LeBron Eats Orange Slices at Halftime and So Should You: Here’s Why

LeBron James is one of the finest athletic specimens in recorded history, and probably unrecorded history too.

At age 33, following 15 strenuous seasons in the NBA, his body remains in peak physical condition, impervious to injury (*runs to nearest forested area to touch all the wood*).

And his ability to harness his mind and motivation is peerless, allowing him to mentally dominate entire teams no matter the insurmountable odds or his own ill-equipped supporting cast of players.

Still, even LeBron, midway through a clutch Game Seven over the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2018 Playoffs, needed to suck on some orange halves while sitting out some leg cramps on the bench.

The internet, in all its wisdom, had jokes.

But James, wearing his Cleveland Cavaliers towel like a G-D cape, knew exactly what he was doing, opening up that lunchbox to gnash on some beautiful golden slices, not just for the taste, but for the health benefits too.

Here’s what LeBron—just like our mums, who devoted so many Saturday nights to cutting oranges and getting that citrus-sting in their frayed cuticles before our Sunday morning soccer matches—understands.

Oranges are jacked with vitamin C.

Vitamin C has been known to boost immunity and reduce inflammation, and though you can probably get more from a cup of Brussels sprouts, oranges will sit more comfortably in your stomach when you begin to run around. 

They’ve also got that sweet potassium.

In some circles, bananas have replaced oranges as the ultimate mid-sport snack of choice. But have you tried scoffing a banana in 30 seconds? It’s a digestive nightmare, and not too fun to watch others do, either. The reason bananas are so popular is because they’re a top source of potassium, which your body needs to battle fatigue, muscle weakness and cramps. But, turns out, oranges have potassium too!

And have you heard of Flavonoids?

These hilariously-named compounds are mostly found in plants, and there is evidence of them having “versatile health benefits” that range from the anti-inflammatory to the antioxident. Yep, you can find them in oranges.

Finally, oranges are super watery.

Besides all the vitamin c, potassium and fibre, there is almost a half-cup of water in just one orange, which a) makes you feel full, quickly, and b) keeps you hydrated (though, don't only eat oranges when exercising; actual water is still important).

So, bless you, oranges. You truly are the new black.

Photo: ABC