Orange Juice Benefits And Side Effects: Should You Drink It Daily?
Love drinking orange juice every day? Here's best way to have orange juice to stay healthy!
Orange juice is one drink that people of all ages often enjoy. It is the safest drink that comes to mind instantly during summer. Orange juice is fresh in a cup with a refreshing citrusy flavour and good Vitamin C content. While we do believe it’s healthy, do you actually know all the benefits, side effects, and the best way of having orange juice that can enhance its effects on your body? Have a read to make an informed choice before buying that bottle of orange juice from the market or squeezing out some fresh orange juice for daily consumption.
Benefits Of Drinking Orange Juice
1. May Improve Blood Health
Orange juice being rich in Vitamin C, keeps the connectivity tissues and blood vessels healthy and is also needed to heal wounds. Orange juice also contains folate which is needed for the formation of red blood cells and healthy cell growth.
2. May Prevent Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are formed due to small mineral deposits accumulating in our kidneys. By drinking orange juice, it may increase PH in urine making it more alkaline which may aid in kidney stones.
3. May Help In Boosting Immunity
Vitamin C, which is a soluble vitamin not made or stored in our bodies comes from drinking orange juice. Both vitamin C and folate are important for maintaining the immune system by supporting the functions of important immune cells like B-cells, T-cells, and phagocytes.
4. May Improve Heart Health
Studies have shown that risks for heart diseases such as high blood pressure and BP can be reduced by regular consumption of orange juice. A cup of orange juice provides up to 14% of potassium of our daily potassium requirement, which reduces the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
5. May Reduce Chances Of Inflammation
Inflammation can be detected by measuring the levels of IL-6 and CRP. Anyone with these high inflammatory markers is prone to more heart disorders, and types of cancer. Studies have shown that orange juice has anti-inflammatory effects which helps reduce these markers.
Side-Effects Of Drinking Orange Juice
1. Weight Gain Effect
Orange juice contains a high concentration of sugar, especially in orange juice which has added sugar. This makes it a high-calorie beverage. Without any fiber content, this can make you drink it more without control.
2. May Increase Blood Sugar Levels
Orange juice contains juices from many juices which decreases the dietary fiber and increases the amount of sugar one consumes. All this increases the absorption of fructose leading to elevated blood sugar levels which can cause permanent damage to organs such as eyes, nerves, and kidneys.
3. Dental Health Issues
Orange juice contains acidity that could erode tooth enamel over time and can enhance the effect if someone drinks it throughout the day.
4. Indigestion And Heartburn Issues
The same acid content in orange juice can cause indigestion and heartburn. People with acid reflux disease should be extra careful.
5. Unhealthy For Infants
While there is a notion that orange juice is healthy for children, infants under 1 are not recommended to drink orange juice. With their developing digestive systems, the acidity in orange juice can upset their stomach.
Also Read: 10 Reasons Why Drinking Water On Empty Stomach In The Morning Is Healthy For You
So, What Is The Best Way To Have Orange Juice?
1. Drink In Moderation
Orange juice has a high sugar content. So by nature, it is high in calorie content, always check the label for sugar content before buying any orange health drink. And if you are someone with stomach issues, drinking in moderation is recommended due to its acidic nature.
2. Go For Pure Orange Juice
100 per cent orange juice is good for health without any sugar content. Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended. If you are more inclined to buy it, dilute it with water to reduce the sugar content.
3. Have Orange Juice With Meals
Having orange juice with meals is always better because your food will make the sugar content in your juice digest gradually preventing you from any blood sugar spikes.
Also Read: 10 Benefits Of Drinking Aloe Vera Juice On An Empty Stomach In The Morning. It’s Healthy!
First Published: June 17, 2024 6:00 PM
