Orange: A Natural Stress Reliever

Stress has become an inevitable part of modern-day life, and it affects people of all ages and professions. While various medications can help alleviate stress, natural remedies are gaining popularity due to their efficacy and minimal side effects. Oranges are one such natural remedy that has been found to have numerous benefits in reducing stress. In this article, we’ll explore the various ways in which oranges can help in relieving stress and how you can incorporate them into your diet.

Introduction

Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain caused by adverse or demanding circumstances. It can affect a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being, leading to various health problems, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure. In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a common issue that affects people of all ages and professions. Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate stress, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. One natural remedy that has gained attention for its stress-relieving benefits is oranges.

Understanding Stress

Before we delve into how oranges can help in relieving stress, it’s essential to understand what stress is and how it affects our bodies. Stress is a natural response to challenging situations, and it triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline, also known as stress hormones. While stress can be useful in small doses, chronic stress can cause various health problems. When a person experiences stress, their body enters a fight-or-flight response, which can cause physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and muscle tension.

What are Oranges?

Oranges are a citrus fruit that belongs to the Rutaceous family. They are round or oval-shaped, and their skin can range from bright orange to deep red. Oranges are a rich source of various nutrients, including vitamin C, folate, potassium, and dietary fiber. They are low in calories and have a refreshing taste, making them a popular snack and ingredient in various dishes.

Nutritional Benefits of Oranges

Oranges are a rich source of various nutrients that are essential for good health. One medium-sized orange contains the following nutrients:

• Calories: 62
• Carbohydrates: 15.4 g
• Protein: 1.2 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Fiber: 3.1 g
• Vitamin C: 70 mg
• Folate: 40 mcg
• Potassium: 237 mg

The high vitamin C content of oranges makes them a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the body from oxidative stress. Oranges are also rich in flavonoids, which are plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Oranges and Stress

Several studies have found that consuming oranges or orange juice can help in reducing stress. Oranges contain various nutrients that can affect the levels of stress hormones in the body. Additionally, the refreshing taste and aroma of oranges can have a calming effect on the mind, making them an excellent natural remedy for stress.

How Oranges Help in Relieving Stress

There are several ways in which oranges can help in relieving stress. Some of the ways are:

Vitamin C: Oranges are a rich source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the body from oxidative stress. Studies have found that consuming vitamin C can reduce cortisol levels and improve mood.

So next time you feel stress smell some oranges or drink its juice to make you feel better.