The Spooky Side of Citrus

October is upon us, and you know what that means...It's Spooky Season! What, might you inquire, does that have to do with citrus?  Surprisingly, a lot. Read on to discover how much Halloween and citrus fruits have in common!

Many Citrus Fruits are Colored Orange

Just as red and green are the colors we associate with Christmas, the two main Halloween colors are orange and black. Interestingly, the original colors for this time of year were first introduced in the early part of the twentieth century as yellow and brown, effectively evoking the earthy tones of the new Autumn. But with the rise of the ubiquitous pumpkin and classic Halloween icons like bats and cats, orange quickly took over the scene in partnership with black. Citrus covers it all: most fruits such as oranges and tangerines are orange, and grapefruits are yellow to orange in hue, ready to decorate your house and taste buds from spooky season to Thanksgiving and beyond!

Citrus is Good for Your Bones

As old Morty, above, can tell you: the older you get, the more you have to take care of your bones.  That's why he's pictured here with a bowlful of yummy oranges and very little candy. Many people think of milk, cheese, and leafy greens as a way to strengthen their bones due to their high calcium content. That's good, and while oranges and other citrus fruits aren't high in calcium, they provide the rest of the picture to make sure that the calcium you ingest is actually getting absorbed by your bones. The high Vitamin C content in citrus fruits is a critical nutrient for collagen production, which provides the framework for bones. It also increases calcium absorption significantly. Citrus is also rich in potassium, which neutralizes hyperacidity in the body. Research has shown that individuals who eat foods rich in Vitamin C and potassium have a higher bone density. Finally, there is a lesser known vitamin in citrus fruits called folate (Vitamin B9) a key player in bone marrow function that has also been shown to lower the risk of hip fractures. As such, citrus is a vital part of maintaining and improving bone density and function.

Grapefruit and Your Medications

Because Halloween is a fun time of the year, we want to keep things from actually getting scary by remembering to practice good safety protocols. When it comes to citrus, one thing to be aware of is that grapefruit is contraindicated with certain medications. This effect is due mainly to the fact that special compounds in grapefruits can interact with these medications and make them either less effective or too concentrated. The list of the main medications to be aware of is here, but also make sure to check with your doctor if you are taking any prescription medications to see if it would be all right to enjoy a juicy grapefruit often or just once in a while.

You Might Scare People 

While this healthy, happy little girl doesn't look scary, let's face it: most Americans follow the SAD diet, or "Standard American Diet." Unfortunately, it is an apt acronym. The tried and true adage "you are what you eat" is reflected in the generally poor health of most Americans. This "sad" reality is partially because healthy foods are harder to access and afford these days, and partially because many people have become addicted from an early age to sugary and processed foods, which only cause inflammation, fatigue, and disease. Additionally, many people are working too many hours each day and thus do not have a lot of time to plan, purchase, and prepare healthy meals at home.  Enter citrus--it's affordable, portable, and ready to eat anytime!  With a regular diet of healthy citrus fruits, you may glow with so much health that you might just scare people! Take heart, though: you'll "scare" them the right way as an inspiration for healthy habits.

Sources:

Halloween Colors and What They Mean

5 Reasons Oranges Boost Your Bone Strength Naturally - Healthier Up

14 Medications to Avoid Mixing With Grapefruit

Healthy Food and Eating: Americans' Priorities and Behaviors | Pew Research Center