Orange juice is the most nutrient dense fruit juice commonly consumed in the United States. It contains an array of potent antioxidants including flavonoids (hesperetin and naringenin, predominantly as glycosides), carotenoids (xanthophylls, cryptoxanthins, carotenes) and ascorbic acid.
Orange juice has long been regarded as one of the most healthful sources of vitamin C. An 8 oz serving provides 110 calorie and contains 72 mg of vitamin C.
Vitamin C maintaining the health of cells and helping to protect them against damage from destructive molecules known as free radicals, which are linked to cancer, DNA damage and aging.
Orange juice is also a good source of potassium (450 mg), folate (60 ug), and Thiamin (0.15 mg). Orange juice is fat free and cholesterol free and is also either sodium free (not-from- concentrate juices) or low in sodium (from concentrate juices have 15 mg/serving).
Other nutrients found in orange juice are vitamin B6, niacin, and magnesium. In addition to these nutrients, orange juice contains more than 60 plant phytochemicals, specifically flavonoids that function as antioxidants, potential anti-inflammatory agents, and may also have other physiological actions.
The main flavonoid in orange juice is hesperidin, which occurs as a glycone, which sugars attached. The sugars are cleaved during digestion, with aglycone as the absorbed form.
Only recently have other health benefits from consuming orange come to light. Orange juice consumption contributes significantly to the nutrient density of the US diet. It is one of the top three contributors of dietary folate from natural sources. Citrus fruit juices also contribute greatly to vitamin C intake.
Many of the cancer-fighting limonoids are also present in the juice. The benefits of consuming orange juice and/or its specific components have been related to risk reduction for cancer, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and cataracts. The Harvard Nurses’ Health Study, which included more than 87,000 people, showed a 25 percent lower risk of stroke in those who drank one glass of orange juice a day.
The ingredients in orange juice that are believed to be responsible for these potential health benefits include vitamin C, folate, potassium and phytochemicals.
Orange juice health benefits
