THE BENEFITS OF ORANGE JUICE
1. Fortifies Our Immune System
100% orange juice can help improve our immune systems
through the high levels of Vitamin C. It is important to remember
that a single serving offers up to the double of Vitamin C that
our bodies need daily. So, in this case, a limited
but regular intake is preferred.
Oranges are also known to contain ascorbic acids, a component
of collagen, which helps cells rejuvenate and promote the growth
of tissue in our bodies. Through these two nutrients, orange
juice can help to keep healthy and fight diseases.
2. Improves Digestive Health
A healthy intake of fluids is key to creating a regular
digestion process. However, apart from supplying water,
oranges are rich in fibers. A small orange offers up to 3g of fibre,
two-thirds of which is absorbed by our body tissue.
The remaining part stays within our digestive system, which acts
as a cleaning agent for our bowels. Studies have proven
that the daily intake of orange juice should be increased
steadily, and not abruptly. This will create a fiber spike
that could lead to diarrhea.
3. Lowers the Risk of Cancer
While high intakes of Vitamin C haven’t been proven to cure
cancer, they are being injected in patients with great
results in fighting the disease.
Vitamin C is reported to reduce the risk of cancer of the mouth,
esophagus, and stomach by up to 40%. These benefits are
due to citruses’ protective nutrients such as fibre,
potassium, and flavonoids.
4. Protects the Cardiovascular System
Oranges contain Vitamin B9 and folate. These promote blood
circulation and purification by assisting in the production of
red blood cells. Two cups of 100% orange juice a day
for a month can lower blood pressure and improve the inner
lining of blood vessels.
Hesperidin, one of the many flavonoids present in oranges,
is essential to maintain well-oxygenated blood flow.
5. Prevents Kidney Diseases
The high levels of calcium and potassium contained in oranges
can help in the prevention of kidney stones. This is a painful
disease of the kidney that arises when oxalate particles
attach themselves to calcium particles.
It is often caused by a misbalance in the levels of oxalate
and calcium. Assuming enough calcium in a daily diet can
maintain a normal oxalate formation in the kidney
and therefore is proven to prevent kidney stones.
6. Assists in Weight Loss
Orange juice has been part of diets and weight loss programs
for a while. This is mainly due to the filling property
of oranges. The juice has a sweet taste but has a low
glycaemic index and fat content.
These properties make it perfect for a snack when trying
to follow a low-sugar diet. However, nutritionists suggest
eating a whole orange rather than its juice. The squeezing
process could lower the number of fibres
that help in losing weight.
Also, this could reduce the temptation of buying bottled
orange juices that contain added sugar. This would be
counterproductive in the process of losing weight.
7. Cleanses the Skin
The vitamins C and E present in oranges help regenerate
skin cells. This helps reduce scarring from
blackheads and spots.
Also, these properties can reduce the effects of the sun
burning by repairing damaged cells. Drinking orange juice
assists the skin in healing quicker when moderately damaged.
8. Reduces Wrinkles
The anti-aging effects of anti-oxidants and citric acids
have been proven through a large number of studies.
Orange juice contains high levels of these nutrients and,
through a regular intake, can reduce the visibility
of wrinkles. Moreover, oranges are efficient in detoxing
your body and skin from impurities and toxins.
To enhance the anti-aging effects of orange juice, mix it
with some other citrus fruits such as lemon or mandarin.
Grapefruit and limes are also great options to change up
your standard orange juice!
9. Improves Eyesight
The benefits of Carotene and Vitamin A, both present in high
levels in orange juice, have been studied over the years.
Vitamin A is essential for good vision as it protects the cornea,
the surface of the eye.
Along with carotene, this vitamin is part of a larger group
of antioxidants responsible for fortifying the immune system.
Orange juice can help you strengthen the membrane of the eye
and make it an effective barrier for bacteria or infections.
10. It Has Incredible Healing Properties
Oranges are rich in flavonoids, such as hesperidin and
anthocyanins. They also have antioxidant properties that make
oranges essential in natural healing processes.
These might prevent heart attacks and help in the process
of regenerating damaged cells. Orange juice is therefore
helpful during the recovery process after an infection or surgery.
However, its healing properties don’t stop here!
It can be a great help in regenerating skin, hair,
and bone cells.
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