Dietician Says Oranges Aid Weight Loss, Prevent Cancer

Speaking in an interview with newsmen, Olowookere said oranges contained pectin, a dietary vegetable fibre that could aid weight loss.
 
``Nutrients in oranges are plentiful and diverse and they are very low in calories. They contain low saturated fats or cholesterol, but are rich in dietary fibre and they have this particular vegetable fibre in form of pectin.

``Pectin has an action as a bulk laxative which helps to protect the mucus membrane of the colon by decreasing the

``It helps to fight cholesterol which is very effective in persons with excess body weight.

``Oranges have also been seen to be rich in Vitamin C; this is a powerful antioxidant, so consuming foods rich in vitamin C would help the body develop resistance against infection and infectious diseases such as AIDS.

``Thus eating oranges daily is indicated not only for colds and flu, but also for any type of infectious disease, including those associated with childhood and even AIDS.

``A natural orange is superior to synthetically prepared source of vitamin C.

``The high fibre content can help you feel fuller for a longer period of time.

``And feeling full can impact your weight because when you feel saturated, you are less likely to over-indulge and make poor food choices.”

Oloowokere added that pectin helped to lower the risk of blood pressure, arterial thrombosis and heart disease.