Orange juice is widely consumed across the globe and is made by extracting juice from oranges, either manually or using commercial equipment.
Here are 5 health benefits of orange juice:
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Packed with Essential Nutrients
Orange juice is loaded with nutrients like vitamin C, folate, and potassium.
A typical 8-ounce (240-ml) serving contains:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 2 grams
- Carbs: 26 grams
- Vitamin C: 67% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Folate: 15% of the DV
- Potassium: 10% of the DV
- Magnesium: 6% of the DV
It’s a rich source of vitamin C, which is crucial for immune health, bone formation, wound healing, and gum health.
Additionally, it contains folate, important for DNA synthesis and fetal development, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and prevents bone loss.
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High in Antioxidants
The antioxidants in orange juice help protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
These antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid, are beneficial for overall health and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Studies have shown that regular orange juice consumption can significantly boost antioxidant levels in the body.
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May Aid in Preventing Kidney Stones
Orange juice may help prevent kidney stones by making the urine more alkaline.
It has been shown that a higher urine pH can reduce the risk of stone formation.
One study found that daily orange juice drinkers had a 12% lower risk of developing kidney stones compared to those who consumed it less frequently.
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Supports Heart Health
Drinking orange juice can help lower risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Studies suggest that orange juice consumption may reduce both total and “bad” LDL cholesterol, while also boosting “good” HDL cholesterol.
Additionally, it may contribute to lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
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May Help Reduce Inflammation
While acute inflammation is a normal immune response, chronic inflammation is linked to conditions like heart disease and cancer.
Some research suggests that orange juice has anti-inflammatory properties that may lower markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
