this winter we harvested several buckets of oranges. So for a while, we are able to enjoy some lovely fresh fruit or juice every day.

Most of us are aware that this fruit is an abundant source of vitamin C. The average medium orange will provide an adult with the recommended daily dose.

However, studies in both animals and humans indicate that regular consumption of oranges is associated with various health benefits.

 The other health benefits.

Oranges also contain health-promoting compounds known as flavanones. Research suggests that these flavanones help support the body, protecting it from conditions such as heart disease and cancer. These compounds also have some anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial benefits.

One antioxidant compound found in oranges, called hesperidin, may be beneficial in helping to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol. Clinical studies have found that daily intake of orange juice actually has a blood-thinning effect.

This fruit is also a good source of fibre, B vitamins, vitamin A, calcium and potassium. The main fibres found in oranges are pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Studies have also found that these citrus fibres also play a part in decreased blood cholesterol levels.

Oranges, and other fruits of the citrus family, are high in citric acid and citrates, which contribute to the taste. Research indicates that citric acid and citrates from oranges may help prevent kidney stone formation. Both vitamin C and citric acid can increase the absorption of iron from the digestive tract Therefore, when eaten with foods rich in iron, oranges can help reduce the risk of anemia.

Oranges also contain choline, and carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Choline is nutrient that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation.

 Oranges and the eyes

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoid pigments that give the yellow or orange colour to various foods. Numerous studies have identified these carotenoids to be essential components for eye health.

They constitute the main pigments found in the yellow spot of the human retina, which protect the macula from damage by blue light, improve visual acuity and scavenge harmful reactive oxygen species. Lutein and zeaxanthin have also been linked with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

A 15yr study has shown that people who regularly eat oranges are less likely to develop macular degeneration than people who do not eat oranges. Lead Researcher Associate Professor Bamini Gopinath from the University of Sydney said the data showed that flavonoids in oranges appear to help prevent against the eye disease. “Even eating an orange once a week seems to offer significant benefits.”

 Eating oranges is generally healthier than just drinking the juice. One cup of orange juice has a similar amount of natural sugar, as two whole oranges, without the fibre.

Interestingly, the peel actually contains higher amounts of certain nutrients than the flesh, so using recipes that incorporate the zest of an orange will give your diet an extra boost.

I wonder if oranges are going to be called the next ‘super food’?

Till the next post,

Live clean n prosper

My Iridology Update

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Back in May, Scott wrote a post about an Iridology workshop he attended.

Finally, he has found the time to ‘read’ my eyes. So I thought I would share what his Iridology charts and reference books tell him about by eyes.

First, the structure of my Iris

Using the book ‘Iridology Basic Skills by Narelle S Duncan” to assist with the details.

It seems I have what is called a Linen Iris.

The book states that a person with a Linen Iris has the following physical characteristics;

– good general health with normal energy, strength and endurance levels.

– a medium resistance to disease, a standard pain tolerance, and average recuperative powers.

However, is susceptible to disease, particularly stress related conditions and digestive imbalances.

In regards personal characteristics, a Linen Iris indicates a broad-minded person.

Someone easy to be around and has a tendency to be a good listener.

Has strength of character with the ability to understand other people’s vulnerabilities and emotional problems.

Next are the markings in the Iris

I have a couple of marks that are identified as a Jewel and a Flower. These are associated with other personality traits.

A Jewell is associated with traits such as intellectual influence, analytical and attention to detail.

Other traits are a tendency to over think and to be goal driven.

A Flower is associated with traits such as emotional decisions and instant gratification. This mark is also associated with an attraction to colours and photography.

The presence of both types of markings in the Iris indicates a combination of both of these personality traits.

I found this information really interesting. Many of these statements are correct in describing me. Maybe not 100% of all of the points, however every day is different. Those of you who know me may have a different opinion.

There are other indications in my eyes that may be records of past illnesses and injuries. At this stage Scott does not have the skills to correctly decipher them.

I can see how this practice would enable a practitioner to have a better understanding of their patient. This then gives them the ability to tailor their approach and treatment to suit the individual.

Our eyes really can be a window into our soul.

 

On that note, till the next post,

 

Live Clean n Prosper

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Iridology – reading the eyes.

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Scott suggested that he contribute to the blog, so he has written todays post.

I recently attended a workshop that was really interesting so I thought it was time I wrote a post for the blog.

Irises, eyes

Learning about my eyes

One of my lecturers from college held an Iridology workshop in her home and I was lucky enough to be invited. Iridology is the study of the eyes to help determine health, although I have discovered it is so much more. I have had photos of my eyes taken by a student naturopath at the Endeavour College Clinic. The lecturer was able to read my eyes from them. What she was able to discern from my eyes just blew me away. This is a person who only knows me as a face in a classroom, but she spoke about me like she had known me all my life.

What I learned

You see Iridology looks not just at your physical health but your personality too. I don’t mean that it is some kind of psychic thing but rather a way of reading your eyes. Then using this knowledge as a way to make better decisions regarding health. For example it was determined that I have a strong constitution, these are graded from 1 to 5, I am a 1. It may seem on face value that is very desirable but it also means that I can tend to push myself to hard sometimes. Compared to a person who is a 4 or 5 who is better at knowing when to stop and take a rest to avoid injury.

Also identified are 4 basic personality types, these are Jewel, Stream, Shaker and Flower; I am a Stream. I won’t go in to all the traits of this type but the description fits my personality. There are many Iridology charts that explain all sorts of things that are indicated in the eyes. As a beginner I plan on sticking to the basics until I learn more.

Many people tend to think of Iridology as some kind of voodoo, however there are some aspects that medical science agrees with. Take the cholesterol ring, this is a kind of smoky ring around the outside of the iris that indicates, you guessed it high cholesterol.

How does it work?

It is not yet fully understood how Iridology works, but the theory is that the iris contains nerve fibres that are connected to various parts of the body through a nerve pathway in the brain. As we experience different things a small marker is left in these nerve fibresHowever it happens, I am a convert and I plan to keep learning as much as I can about this fascinating subject during my studies, so I can use it in my own practice in the future.

Till the next post,

Live clean n prosper

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