More Than Vitamin C

The Nutrient Content and functions of Citrus

 

Nutritional facts about Citrus fruit

	Orange	Grapefruit	Tangerine
Weight (g)	131	236	84
Energy (kcal)	62	78	37
Fibre content (g)	3.1	2.5	1.7
Ascorbic acid (mg)	70	79	26
Folate (mcg)	40	24	17
Potassium (mg)	237	350	132

Source: Gutherie and Picciano, 1995.

 

 Carbohydrate

The main energy-yielding nutrient in citrus is carbohydrate; citrus contains the simple carbohydrates (sugars) fructose, glucose and sucrose, as well as citric acid which can also provide a small amount of energy. Citrus fruits also contain non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), commonly known as the dietary fibre, which is a complex carbohydrate with important health benefits. The predominant type of fibre in citrus is pectin, making up 65 to 70 percent of the total fibre.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), an essential water-soluble vitamin, plays a key role in the formation of collagen, a primary component of much of the connective tissue in the body. Adequate collagen synthesis is essential for strong ligaments, tendons, dentin, skin, blood vessels and bones, and for wound healing and tissue repair. The weakening of these tissues is a symptom of vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C is an important aid in the absorption of inorganic iron; it has also been shown to aid in the treatment of anaemia and stress.

Folate

Folate is a water-soluble vitamin essential for new cell production and growth. It helps in the production of DNA and ribonucleic acid (RNA) and mature red blood cells, which ultimately prevent anaemia.

Potassium

Potassium is an essential mineral that works to maintain the body's water and acid balance. As an important electrolyte, it plays a role in transmitting nerve impulses to muscles, in muscle contraction and in maintenance of normal blood pressure. The daily requirement of potassium is approximately 2000mg. There is concern that a high sodium-to-potassium intake ratio may be a risk factor for chronic disease. Increased consumption of citrus fruits and juices is a good means of increasing potassium intake.

Phytochemicals

Several classes of phytochemicals, including monoterpenes, limonoids (triterpenes), flavanoids, carotenoids and hydroxycinnamic acid, have been isolated from citrus and may help to protect against various chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease.