It’s not a year yet since I ate the Cara Cara oranges. I could tell the difference between Cara Cara oranges and ordinary ones from the first bite! Cara Cara oranges were sweeter and more juicy! Considering that these fruits are more expensive than regular oranges, what are the health benefits of Cara Cara oranges?
Also known as pink navel oranges, Cara Cara oranges boost your immune system because they’re rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C. In addition, pink navel oranges are rich in potassium, folate, and flavonoids. They’re also a good source of fiber and are the best choice for people with acid reflux issues as it’s low in citric acid.
They were originally discovered in the mid-20th century in Venezuela, United States. Cara Cara types of oranges have distinctive pinkish-red flesh and a great sweet flavor.
Read on to find out their health benefits and uses.
7 Health Benefits Of Cara Cara Oranges
Cara Cara oranges, also known as citrus sinensis, are a cross between the Washington navel orange plus the Brazilian Bahia Navel orange. The first mutated oranges were found in Venezuela at Hacienda Cara Cara, hence the name Cara Cara oranges.
They’re relatives of blood oranges.
They commonly grow in California during the winter months. So, if you want to get them at a lower cost, winter is the perfect time to buy in large quantities.
Loved for its distinctive berry-like flavor, Cara Cara has a deep pink-red color flesh that is low in acidity.
We need to know their nutrients to know the health benefits of cara cara oranges.
Let’s take a look below.
Vitamin C
Cara Cara oranges boost your immune because they’re an excellent source of vitamin C, which also acts as a powerful antioxidant. Medium-sized pink navel orange has approximately 100% of the recommended daily vitamin C intake.
That’s why you should eat these oranges, whether it’s cold or hot outside. In return, you’ll get a healthy immune system all year round. Besides, eating vitamin C results in collagen production in your body. Consequently, your skin health improves.
Antioxidants
When you eat these sweet oranges, you lower the risk of heart disease. Therefore, they’re ideal for improving your heart health.
Why?
These citrus fruits with pink flesh have several antioxidants, including anthocyanins and beta-carotene. These antioxidants protect body cells against free radical damage.
Weight Loss
High in dietary fiber and low in calories, this type of winter orange is ideal for weight loss. Besides, the orange is juicy. So, the fiber and their high juice content make you feel fuller longer.
Hence lowering the chances of overeating.
But as Rachel Hunter said, “It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen.” Therefore, don’t expect to lose weight overnight; it’s a journey, and you’ve got to be consistent.
For fast results, eat two cara cara oranges daily and then try Easy-To-Do Anaerobic Exercises at Home.
You’ll be amazed at how fast you’ll shed weight in only a few days.
Hydrates the Body
Unlike your ordinary oranges, these seedless oranges have a high juice content. Hence, they keep you hydrated. In return, you get good health.
Plus, a smooth, healthy skin. In addition, the digestive tract functions better, and the regulation of body temperature improves.
Dietary Fiber
As mentioned above, cara cara oranges are high in fiber. This important nutrient is essential in the body as it keeps the digestion system functioning correctly. A medium-sized cara cara has approximately 3 grams of fiber.
So, taking cara cara daily could lower the chances of developing constipation and chronic diseases, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
Boosts Healthy Eyesight
Your eyes need zeaxanthin and lutein to see properly. Cara cara oranges are rich in these antioxidants; hence, they’re suitable for protecting your eyes against age-related macular degeneration.
This is a common eye condition that causes vision loss.
Aids in Hair Growth
Did you know that you depend on the nutrients from the food you consume to grow and remain healthy? That’s right!
So, when you eat cara cara oranges, your hair benefits from vitamin C content. Consequently, it grows consistently and strengthens; hence, hair loss ceases.
Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which results in healthy and strong hair follicles. Also, the antioxidants in these citrus fruits protect your scalp from damage caused by free radicals.
Are Cara Cara Oranges Better For You Than Regular Oranges?
Yes, Cara Cara oranges are better for you than the regular ones, and here’s why. Their acidity level is lower than that of regular oranges. Besides, they’re sweeter than regular oranges.
In addition, Cara Cara oranges have more Vitamins than regular oranges. To be precise, they have an extra 30% Vitamin A and 20% vitamin C more than regular oranges.
And, of course, they have more juice than the regular ones, which is why they keep you hydrated and full.
Oh, and they’re seedless. This means they’re the best pick for kids. You won’t have to worry if your child chokes while enjoying this delicious fruit!
Definitely, these extra benefits also give them a higher cost over the regular oranges, but they’re worth every penny!
What Can You Use Cara Cara Oranges For?
Cara cara oranges are used for many things, including salads. They’re sweet and great for making smoothies or fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Also, you can eat them whole and enjoy their flavourful pink-red flesh. If you like, use them to add a vibrant color to salsas for fish and poultry.
If you haven’t tried, pair cara cara oranges with chocolate fondue for a delicious and mouthwatering dessert! Finally, you can use the fruits’ zest and juice to make jams, syrups, or (and) infused oils.
Which Type Of Orange Is Healthiest?
Cara Cara oranges are among the healthiest oranges you can eat. Eating a medium orange gives you 3 grams of fiber, 80 calories, and 19 grams of carbs.
These oranges are also rich in vitamins A and C and lycopene. Their gorgeous hue is a result of lycopene.
Closing Line
Always eat Cara Cara oranges daily to boost your immune system and hair growth and lose weight. Besides being sweet, these oranges are a good choice for making delicious smoothies and fresh orange juice.
But you don’t have to; you can eat whole oranges, too. This is the best way of eating them because you will reap all the health benefits of cara cara oranges. Why? No nutrients will be lost.
Fiber, potassium, vitamins, folate, and thiamin are all vital to your body. If you have acid problems, cara cara or blood oranges are a great addition to your diet instead of the regular ones. But before you can start enjoying the natural sweetness of cara cara, consult your doctor.
After all, it’s always good to consult your physician before eating new fruits, especially the citrus family!
