Citrus fruits do not need an introduction. Everybody is familiar to at least one member of the citrus family. Oranges and lemons are common fruits in the Middle East. They are quite affordable and widely available all year around. Most homes have them in one form or the other. They are used for their vitamin C content and their detoxifying effect on germs.

The fruit originated in China, but only propagated and became known in 19th century Europe and Britain when sea voyages claimed the lives of British sailors. Because lemons were added to their diet, symptoms disappeared and lives were saved at sea. The cause of the sailors’ deaths were scurvy, a severe vitamin C deficiency, leading to bleeding gums, internal bleeding, collagen, tooth, and bone loss, and weakened blood vessel walls and immunity.

Citrus fruits come in a wide variety. They include lemons, lime, sour and sweet oranges, tangerines, mandarins, grapefruit, pomelos, and kumquats. Each kind provides vitamin C and bioflavonoids in different quantities. They come in different flavors, aromas and have different uses according to country and customs. The most commonly found and used ones in Saudi Arabia are lemons and lime. They are used as taste enhancers, disinfectants, detoxifiers, refreshing juices, in beauty products, and medicinal and aroma therapies. They are mostly prescribed for cold and flu cure and prevention and diarrhea treatment. Both make effective antiseptic gargle solutions for sore throats. As hot brews sweetened with honey, they fight viruses, kill bacteria, lower fever, remove mucous, and relieve headaches.

To stop bleeding gums, white lemon pulp should be rubbed on the gums and juice should be made from the whole fruit for maximum benefits. Vitamin C supplements made with bioflavonoids from citrus pulp are the most bioavailable. They help repair skin; build collagen; strengthen blood vessels; prevent varicose veins, easy bruising, and internal bleeding; lower cholesterol; protect against cardiovascular disease, hypertension, strokes and cancer; prevent cataract and vision loss; cleanse the colon; give energy; and counteract oxidation and stress (stress depletes vitamin C). Vitamins B and C and minerals in citrus fruits are recommended for the nervous system, absorption of nutrients, healthy and beautiful skin, good vision, fertility, liver functions, blood cleansing, joint and intestinal health, and strong bones.

As children, I remember my mother giving us pure lime juice for diarrhea and abdominal pains, a very effective cure along with a diet of boiled Egyptian rice, baked potatoes, boiled carrots, and sprouted fava bean soup with cumin and black pepper. Antibiotics were not an option unless the condition was very serious.

Middle Easterners squeeze lemon on practically all dishes, particularly fish, to prevent food poisoning and intestinal infections and to enhance health, just as wasabi is added to raw fish in Japan. Oranges are heart-friendly. Their folic acid content counteracts homocysteine, a factor leading to heart disease. Folic acid is also important for parents-to-be to prevent fetal abnormalities and anemia in mothers. Orange segments with their peel added to beef, mutton, or duck help the digestion and break up fat.

Phytosterols, niacin, pectin, and fiber in the fruit reduce cholesterol uptake by the blood, thus lowering the risk of artery hardening, stroke, heart attack, and cancer. Pectin also lowers glucose absorption, reducing insulin dependence in diabetics. The fiber in whole oranges relieves diverticulitis symptoms and improves bowel movement. Tangerine zest, limonene, activates detoxifying enzymes to suppress cancer on the cellular level, resulting in shrunken tumors. Tangerine peel steeped in hot water for one hour makes an elixir for relieving flu and fever symptoms. Kumquats work against hypertension when eaten after dinner. The fruit’s sweet and sour taste is a satisfying snack for obese individuals. Grapefruits seeds and their extract detoxify acidic conditions caused by Candida and yeast. According to Dr. Heiner-man, dried grapefruit zest and its white pulp have a settling effect on upset stomachs and heartburn when chewed and sucked. One doctor recommends taking two tablespoons of virgin olive oil in the morning before breakfast and then half a glass of grapefruit juice to soften and eliminate gallstones and alleviate pains. Citrus peel boiled in water for thirty minutes helps relieve intestinal gases. Rubbing a slice of lemon on insect bites disinfects and soothes itching and pain. Bioflavonoids in citrus fruits have anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.

A few drops of lemon essential oil in massage oil relax and detoxify the body. Aroma therapy recommends heating the oil in a burner to energize and refresh. Citrus zest adds aroma to tea infusions and potpourri.

Citrus fruits are common fruits and come in different varieties and with many benefits. They make healthy snacks and drinks, add zest to food, lift the mood, and give vitality. Their fiber regulates the digestion; their fructose, minerals, and vitamins refresh energy and replenish nutrients; their antioxidants and bioflavonoids detoxify blood vessels and cells; and their vitamin C counteracts stress. In short, our body needs citrus fruits!