Whether it’s a complimentary snack while on vacation or a quick sip after your workout session, you’ll find a way to incorporate orange juice almost everywhere. And why not? It is refreshing, rich in nutrients and gives you instant morning freshness. Since it is not very bitter, people are more likely to enjoy a glass of fresh orange juice than amla or bitter gourd juice. But when it comes to drinking it daily, it can be a bit difficult. Sure, it has its benefits, but is it really so healthy that you consume it every day? If you have the same question about Humble OJ, then you’ve come to the right page. Let us see whether drinking a glass of orange juice every day is beneficial or not.
Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Oranges: 5 Different Varieties in India You Must Try
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What are the health benefits of orange juice?
1. Increases immunity
Orange juice is rich in Vitamin C, which helps in keeping your immunity strong. It can protect you from cold, flu and other inflammatory diseases.
2. Keeps the skin healthy
Struggling with dull skin? Orange juice can do wonders for you. It is not only rich in Vitamin C but also an antioxidant which plays a major role in fighting free radical activity. Free radicals can make your skin dull and also promote wrinkles and aging. The rich amount of Vitamin C in orange juice can help you get youthful and glowing skin.
3. Strong bones
Everyone knows that oranges contain very high amounts of calcium. It can help your bone health and keep them strong. Our skeleton is all bones so it is important to keep the structure strong. Fun Fact: Oranges are rich in flavonoids like naringenin and hesperidin that are anti-inflammatory and may help relieve arthritis pain.
4. Kidney stones
According to the popular book ‘Healing Foods’ by DK Publishing, oranges have a high concentration of citrate. This means that when you drink orange juice, it can help break down calcium oxalate stone formation and provide relief from kidney stones.
5. Heart Health
Oranges are rich in hesperidin – which according to ‘Healing Foods’ – may help reduce the symptoms of high blood pressure. Pectin and liminoid compounds found in oranges may help slow down the hardening of arteries and also reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood.
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Is it okay to drink orange juice every day?
No, but sometimes. While orange juice is packed with the goodness of this citrus fruit, drinking juice in general is not a recommended way to get its benefits. We spoke to nutritionist consultant Rupali Dutta to find out whether drinking orange juice every day is recommended or not.
1. Removes the good part
While oranges are rich in fiber, which helps keep you full and your digestive system happy, orange juice lacks it. According to the expert, when you drink orange juice, most of the fiber is removed and you are left with only a glass of sweet water with nutrients. Fiber helps slow down the absorption of sugar and remove toxins and waste materials from your digestive system.
2. Excess of sugar
Many people prefer to buy canned juice rather than juicing oranges themselves. You will be surprised to know that most of the orange juices bought from the market are loaded with sugar, and colors and preservatives are added to make it tasty. Even if you are juicing oranges at home, you will be using 3-4 oranges a day which may be a lot of sugar consumption. According to Dutta, this can lead to excess sugar. “At the end of the day, orange or any other fruit is simple sugar. You should eat 3 whole oranges instead of juicing them.
3. Can cause dumping syndrome
Too much orange juice can cause dumping syndrome. For those unaware, dumping syndrome occurs when high-sugar foods move too quickly from your stomach to your small intestine after you eat them. Due to this, a large amount of undigested food reaches your small intestine. You may experience stomach cramps, nausea or even blood sugar fluctuations. Since orange juice has a high sugar content, you may experience dumping syndrome if you consume it regularly.
Also read: 5 Homemade Orange Peel Face Packs for Glowing Skin
So, you can definitely have orange juice occasionally for its benefits but in limited quantities so that you do not ruin your health.
