Orange Juice Health Benefits - Important Nutrients

Introduction

Derived from the juicy and fibrous orange fruit, orange juice is enjoyed by people across the world today. Oranges are fairly high in vital nutrients as a result of which their juice has nutrients as well. These nutrients include vitamin C and potassium. Commercial varieties of orange juice often come packed with added calcium and vitamin D.

Orange Juice - Nutritional Facts

Orange juice is a flavourful drink that is often served at breakfast time. The oranges used to make this juice impact its flavour and hence one must be careful while picking out the same. Oranges are rich in several nutrients, most notably vitamin C, potassium, and folate.

The nutrients found in 240 millilitres (or 8 ounces) of orange juice have been examined in the table provided below.

The Important Macronutrients and Micronutrients in Orange Juice

Apart from being rich in carbohydrates and protein, orange juice contains several minerals and vitamins which ought to be consumed as they are good for you. These have been examined below.

Vitamin C

This vitamin is exceptionally important as it helps support the immune system.

Folate

Frequent consumption of folate or vitamin B9 is particularly good for pregnant women as it helps reduce the risk of certain birth defects.

Flavonoids

Found in orange juice, flavonoids help regular cellular activity. They also help keep free radicals at bay. This is most important as free radicals cause oxidative stress on the body. Flavonoids also happen to be powerful antioxidant agents.

Potassium

Those that consume potassium in high amounts can lower their blood pressure levels and can potentially lower their risk of developing heart disease.

Carbohydrates

The primary carbohydrates found within orange juice include simple sugars such as sucrose, fructose and glucose owing to which the juice tastes sweet.

Orange Juice - Health Benefits

There are a fair number of health benefits associated with the consumption of orange juice. If you weren’t sure of these benefits thus far, the ones featured below should help convince you of just how good a fruit juice it is.

Helps Enhance the Immune System

Pure orange juice helps boost your immune system as it has high levels of vitamin C. Oranges are known for their ascorbic acids which help with collagen production. This helps rejuvenate cells and promotes the growth of new tissue in our bodies. Each of these nutrients keeps our bodies healthy.

Improves Digestive Health

It is important to consume a fair amount of fluids each day such that your digestive system is well regulated. In addition to being rich in water, oranges happen to be rich in fibres as well. Pulpy orange juice, therefore, provides your body with this fibre that helps clean our body’s bowels. Studies have shown that the daily consumption of orange juice should be increased at a steady pace as opposed to abruptly as the latter can result in diarrhoea.

Reduces the Risk of Cancer

Although high levels of vitamin C haven’t yet proved to cure cancer, this vitamin is often injected into cancer patients as it is able to fight the disease well. Vitamin C has also been found to reduce the risk of developing cancer of the mouth, stomach and oesophagus by up to 40 per cent.

Helps Protect the Cardiovascular System

Vitamin B9 and folate is found in orange juice. These nutrients help enhance blood circulation and purification as they help produce red blood cells.

Keeps Kidney Disease at Bay

As orange juice has a fair amount of calcium and potassium, the likelihood of kidney stones developing is reduced. Kidney stones are painful and arise when oxalate particles begin to cling to calcium particles.

Orange Juice for Weight Loss

Often, orange juice is added to weight loss programmes. This juice contains a low glycaemic index and has a modest amount of fat. As a result, it is the perfect drink for those seeking to follow a low-sugar diet programme.

Orange Juice Benefits for Skin

The presence of vitamin C and E in orange juice helps regenerate skin cells. As a result, the scarring that arises from blackheads and spots is likely to reduce. The risks associated with sunburns also decline as vitamin C and E help repair damaged cells. Similarly, wrinkles can also be reduced as a result of this.

Orange Juice Benefits for Hair

A decent amount of carotene and antioxidants found within orange juice help lower the risks of developing hair loss or damage. Each of these nutrients helps in the regeneration process of hair cells and helps boost their strength. Orange juice may also be used to form a hair mask with lemon juice and honey. This hair mask helps remove dead skin cells from the scalp.

Wrapping Up

Orange juice is widely available, tastes delicious and is an affordable drink. It can be made with fresh oranges at home or can be store bought. It can also contain pulp or be pulp-free. Simply put, there are many varieties of orange juice available in the market.

Drinking orange juice can certainly improve your health. Similarly, to improve your financial standing in case of unforeseen health emergencies, it is important to have a good health insurance plan in place. Head to Finserv MARKETS to know more health insurance plans in the market today.