If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, that means orange juice is the MVP of drinks. Beyond the whole pulp or no pulp debate, people don’t care much about the kind of OJ they buy. But everyone should.
In general, 100% orange juice from concentrate contains pure filtered water, premium concentrated orange juice. Authentic, timeless, and downright deliciously refreshing juice made from perfectly ripe, natural oranges. That’s what Minute Maid 100% Original is all about.
Simply put, it is a fruit and juice that is enjoyed around the world. With this in mind, I blindly taste-tested seven of the most popular orange juice brands and was surprised by the results. Here are the rankings.
A squeezing orange machine and a toaster are basics to have a good breakfast, and this is the key to starting the day full of energy. Doctors recommend the intake of fruits and fiber in the morning to help the body restore itself and get its daily vitamin C fix.
What are the Benefits of Orange Juice?
In the first place, it’s naturally high in vital nutrients, such as vitamin C and potassium. Plus, commercial varieties are often enriched with calcium and vitamin D.
But, for children, it’s recommended to limit juice intake to no more than 4 ounces (118 ml) per day for toddlers aged 1–3, 6 ounces (177 ml) for children aged 4–6, and 8 ounces (240 ml) for those aged 7–18.
Secondly, it’s a favorite beverage high in antioxidants and micronutrients. Therefore, regular consumption has been associated with several health benefits. Including improved heart health decreased inflammation and a reduced risk of kidney stones.
Here are more elaborate benefits;
1. May Help Prevent Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are small mineral deposits that accumulate in your kidneys, often causing symptoms like severe pain, nausea, or blood in your urine. The juice from an orange can increase the pH of urine, making it more alkaline. Studies show that having a higher, more alkaline urinary pH may aid in preventing kidney stones.
One small study observed that orange juice was more effective than lemonade at reducing several kidney stone risk factors. Another study in 194,095 people found that those who consumed orange juice at least once daily had a 12% lower risk of developing kidney stones than those who drank less than one serving a week (15Trusted Source).
2. High in Antioxidants
Antioxidants in orange juice promote health by preventing oxidative damage — an imbalance between antioxidants and unstable molecules known as free radicals. Research shows that antioxidants are crucial to maintaining overall health. They may even help protect against chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Also, orange juice is a good source of antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid.
3. May Improve Heart Health
Heart disease is a serious problem, accounting for over 17 million deaths worldwide each year.
Some studies show that drinking orange juice may reduce several risk factors for heart disease. Such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol — and help keep your heart healthy and strong.
Orange juice has also been shown to increase levels of “good” HDL cholesterol in people with elevated levels — which could improve heart health.
4. May Decrease Inflammation
Acute inflammation is a normal part of the immune response designed to protect against disease and infection. However, sustaining high levels of inflammation long term is thought to contribute to the development of chronic disease.
Elevated markers of inflammation like C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) have all been seen in conditions like metabolic syndrome. As well as in heart disease, and certain cancers.
5. Rich in Several Important Nutrients
Orange juice is high in many nutrients, including vitamin C, folate, and potassium. An 8-ounce (240-ml) serving of orange juice provides approximately;
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 2 grams
- Carbs: 26 grams
- Vitamin C: 67% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
- Folate: 15% of the RDI
- Potassium: 10% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 6% of the RDI
Orange juice is a concentrated source of vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin that doubles as a powerful antioxidant and plays a central role in immune function. Additionally, vitamin C helps promote bone formation, wound healing, and gum health.
Orange juice is also rich in folate, which is needed for DNA synthesis and supports fetal growth and development. Not to mention, it’s an excellent source of the mineral potassium, which regulates blood pressure, prevents bone loss, and protects against heart disease and stroke.
Is drinking Orange Juice Risky?
Though orange juice is connected to several health benefits, it’s also high in calories and sugar. What’s more, unlike whole fruits, it lacks fiber, meaning it’s less filling and could potentially lead to weight gain.
Orange juice is high in sugar and calories, which may contribute to weight gain and high blood sugar. With this in mind, drink it in moderation and opt for fresh-squeezed or 100% orange juice whenever possible.
In fact, multiple studies have shown that regular consumption of fruit juice can lead to increased weight gain over time. Many types of orange juice are also high in added sugar, which can increase blood sugar levels.
Basically, practicing portion control and opting for fresh-squeezed or 100% orange juice can help maximize health benefits while reducing your risk of adverse effects. You can also try diluting orange juice with water to cut calories and prevent weight gain.
How is the Fresh Orange Juice made?
Simple! Not to mention, a freshly squeezed glass of orange juice is so refreshing. It takes just a few minutes. But, What do you need?
- fresh and juicy oranges,
- a squeezer from plastic bottles,
- and a glass cup.
Below is a step-by-step tutorial guide;
I never thought about it but it makes incredible sense now. For instance, the juices from Tropicana, Simply Orange, Minute Maid, Florida’s Natural, etc.—they’re all ridiculously consistent in their flavor. And the trick isn’t to get the most delicious-tasting oranges but rather to create their own unique artificial flavor.
Takeaway,
It all starts with the stripping of oxygen. Once the juice is squeezed and stored in gigantic vats, they start removing oxygen. Why? Because removing oxygen from the juice allows the liquid to keep for up to a year without spoiling.
But! Removing that oxygen also removes the natural flavors of oranges. Yeah, it’s all backward. So in order to have OJ actually taste like oranges, drink companies hire flavor and fragrance companies, the same ones that make perfumes for Dior, to create these “flavor packs” to make juice taste like, well, juice again. A 2009 report says:
The formulas vary to give a brand’s trademark taste. If you’re discerning you may have noticed Minute Maid has a candy-like orange flavor. That’s largely due to the flavor pack Coca-Cola has chosen for it.
Here is Dirty Little Secret: Orange Juice Is Artificially Flavored to Taste Like Oranges
Some companies have even been known to request a flavor pack that mimics the taste of a popular competitor, creating a “hall of mirrors” of flavor packs. Despite the multiple interpretations of a freshly squeezed orange on the market, most flavor packs have a shared source of inspiration: a Florida Valencia orange in spring.
The flavor packs aren’t listed in the ingredients because they’re technically derived from “orange essence and oil”, whatever the hell that means. So just remember, when you buy Orange Juice next time, even though it says 100% juice (which it is), it’s still 100% artificially flavored.
Related Sources;
I hope you enjoyed reading the above revised and guided article on Oranges and their Juice benefits. But, if you’ll have additional input, contributions, suggestions or even thoughts, please Contact Us. Or even leave them in the comments box below this post.
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