The key word here is almost. What we still love about winter, while it lasts, is the access to juicy citrus. As Winter wanes, take a last-minute chance to get your share of oranges and grapefruit in particular.
New research out of the UK reaffirms the healing power of both, particularly in their ability to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and prevent blood clots, thereby reducing our risk of stroke.
Grapefruit is a great source of vitamins C, A, and B5 as well as potassium, folate and fiber. It is also packed with a powerful cancer-foe called lycopene and flavanoids that help squash heart disease. All around, grapefruit scores 99 out of 100 on the NuVal Scale (food health scores created by the Yale-Griffin Preventive Research Center).
Oranges are equally compelling with similar properties. You even get a little calcium and a wee bit of omega-3’s and 6’s.
What’s convenient about citrus is that it stays fresh and resists mold longer than most produce because of that nice, thick skin. Hence a sailor’s friend on long sea voyages. Keep them cold in your fridge crisper and they’ll last a good month or so.
One huge caveat about grapefruit, however, is to consult with your doctor if you’re taking medication. Grapefruit has been known to reduce the effectiveness of some drugs.
“And every day when I’ve been good, I get an orange after food.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Now there’s a treasure!
And this just in from Groanville… Why did the Orange go out with the Prune? Because he couldn’t find a date! Ba-dump-bump.
We like to toss orange or grapefruit in a salad with some vinaigrette, a little blue cheese, beets and avocado making a super-food ballet. Add some chicken and a slice of whole grain bread and you’ve got a fantastic meal. Cheers!
You in Your Workplace
This one is easy… Ditch the candy bowl for the fruit bowl once and for all! Oranges are easy to eat at work. Refrigerate the produce at night to keep it fresh longer. Grapefruit is a little harder but it’s worth having a day where people bring in their favorite citrus recipes. When planning meals for employees, be sure to consider oranges or grapefruit in the mix.
See you on the citrusy PATH Ahead!