'An orange a day keeps the dermatologist away': is it true?

A recent Instagram post claiming that "an orange a day keeps the dermatologist away" claims that eating oranges regularly can prevent and cure all skin problems, making many viewers believe it because of its simplicity.

According to a July 17 report by the India Today newspaper verification team, oranges are indeed a fruit that helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness thanks to their rich nutrient properties that support collagen production, vitamin C.

One medium orange provides about 70mg of vitamin C, enough for the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults.

However, according to Dr. Rashi Soni, a dermatologist at Rashi Hospital, Mumbai, eating oranges every day is not enough to prevent skin diseases.

Many dermatological problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis are not only related to nutrition but also have many complex causes such as endocrine disorders, genetics or infections.

These conditions usually require specialized medical treatment and cannot be cured or prevented with the vitamin C in oranges.

India Today recommends that oranges should only be considered as a dietary supplement and not as a substitute for medical examination and treatment.

Additionally, nutritional data also shows that oranges are not the only or best food containing vitamin C.

A 2021 study in the journal Frontiers in Immunology found that there are many foods that provide antioxidants and protect the skin from damage caused by pollution and UV rays.

Some fruits like strawberries, kiwi, guava, and vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli actually contain more vitamin C than oranges.

India Today explains that messages like “eat an orange a day” spread easily because they are short, memorable, and easy to follow.

A 2019 study by PubMed Central found that only about 5% of dermatology posts on Instagram come from qualified physicians, with the majority of the remaining content often coming from users without a medical background.