What Are The Nutrients Found In Orange Fruits & Vegetables?

Orange vegetables and fruits are good sources of valuable vitamins and minerals that play distinct and important roles in the body. Examples of orange vegetables include sweet potatoes, butternut and acorn squash, carrots and pumpkin. Orange fruits include oranges, mango and cantaloupe. Beta-carotene, vitamin C and potassium are all present in significant amounts in both orange fruits and vegetables. Orange vegetables are sources of vitamin E, but orange fruits do not contain significant amounts of this important vitamin.

Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene is one form of vitamin A that is found in plants. Orange fruits and vegetables are an especially good source of this potent antioxidant. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, some epidemiological studies indicate that diets rich in carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, are associated with a decreased risk for certain diseases, including cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. Beta-carotene also plays a role in regulating the growth and reproduction of cells within the body.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is another potent antioxidant that is found in orange fruits and vegetables. Orange fruits are a better source of vitamin C than orange vegetables according to the USDA Food and Nutrient Database, although orange vegetables still do contain a significant amount of vitamin C. In addition to its antioxidant value, vitamin C is vital for the immune system to function properly and is important in collagen formation.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including orange fruits and vegetables. Potassium has several important functions in the body, including muscle contraction, nerve function and pH regulation. Furthermore, diets high in potassium are associated with lower blood pressure, according to Gropper et al in "Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism."

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is one nutrient that 90% of Americans do not get enough of, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and may help protect against chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin E is 15 mg. Orange vegetables are good sources of vitamin E, and the amount contained in one cup of each orange vegetable is as follows: butternut squash, 2.6 mg; sweet potato, 1.4 mg; pumpkin, 2 mg; and carrots, 1.6 mg. Although orange fruits are good sources of other vitamins and minerals, they contain minimal vitamin E.