Orange juice is a well-liked beverage made from oranges. It is produces buy squeezing and extraction of the juice from the fresh orange fruit. Sometimes, orange juice is derived by dehydration or by concentration and later addition of water to the juice concentrate. As many other fruit juices, orange juice provides the benefits for human’s health.
Commercially prepared orange juices are extremely rich in calories, because of the high content of sugar. In order to get health benefits from orange juice, it is advisable to drink it in moderate amounts and check the sugar content on the label. To get the highest amount of health benefits from orange juice, one should prepare it at home, from freshly squeezed fruits.
Health benefits of orange juice
Orange juice is a rich source of vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient for humans. Vitamin C is a powerful anti-oxidant able to protect the cells from oxidative damage, caused by the natural activity of free radicals. Vitamin C helps generate collagen, a protein required to develop and preserve healthy teeth, bones, gums, cartilage, vertebrae discs, joint linings, skin, and blood vessels. It also helps fighting infections, while promoting optimum immune response. Lack of vitamin C may result in scurvy, which leads to the formation of the brown spots on the skin, gums and bleeding from all mucous membranes.
Vitamin B6 is another healthy compound found in orange juice. Bodies need vitamin B6 to create hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to tissues through red blood cells. It is important for protein metabolism, cellular growth and proper functioning of the immune system. This vitamin may also ease the PMS symptoms in many women.
Orange juice may be consumed as a preventive aid for many severe health conditions including cancer, arthritis and high blood pressure. Pregnant women should use the juice regularly, especially during the first trimester, because it contains high levels of folic acid, essential for development of the fetus.
Other health benefits associated with orange juice are increasing the sperm levels, preserving good heart health and providing beneficial effects on the skin. However, there is one mild side-effect associated with orange juice. The juice, as well as the other citrus juices, has high levels of acidity, and it may damage the tooth enamel. It is advisable to use a straw to enjoy full health benefits.
Calories in orange juice
Freshly squeezed orange juice contains approximately 44 calories per 100 ml. However, commercially prepared orange juices have higher amounts of calories, on average 110. Here is a quick list of different kinds orange juices and their calorie value:Fresh Orange Juice (1 cup) - 112Fresh Orange Juice, Sweetened (1 cup) - 122Orange Juice, Concentrated, Frozen, Unsweetened (1 cup) - 452
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