Is the protective effect of vitamin C pills the same as that of the whole orange fruit? According to experts if an antioxidant is what you think to want to keep you healthy, you should rather consider eating oranges than popping vitamin C pills.

Oranges, they say, not only taste better they also contain a unique mix of antioxidants besides being rich in vitamin C. Anti-oxidants are compounds that protect cells against damaging molecules called oxygen-free radicals, that cause disease and aging.

The ample amounts vitamin C in the fruit and multiple antioxidants make it perfect to help fight cancer (abnormal cells that multiply without control, and that can invade nearby tissues or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body) , premature aging, increase immunity, prevent bone related problems, and possibly also heart diseases.

According to lead author of the study, Tory Parker, assistant professor of nutrition, dietetics and food science at Brigham Young University in Utah, there was something about an orange that made it better than taking a vitamin C capsule, which is what the researchers were trying to figure out.

He added it was the particular mixture of antioxidants in the fruit that made it so good for health and wellness.

According to Parker, high intake of carbohydrates and fat in daily diet elevates the level of free radicals in the blood stream, which in turn raises the risk of hardened arteries and heart disease. However consumption of fruits a few hours following meals helped counteract the adverse effect.