TASTE NEWS-Calorie Counts Of Our Citrus Fruit Favourites

 

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Calorie Counts Of Our Citrus Fruit Favourites

Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit can all help you lose weight on a calorie controlled diet.

Citrus fruits  have a refreshing acidic taste but they are also known for the beneficial effects they have on the health. They are low in fat, free of cholesterol and sodium, rich in vitamin C and are good sources of minerals, carbohydrates and fibers. They also contain essential nutrients like calcium, copper, folate, potassium, magnesium, niacin and vitamin B6 required for the body to function properly.

Citrus fruits have several medicinal and nutritive properties, which may help in treating or fighting against several diseases.

The lemon is one of the most common citrus fruits, it is yellow in colour and has an acidic taste.
Although, because of their sharp acidic taste, lemons wouldn't normally be eaten as a whole fruit they are rich in vitamins and have many culinary uses:-

• Slices of lemon can be served as a garnish on fish or meat.
• Squeeze lemon into iced or hot tea for a refreshing drink.
• The juice can be mixed with olive oil and herbs to make a dressing for salad.
• It is also used for flavouring in many dishes.

Oranges are probably the most popular citrus fruit. There are may varieties which vary in their degree of sweetness.

• Oranges are packed with vitamin C and one orange will provide the all of the recommended daily intake.
• An orange will provide around 15% of your recommended daily fibre intake.
• Only about 20 per cent of the total crop of oranges is sold as whole fruit... the remainder is used in preparing orange juice, extracts, and preserves.
• Orange zest can be used in recipes for added flavour.

Limes are sold green yet they colour to yellow if left on the tree. They are usually smaller than lemons and oval or round ins shape green flesh.

• Limes are an excellent source of Vitamin C and are a great substitute for lemons.
• They can be used in drinks, seafood dishes, chicken, meats, desserts, cakes, biscuits and marmalade.
• Limes are also used for their pickling properties in ceviche.
• The leaves of the Kaffir lime are used in Southeast Asian cuisine.

Grapefruit is commonly eaten as a breakfast fruit, salad fruit, or fruit juice. It is a low-calorie food and an excellent source of vitamin C which makes it great for those on a diet.

• Grapefruit segments add a tang to green salads.
• Try a glass of grapefruit juice instead of orange juice in the morning.
• Combining diced grapefruit with coriander (cilantro) and chilli peppers makes a unique salsa.
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