You may think of orange juice when you think about healthful beverages. Vitamin C, which is abundant in oranges, supports a healthy immune system. However, what happens if you consume a lot of orange juice? Is consuming orange juice on a daily basis healthy?
We contacted dietician and nutritionist Lauren Manaker to find out all the details surrounding drinking a glass of orange juice first thing in the morning. The final word? “While orange juice is a popular and nutritious beverage,” she stated, “there are several reasons why someone might choose to avoid drinking it every day.”
What you should know is as follows.
- The Advantages Of Orange Juice For Health
- The Dangers Effects Of Orange Juice On Health
- Orange juice: Pasteurized vs. Unpasteurized
- So, Is Daily Consumption of Orange Juice Healthy?
- Does orange juice help with stomach issues?
- Can I Drink Orange juice At Night?
- Does orange juice benefit the skin?
The Advantages Of Orange Juice For Health
“Orange juice is the darling of the immune health-supporting drinks, thanks to the vitamin C it provides,” Manaker stated. “But OJ is so much more than a vessel for this key nutrient.”
Orange juice also contains important minerals including thiamin and folate. Additionally, certain OJs are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, which according to Manaker may help maintain bone health.
“Since most Americans are not eating the recommended servings of fruits and veggies every day, OJ can help bridge the gap in an accessible and versatile way,” she stated. Thus, if you enjoy drinking orange juice, this is wonderful news.
The Dangers Effects Of Orange Juice On Health
The problem is that orange juice has a high sugar content. Approximately 26 grams of carbs and 20 grams of sugar are included in an 8-ounce serving.
Having said that, natural sugars make up orange juice. Nevertheless, Manaker stated that if ingested in excess, natural sugars may lead to an increase in caloric intake and possible weight gain.
A large portion of the fiber in juice is striped. Protein, fiber, and fat are nutrients that can help reduce the absorption of sugar and minimize blood sugar rises, and all three are absent from a cup of orange juice.
Furthermore, orange juice’s acidity may exacerbate symptoms for those who have gastritis or acid reflux. Additionally, she mentioned that consuming orange juice on its own may cause blood sugar levels to rise in those who are managing PCOS or diabetes.
“For this population, drinking orange juice as they are enjoying a meal or snack that provides protein, fiber, and fat may be a better bet, assuming their healthcare provider approves of them drinking fruit juice,” Manaker stated.
Orange juice: Pasteurized vs. Unpasteurized
When selecting your juice, there are additional food safety considerations to bear in mind. While pasteurized orange juice is heated to eradicate harmful bacteria, some of its nutrients and flavors may be lost in the process. Unpasteurized orange juice is preferred for its fresh flavor, but it carries a higher risk of bacterial infection.
If you want to buy unpasteurized orange juice, she advised that you consume it soon after it is prepared because pasteurized juice has a longer shelf life.
“And if you are making it at home, wash the outside of the orange before squeezing to help remove any bacteria that may be on the surface.”
So, Is Daily Consumption of Orange Juice Healthy?
Numerous factors, including your nutrition and medical history, play a role in this. “If a person is relatively healthy and they are not eating enough servings of fruit every day (as most Americans are not), then a glass of OJ every day may be a good idea,” she stated. “Just be mindful of serving sizes when drinking your juice!”
Does orange juice help with stomach issues?
When consumed in moderation, orange juice may be beneficial for your stomach, but your specific situation and health may not support this claim.
Here are some things to think about:
Advantages:
Vitamin C: Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C from orange juice helps strengthen your immune system and promote general health.
Antioxidants: It has antioxidants, which can promote digestive health and lessen inflammation.
Hydration: Orange juice helps with digestion because it is hydrated.
Possible Drawbacks:
Acidity: Because of the citric acid in orange juice, it has a high acidity level that may irritate certain people’s stomach lining, particularly those who have gastritis or acid reflux.
Sugar Content: Added sugars are found in many commercial orange juices, which may cause bloating or discomfort in the digestive tract in certain people.
Sensitive Stomachs: The acidity may cause discomfort or heartburn in people who have sensitive stomachs or who suffer from disorders like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Small amounts of fresh, unsweetened orange juice might be a nutritious addition to your diet if you don’t have any stomach problems. If not, you might want to cut back on it or go for lower-acid substitutes like diluted juice or fruit liquids without citrus.
Can I Drink Orange juice At Night?
Orange juice consumption at night may offer advantages as well as disadvantages, based on your health and sleeping habits. Consider the following:
Advantages:
Hydration: Orange juice might help quench your thirst before bed.
Nutrient Boost: It delivers a rapid uptake of antioxidants and vitamin C, which might help your immune system sleep.
Cons:
Acidity and Heartburn: Orange juice’s acidity may cause heartburn or acid reflux, particularly when lying down, which might interfere with sleep.
Sugar Content: Orange juice’s natural sugars might provide you with a rapid energy boost, which may make it more difficult for some people to fall asleep.
Regular Urination: Juice is a liquid, so consuming it right before bed may cause you to wake up frequently to use the restroom, which might disrupt your sleep.
I would probably advise against drinking orange juice right before bed if you have acid reflux or are sensitive to sugar at night. If not, a modest quantity might be OK, but think about how it might impact the quality of your sleep.
Benefits Of Drinking Orange Juice Daily For Skin?
Because orange juice has a high vitamin concentration, it can benefit your skin both topically and when consumed. This is how it makes the skin better:
Advantages of Orange Juice Consumption:
Vitamin C: Vitamin C, which is abundant in orange juice, is essential for the synthesis of collagen, which keeps skin tight and elastic.
Antioxidants: Flavonoids and carotenoids, two types of antioxidants found in orange juice, work to scavenge free radicals, which can lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Hydration: Drinking orange juice will help you consume more fluids overall. Staying hydrated is crucial for having healthy skin.
Brightening Effects: Over time, the nutrients can help revitalize dull skin and give it a natural glow.
Advantages of Topically Applying Orange Juice:
Exfoliation: Orange juice’s citric acid can function as a light exfoliator to assist get rid of dead skin cells and encourage a clearer complexion.
Natural Astringent: When applied to oily or acne-prone skin, orange juice helps tighten pores and minimize oiliness.
Skin Brightening: When used topically, vitamin C can also help fade pigmentation or dark patches, but it should be handled carefully to prevent discomfort.
Take precautions:
Acidity: Because orange juice is acidic, topical application of it without dilution may irritate sensitive skin or cause dryness. Do a patch test first before using anything on your face.
Sun Sensitivity: Because citrus juices can increase skin sensitivity to the sun, it’s critical to apply sunscreen to affected areas or after consuming them topically to prevent hyperpigmentation.
Orange juice can be consumed as part of a balanced diet for optimal effects. For topical skin benefits, use diluted orange juice or products containing vitamin C.
