7 Amazing Health Benefits of Orange Juice

Orange juice has been a staple of our brunch almost indistinguishably. The sweet nectar of the fruit is refreshing, but that isn't all. A glass of orange juice holds an abundance of nutritional benefits. This makes it a worthy addition to your diet and a powerful ally for your health. Be it nutrients, antioxidants as well as vitamins and minerals, this wonder juice has got it all.

It holds true when doctors say that a single 250-ml serving of orange juice provides more than 100% of the daily requirement of vitamin C, but more on those lines later. Let this article take you through the incredible benefits of orange juice. The ways you can incorporate it into your daily diet and what to look out for. Discover what makes this citrus delight much more than your breakfast beverage. 

7 Health Benefits of Orange Juice

Beyond its refreshing taste, a glass of orange juice carries impressive nutritional content, which can significantly contribute to maintaining your health. Here are the advantages of drinking orange juice daily:

Helps with Collagen Synthesis

As we know, vitamin C is a standout nutritional component in orange juice. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) plays a key role in the development of muscles, and cartilage, as well as collagen synthesis in our bones.  Being an antioxidant, it helps in  builds immunity.  In turn, collagen, the stellar component, lends its hand in the development of tissues and repairs cell damage. 

Promotes Heart Health

A 100% fruit juice, Orange juice, is a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. Mainly, potassium, folate, magnesium and hesperidin which are all known to benefit heart health. These actively assist in maintaining healthy blood pressure and reduce the bad cholesterol, LDL, in the blood. This supports to keep the risk of heart attack or stroke at bay. 

Exemplary for Gut Health

There is a reason why this fruit juice is consumed during breakfast.  

Builds Immune System

Citrus fruits, like oranges and grapefruit, are rich in bioactive polyphenols. These bioactives like the hesperidin and narirutin in flavonoids exhibit anti-inflammatory, blood circulation and antioxidant properties. These are essential in fighting off free radicals and pathogens, protecting the body against diseases and maintaining overall health.

Improves Eye Health

The element known as carotenoids found in the fruit juice, essentially beta-carotene contributes to maintaining healthy eyes and vision. Once consumed,  these compounds are converted to Vitamin A by the body. Vitamin A essentially not only improves eyesight but also may support skin and reproductive health. 

Protects Against Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are formed when the concentration of calcium oxalate in our body gets too high. These essentially crystallise to form into stones. That said, citrate binds with calcium to reduce the formation of these crystals, reducing the likelihood of developing kidney stones. 

Great For Lipid Metabolism

100% orange juice is relatively low in calories and may have a positive impact on lipid metabolism. This, in turn, may protect against insulin resistance.  . All in all, relatively much better choice indeed.

How to Consume Orange Juice Daily

Being a sweet drink, orange juice is a treat any day. It can be consumed daily within the recommended amounts. However, make sure you don't do so particularly at night as it can cause you to get bloated. Having your drink of orange juice is best after 1-2 hours after breakfast. This helps it to be best digested by your body and ensure that you get all the nutrients from the wonder fruit. 

A great way to include this fruit juice in your diet is to blend into fruit smoothies and even salad dressing. If you have a young one, parents can try making natural ice lollies with the juice adding in slices of different fruits for a bit of a crunch. 

Potential Side Effects of Consuming Orange Juice

A great rule of thumb is to practice moderation when consuming fruit juices. These are some potential side effects when those standards are not met:

Citrus Allergy

While this condition may be relatively rare, some individuals may be allergic to citrus pulp, peel or juice. Its symptoms may include itching, swelling of the throat or lips and even difficulty breathing. In such a case, it is recommended such individuals seek medical attention immediately. 

Acid Reflux

Citrus fruits are highly acidic and are likely to cause discomfort and trigger acid reflux problems when consumed on an empty stomach. Regular intake of acidic drinks can wear down the tooth’s enamel and cause erosion and further dental problems. 

Overconsumption

While orange juice is nutritious, nothing good comes out of overindulgence. Overconsumption of orange juice may lead to excess fibre in the body. This can further increase the risk of severe heartburn, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and cramps. 

The advantages of drinking orange juice exceed the ones mentioned above. From acting as a potent antioxidant to keeping your skin healthy, orange as a fruit juice has proved time and time again that it is a powerhouse of nutrients. And a valuable addition to your diet. That said, never forget to practice moderation and balance in your intake. This will ensure you reap the true benefits of orange juice and enjoy its refreshing taste. 

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