Citrus for Breakfast: The Amazing Health Benefits

Did you know that the vitamin C and antioxidants in oranges are the perfect ally against aging and gastrointestinal problems? Drinking citrus juices is a great wait to get some of these health benefits.

My grandma used to say that in order to not get sick, we had to eat oranges (or drink the juice). But oranges are the only fruits, and they can provide a lot of other benefits, especially at the beginning of the day. In this article, we’re going to talk about the benefits of having citrus for breakfast, first thing in the morning.

Properties of citrus (that you probably didn’t know about)

We’re here to demystify the amazing power of oranges, lemons, and nectarines. They all have many properties you’ve probably never heard about.

Citruses have a lot to offer besides just strengthening your immune system and helping you kick a cold (or avoiding one in the first place) because of vitamin C.

They’re an endless source of natural benefits, and they’re great to use any time of the year. Below, we’re going to describe in detail a few of the positive aspects of eating citrus:

Caring for and toning skin

Mandarin oranges have several medicinal and cosmetic benefits, thanks to their high vitamin C content.  You can eat them, but they’re also great as an ingredient in homemade masks.

But what exactly do they do?  They help tone your skin, get rid of dirt and grime, and treat irritation. But when eaten, they also improve blood circulation.

Reducing stress

This is because they contain extremely beneficial stress reducing substances like calcium, iron, and magnesium.  They also improve your vision and intestinal function, and strengthen your bones.

Because of the citric acids and mineral salts contained in oranges, they also improve your mood.  That’s why it’s so great to drink orange juice in the mornings, you’re guaranteed to be smiling all day!

They treat post-vacation syndrome

Lemons fight viral infections and help with weight loss.

But they’ve also been shown to help with depression, apathy, and lack of concentration, which are all common when returning to work after vacation.

This syndrome, which also leads to anxiety, bad moods, and headaches, is easy to treat: just add lemons to your salads.

We also recommend drinking lemon tea in the morning (half an hour before breakfast) to feel more energetic and emotionally balanced.

Fight insomnia

In this case, you use a different part of the plant (not the fruit).  Orange leaves are perfect for relaxing at bedtime.  Unlike the juice, we recommend drinking an orange leaf tea at night instead of in the morning.

Its calming properties will help you get to sleep within a few minutes, so you can get all the rest you need.

During the day (including at breakfast) this infusion can help reduce fevers, calm headaches, and treat digestive problems, especially if they’re caused by stress and nerves.

Eliminate toxins

Grapefruit is one of the lesser known citruses, although it also has amazing cleansing properties.  It’s perfect for eliminating toxins that build up in the body.

And as if that weren’t enough, it also helps:

• Prevent anemia
• Reduce cholesterol levels
• Reduce high blood pressure
• Balance blood sugar levels

It even has antiseptic properties.  Eating a grapefruit before breakfast helps burn the fat that builds up in the stomach region.

Orange juice is still the best option when you’re having citrus for breakfast

Beyond the benefits that you’ll get from lemons, clementines, or grapefruit, no one can argue that oranges are the household leader when it comes to citrus for breakfast.

Coffee or tea, a bit of milk, a few pieces of toast, and a delicious glass of orange juice.  It’s even better when freshly squeezed.

Just like other citrus, oranges increase bile production and stimulate gallbladder function.  That means they help with disorders related to any imbalances in the gut region: heaviness in the stomach, headache, pressure in the right side of the abdomen, etc.

A lot of people avoid drinking orange juice in the morning because if you drink it on an empty stomach the increased bile levels can cause nausea or stomach pains.

But you’ll have to withstand these mild discomforts to get the benefits, like balancing hemoglobins levels in your blood and controlling your weight.

Oranges contain a good amount of antioxidants.  They bond with vitamin C to fight aging and to alleviate gastrointestinal problems (like ulcers and gastritis).

They also help hasten wound healing or post-operation healing, and also prevent diseases.

The best citrus for breakfast option

Adding a tablespoon of honey to your orange juice can reduce the acidic or bitter taste some varieties of oranges have. It will also add a touch sweetness to your breakfast.

This ingredient contains carbohydrates and essential sugars and acts as a fuel for the body.  You won’t be low on energy for the rest of the day!

A good way to make this part of your citrus for breakfast routine is to make a kind of “combo” juice.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lemon
• 1 orange
• 1/2 carrot
• 1/2 apple

Directions

• Peel and slice the carrot.
• Squeeze the juice from the orange and lemon.
• Remove the peel from the apple and cube it.
• Place everything in a blender and process for a few seconds.
• If you like, add a bit of honey to sweeten.
• Drink immediately (if it’s too thick, add a bit of water or ice cubes in the summer.)

So what do you think, are you going to start having citrus for breakfast? Give it a try, we’re sure you’ll love it, and feel healthier than ever!