1 Oranges can be stored at cool room temperature for a day but should then be refrigerated for up to two weeks.

2 They are an excellent source of vitamin C and contain some vitamin A.

Once cut or squeezed, the vitamin C quickly begins to dissipate. After eight hours at room temperature or 24 hours in the refrigerator, there's a 20 per cent vitamin C loss.

Canned, bottled and frozen-concentrate orange juices have a greatly decreased vitamin C content.

3 Orange juice is not necessarily high on the nutritional scale. While it may contain vitamin C and potassium, it provides little more than a source of carbohydrates in the form of a natural sugar.

4 Orange juice will lose more vitamin C content when stored in an open container or one made of plastic with a lid. Always store it in a glass container with a screw cap.

5 A medium orange is packed with as much fibre as seven cups of cornflakes.

6 Oranges are high in antioxidants, which neutralise the effects of free radicals - groups of atoms that disrupt cell reproduction.

7 After chocolate and vanilla, orange is the world's favourite flavour.

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This story was first published in the Mind Your Body supplement on Apr 9, 2008.