Oranges are a delicious source of vitamin C, a nutrient that is very important to our health. Humans need vitamin C in order to manufacture collagen, protein fibers that provide stiffness and elasticity and are essential to the formation of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, gums bone, and skin. While vitamin C does not affect how often colds occur, it does help the body fight infections and repair wounds. In addition, vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means that it prevents or repairs damage to cells caused by exposure to free radicals — reactive atoms that can damage cell membranes, DNA, and other cell components. One orange provides about 2/3 of the daily recommendation for vitamin C (90 milligrams). Oranges also contain other essential nutrients that our bodies need in order to function properly, such as folacin, calcium, thiamin, niacin, potassium, and magnesium, and fiber.