Among the citrus fruits Orange occupies a place of pride. It is the most delicious and nourishing fruit. The orange is a native fruit of China from where it came to India and taken to the western world. Currently it is grown extensively in America and juice of the fruit is considered the finest and healthiest of the fruit juices.

It is replete with health enhancing virtues. A rich source of protective food ingredients such as vitamin A, B, C and calcium, orange is a health-promoting agent. The minerals contained in orange include sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, sulphur and chlorine.

Orange juice or consumption of fruit gives immediate energy to the system as the starch contained in the fruit is converted into readily assimilable sugar by rays of the sun. The regular use of oranges keeps the body healthy and promotes longevity. Some of the benefits that can be derived from the use of this fruit include:

The orange being an excellent source of calcium and vitamin C, helps preservation of teeth and bones. It has also been found useful in the treatment of pyorrhea and dental caries.
The orange has proved effective as a food in fevers for its predigested properties. It is easy to digest even in the weakened state. It recharges energy and builds resistance against infections.
Consumption of orange juice in combination with honey is particularly advantageous in heart complications like coronary ischaemia and infarction where only liquid diet is advised.
Eating 1 or 2 oranges at bedtime and then again on getting up is an effective of stimulating bowel movement and preventing constipation.
Orange juice is a good nutritional supplement for infants not being fed on breast milk. It prevents scurvy and facilitates in growth.
The orange juice has proved effective in case of chronic dyspepsia for it provides nutrition in easily assimilable form and gives the much needed rest to digestive organs.
The intake of orange juice mixed with salt and honey is valuable in tuberculosis, asthma, common cold, bronchitis and similar cough conditions. The combination has a saline effect on the lungs, easing expectorations and protecting from secondary infection.
Since time immemorial orange has also been used as a beauty aid. Its peel pounded with water and applied on face is an excellent remedy for acne and pimples.