The Florida citrus industry is a vital component of the Florida economy, and it consists of two segments, fresh fruit accounting for about 10%, and processed citrus products accounting for about 90% in economic values. According to a report by the University of Florida, during the 19992000 crop season, the Florida citrus industry generated a total of about $ 9.1 billion in economic impact including about $1.1 billion being contributed by the fresh citrus fruit (Hodges et al., 2001).

In the last two to three decades, there has been a growing awareness of the role of diet in the etiology of chronic diseases that are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in developed countries. There are many biologically active substances in fruits including both nutrients and phytochemicals for which protective health effects have been scientifically proven or postulated.

A worldwide study to estimate the global burden of disease attributable to low consumption of fruit and vegetables, an increasingly recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cancer, found that the total worldwide mortality currently attributable to inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables is estimated to be up to 2,635,000 deaths per year (Lock et al., 2005). Increasing individual fruit and vegetable consumption up to 600 grams per day could reduce the total worldwide burden of disease by 1.8%, and reduce the burden of ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke by 31% and 19% respectively (Lock et al., 2005). Citrus fruit and juice have long been considered a valuable part of a healthy and nutritious diet, and it is well established that some of the nutrients and phytochemicals in citrus fruit promote health and could provide protection against chronic diseases (Krehl, 1976).

Basically, fresh citrus fruit should have all the health benefits that citrus juice provide since the juice is extracted from the fruit. However, consumption of citrus fruit provides additional amounts of nutrients and phytochemicals, especially dietary fiber.

In order to obtain specific and available information on the health and wellness of the consumption of fresh citrus fruit to support the Florida Department of Citrus’s (FDOC) marketing program of fresh citrus fruit, this report particularly details health benefits of fresh citrus fruit and dietary fiber. The health benefits of other specific citrus and juice components are discussed in other reports developed by the FDOC’s Citrus Health, Nutrition and Wellness Team.

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