fruit-bearing tree and shrub which comes from the family of Rutaceae plant are called citrus. This group produces citrus fruits such as limes, pomelos, grapefruits, and oranges. varieties of citrus fruit are native to Melanesia, Australia, South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Lemons, limes, and oranges are believed to have come from Asia before gradually making their way to other parts of the world. The oldest lemons in Rome date back to the first century B.C. when they were reserved for the elite.
Lime and lemon made their way to the united states in the 16th century, while oranges arrived shortly thereafter, brought by Christopher Columbus on his second exploration. Grapefruits weren’t discovered until the 18th century, and the first cultivated grapefruits were planted in Florida in the 19th century.
the citrus family has a variety of sizes colors and scents they have many health benefits like boosting your immune system and reducing your risk of heart disease.
Some of the best Citric fruits are listed as:
01) ORANGES
Japanese citrus can possibly be divided into two types. The first type is the sour yet sweet varieties that you can eat as is, like the oranges we’re all familiar with and readily peel to eat. The second type includes the citrus that is too sour to bite into and, instead, is mainly used for seasoning other foods.
oranges are of varieties among them the oranges which are considered to be citrus are Tangelo Oranges, Valencia oranges, mandarin oranges, blood oranges, and navel oranges.
02) Kaffir Lime
The Kaffir lime, also known as Citrix hystrix or Maukut lime, is native to southern China and Southeast Asia. Both the leaves and the fruit of Kaffir lime are used in Southeast Asian cooking, and its essential oil is used in cosmetics. Aside from cooking and cosmetics, Kaffir Limes are also used as an insect repellent. This citrus fruit acts as a blood detoxifier, improves oral health, and aids digestive activities. Its extracted oil can also be used as a stress reliever, while citronellol and limonene found in Kaffir limes are used as insect repellents. Additionally, this variety of citrus can boost our immune system, enhance hair care, and is an effective remedy for gout, edema, rheumatism, and other inflammatory conditions
03) Grapefruit
Grapefruit, Scientifically known as citrus paradise, is one of the healthiest fruits one should eat. It is a rich source of nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. GRapefruit reduces the risks of heart failure and lower cholesterol levels. Grapefruit varieties are yellow to dark pink in color and have a sour to semi-sweet and bitter flavor. Grapefruit is often prepared and eaten in the morning. it originated from Jamaica and was known as the Forbidden fruit in Barbados.
04) lemon
This citrus fruit is commonly known as Lemon. The Citrus limon origin is from South Asia in North-Eastern India. This variety of citrus fruits also belongs to the Rutaceae family and its scientific name is Citrus × limon..This evergreen shrub produces yellow or pale yellow prolate fruit that contains five to ten seeds. lemons are the most famous leading acid citrus fruit because of their alluring color, fragrance, and flavor. Lemon juice is rich in fiber and Vitamin C.
05) finger lime
Finger lime originated from the coastal border region of Queensland and New South Wales. It is also known as the Australian finger lime or caviar lime. These citrus plants can grow up to 23 ft and have small leaves, and white flowers. The finger lime fruit is cylindrical and comes in different colors like green and pink. It is often used as a garnish and the main component of the marmalade and pickles. The dried Finger lime skin can also be used for flavoring spices.
health benefits of citric fruits
Citrus fruits, like lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges, contain phytonutrients such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols. These antioxidants give the fruit their bright color and strong scents. They can also protect your body and prevent many diseases
beneficial for Heart Health
Citrus fruit contains compounds that may help lower the risk of heart disease. Their fiber and flavonoids may help raise good HDL cholesterol and lower harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Citrus fruits may also help lower blood pressure, another risk factor
Protect Your Brain
Studies suggest that quercetin, a flavonoid found in citrus fruits, may help combat the chronic inflammation that contributes to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Citrus juice may also aid in improving cognitive function
Boost Skin Health
Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, one of the most common proteins in your body. Collagen is important for the structure of your joints and muscles, as well as for the support of your skin to help keep it from sagging. A single lemon has about half the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, while an orange has more than 100%. Eating more vitamin C may help improve skin health and reduce skin aging..
Lower Your Risk of Kidney Stones
A 2014 study found that people who have low levels of citrate in their urine are more likely to develop kidney stones. Citrus fruits can increase citrate levels, so you may be less likely to develop kidney stones
Protect Against Cancer
Citrus fruits are high in phytonutrients, including flavonoids. According to several studies, flavonoids may help prevent the development of certain types of cancer.