The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development reports that citrus fruits grow in 140 countries and growers produced over 105 million tons of these fruits from 2000 to 2004. Citrus fruits provide a healthier alternative to processed snacks, and they also serve as an excellent source of vitamin C.
Features
Citrus fruits belong to the citrus genus and have the characteristics of juicy pulp and thick rinds. Citrus fruit growers use a method called grafting to grow more citrus trees. Using this method, a grower selects a hardy citrus tree and grafts it with a citrus tree that produces high-quality fruits. The California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom estimates that it takes three to five years for the new tree to start producing fruit.
Vitamin C consists of six atoms of carbon, eight atoms of hydrogen and six atoms of oxygen, according to Grinnell College. Also known as ascorbic acid, excess vitamin C leaves the body in the urine. This makes it a water-soluble vitamin. The body does not store water-soluble vitamins for later use, so you must eat more of this vitamin each day. Citrus fruits provide a source of vitamin C.
Function
The human body needs vitamin C to produce collagen, which provides structure for bone, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. The body also uses ascorbic acid to produce norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that affects mood. Vitamin C protects cells from damage by free radicals, which form when oxygen interacts with some molecules in the body. These substances damage the membrane or DNA of some cells, leading to cell death or poor cell function. Antioxidants such as vitamin C stop the effect of free radicals before they damage important molecules in the cells.
Types
Types of citrus fruits include oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruit, clementines, kumquats, tangerines and tangelos. Grapefruit and oranges offer two of the healthiest sources of vitamin C. One half of a whole grapefruit has 78.1 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, according to The World's Healthiest Foods. One orange has 116.2 percent of the recommended daily intake for this nutrient. Grapefruit and oranges also contain fiber, potassium and vitamin A.
Significance
Eating a diet with no citrus fruits or other sources of vitamin C could lead to vitamin C deficiency. This deficiency causes irritability, weakness, joint aches and muscle aches. Very severe vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy, which results in bleeding gums, loose teeth, brittle hair, rough skin and bleeding under the skin. Scurvy makes it difficult for the body to fight infections and promote fast healing of wounds.
Considerations
Citrus fruit availability and quality depend on the current season in your geographic area. The time it takes to transport these fruits to a market may cause them to ripen before they reach their final destinations. Look at citrus fruits carefully before you buy them to avoid buying damaged or rotted fruits.
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