Oranges are an ancient fruit that first appeared in China several thousand years ago. For centuries, they were considered a delicacy and were only consumed on special occasions. Then they were introduced to Europe in the 15th by Asian traders. The timing could not been more perfect, as the age of exploration had just beyond.

European explorers carried orange and grapefruit seeds with them on their journeys all around the world. According to most historical accounts, the orange arrived in New World in 1565. It was brought to Florida by Spanish explorers who also establish the very first American city, Saint Augustine. Two centuries later, the first orange trees appeared in California; and a century after that, the first Texas oranges were grown.

By the middle of the twentieth century, every commercial citrus-producing state (Florida, California, Texas, and Arizona) had a profitable orange industry. Before long, the orange was the number one fruit crop in the nation, and the nation was the second largest orange producer in the world, after Brazil.
 
At the time, few people appreciated the many health benefits of Texas oranges. But today we know the truth. The orange is one of the healthiest foods on earth. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to refer to it as a superfood. Many citrus fruits can claim to be superfoods.

What are the health benefits of Texas oranges? As you know, oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C.  A single orange has well over one hundred percent of the recommend daily allowance of vitamin C. But do you know why that is important?

For one thing, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. For those who have never heard of them, an antioxidant is a molecule that wage war against harmful little pests called free radicals. These free radicals do little besides roaming around the body damaging healthy cells. It is believed that this damage may lead to serious illnesses like cancer. Some medical professionals also claim that free radicals can expedite the aging process.

But that's not all. Few people know that Texas oranges are also a good source of fiber. Each orange contains about a sixth of the fiber you will need in a day. Unlike antioxidants, there is absolutely no dispute about the positive health benefits of dietary fiber. Study after study has shown that fiber promotes healthy and regular bowl movements, which improves overall digestive health.

We also know that high fiber diets are customarily prescribed to people who suffer from heart disease because they can lower cholesterol levels and beat back high blood pressure. There is even some evidence to suggest that high fiber diets can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, particularly colon cancer.