If you want to be healthy and beautiful, don't forget to 'load' citrus fruits.

Did you know that citrus fruits offer many health benefits beyond vitamin C? These colorful, delicious fruits are packed with nutrients, making them a great addition to a healthy diet.

Here's why you should add more citrus to your diet, according to Health.

Rich in fiber

Women should consume about 25 grams of fiber per day, and citrus can help you reach that goal. An orange provides 2.3 grams of fiber, while a tangerine has 1.6 grams.

Oranges and tangerines are not only rich in vitamin C.

Plus, about two-thirds of the fiber in citrus fruits is soluble fiber, which has been linked to lower cholesterol and helps regulate blood sugar levels, says US-based nutritionist Wendy Bazilian.

Losing weight

The remaining fiber in citrus is insoluble, which increases digestive capacity and helps keep us regular, Bazilian adds. Foods that contain fiber, like citrus, also keep us feeling full and satisfied longer than foods that are low in fiber, making them a great snack for weight loss.

Good for the heart

Citrus fruits contain flavonoids, plant compounds that may promote heart health, says Keri Gans, a New York nutritionist and author of “Small Changes to Your Diet.”

Research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that antioxidant-rich red grapefruit helped reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol as well as triglyceride levels. Vitamin C has also been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.

However, if you are taking cholesterol-lowering statins, avoid grapefruit, as it can interfere with these medications.

Low glycemic index

Citrus fruits have a relatively low glycemic index, which means they won't spike blood sugar levels as much as some other foods.

Reduce the incubation period of a cold

Citrus fruits provide a healthy dose of vitamin C (51 mg in oranges, 38 mg in grapefruits, and 30 mg in lemons). And while vitamin C can't prevent colds, research shows it can reduce the duration and severity of colds, says Marisa Moore, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Studies show that vitamins can help shorten the duration of symptoms by about a day – which can make a big difference when you're feeling unwell.

Contains potassium

When you hear “potassium,” you probably think of bananas. However, citrus fruits are also a great source of this mineral, which is important for fluid regulation, mineral balance, and muscle contraction. Potassium also works to counteract the salt in your diet by helping your body flush out sodium.

Eat plenty of potassium-rich foods, which can help reduce the risk of stroke by 21%, while also reducing the risk of heart disease.

Helps absorb other nutrients

Adding citrus to your plate can help you get more out of the other foods you eat, Bazilian says. Vitamin C increases the viability of catechins, the antioxidants in green tea.

Citrus fruits can also help your body absorb iron, a mineral that is important for your immune system and helps your body produce red blood cells. Bazilian recommends pairing citrus fruits with iron-rich foods like leafy greens, fish, poultry, and meat to maximize their nutritional benefits.

Moisturizing

Like cucumbers, watermelons and tomatoes, citrus fruits are high in water content (oranges are 87% water and grapefruits are 88%). Eating plenty of water-rich foods like citrus can help you stay hydrated, which is important for quenching thirst as well as helping you consume enough fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration and keep your body systems functioning properly. Water-rich foods are also filling and low in calories.

Youthful skin

Another reason to eat more vitamin C? It may benefit your skin, says Bazilian. Vitamin C plays an important role in collagen production, so it may help keep skin looking supple and smooth.

According to VNN