Orange Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More!

Introduction:

After your morning exercise, a quick run, or to beat the summer heat, a glass of orange juice can help you feel refreshed and energised. Orange juice is obtained from the fruit pulp of the plant Citrus sinensis, also known as sweet orange. The orange fruit tree may be native to Asia, but it is now grown worldwide. Orange juice is either sweet or sour in taste.¹ It is one of the most commonly consumed juices across the world.² It is the chief source of vitamin C and other bioactive and nutritional components. It is often consumed as a healthy source of calories and is recommended by many healthcare professionals.³  

Behind that bright orange, sweet, refreshing drink, orange juice is more than that meets the eye. If you want to know more about orange juice’s health benefits, keep reading!  

Nutritional Value of Orange Juice:

Orange juice is packed with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. The nutritional value of 100 grams of orange juice is given below. 

• Carbohydrates: 10.4 g
• Proteins: 0.7 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Fibres: 0.2 g
• Sugar: 8.4 g
• Iron: 0.2 mg
• Calcium: 11 mg
• Magnesium: 11 mg
• Phosphorus: 17 mg
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Zinc: 0.05 mg
• Potassium: 200 mg
• Manganese: 0.014 mg
• Copper: 0.044 mg
• Vitamin C: 50 mg
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.09 mg
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.03 mg
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 0.4 mg
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid): 0.19 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.04 mg
• Vitamin A: 10 µg
• Folate: 30 µg
• Energy: 45 kcal

Also Read: Pineapple Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More!

As per my observations drinking orange juice, whether it’s commercial or fresh, may be good for your heart. A study found that both types of orange juice might improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation. However, further study is required to determine the long-term impacts.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Properties of Orange Juice:

Orange juice is a rich source of several active compounds, for example, flavonoids. The bioactive and nutritional compounds have various potential benefits, which are mentioned below.  

• May be a potential antioxidant  
• May have anti-inflammatory potential  
• May have blood pressure-lowering potential  
• May have lipids lowering potential  
• May help in weight management³    

Also Read: Lemon Water: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Based on certain studies, I have observed that consuming orange juice with meals may have a more positive impact than consuming it between meals. In a study, when orange juice was consumed between meals, it was associated with a possible increase in body fat. On the other hand, consuming orange juice with meals resulted in a potential decrease in body fat.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Potential Uses of Orange Juice for Overall Health:

Several potential benefits of orange juice are given below.  

1. Potential Uses of Orange Juice for the brain:

Many people notice a decline in their cognitive abilities as they age. Cognitive functions are the functions associated with memory, reasoning, and thinking. People who consume orange juice daily might show improvement in their cognitive functions. As per a trial performed on older, healthy individuals, consumption of orange juice could improve overall cognitive performance. The said benefit can be attributed to a high content of flavones present in orange juice.²   

2. Potential Uses of Orange Juice for the heart:    

Orange juice may benefit the heart and reduce the risk of developing heart diseases. Orange juice intake can be helpful to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, which are the risk factors for heart diseases. These benefits have been observed in human trials but seem to be insufficient to validate the extent to which it can benefit human health.³  

3. Potential Uses of Orange Juice for obesity:    

Intake of orange juice is associated with potential of reducing the risk of developing obesity. Orange juice is considered a better diet choice because of the presence of many nutrients. Orange juice also showed possible effects on body mass index, lipid, and cholesterol levels, which are markers of overweight or obesity, as per the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003.³ Consult you doctor or nutritionist before adding anything in your diet for weight loss benefits. 

4. Potential Uses of Orange Juice for cancer:    

Orange juice extract might have a potential negative effect on  the growth of human prostate cancer and lung cancer cell lines as per an animal trial. Orange juice could also be helpful for human blood cancer cell lines. Similarly, orange juice may also have beneficial properties in reducing the growth of breast cancer cells. These activities have been observed in lab trials.¹ However, the actual benefits of orange juice for cancer in humans needs further studies to establish. 

5. Potential Uses of Orange Juice for microbial infections:    

The antimicrobial activity of orange juice against several disease-causing bacteria has been observed in many lab studies. Orange juice may have the potential to stop the growth of several bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Shigella.¹  

6. Potential Uses of Orange Juice for metabolic diseases:    

The inflammation process of our body is linked with many long-term diseases, for example, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and heart diseases. Consumption of orange juice may cause favourable changes in inflammatory factors, which might help reduce the risk of metabolic diseases. Taking orange juice in moderate amounts may help maintain a healthy diet and prevent metabolic diseases.³  

Though there are studies that show the benefits of orange juice in various conditions, but these are insufficient and there is a need of further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of orange juice on human health.  

Based on my readings, regularly consuming fresh orange juice might increase the levels of skin carotenoids, which indicate antioxidant status in the body. A study result suggests that orange juice consumption might boost skin carotenoids, but the duration of the effect may depend on individual factors.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

How to Use Orange Juice?

You can drink raw orange juice. Processed orange juice is also used for flavouring ice creams and jellies.⁵  

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an Ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.   

Based on what I’ve seen, orange juice might act as a natural barrier against kidney stone development. It has citrate in it, which may help dissolve those painful kidney stones.

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Side Effects of Orange Juice:

Orange juice is one of the most commonly consumed juices worldwide. However, few cases of allergic reactions in sensitive people have been reported. Allergic reactions involved yellowing of the skin and sleeplessness.⁶    You must be mindful while consuming orange juice and drink it in moderation.

Also Read: Carrot Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Precautions to Take With Orange Juice:

There are certain general precautions you need to take while drinking orange juice 

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Drinking orange juice is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.⁷ However, it should be taken in moderation. Over usage of anything can cause side effects on human health. In addition, pregnant women may consult their doctor about the consumption of orange juice.  
• While drinking orange juice, it is advised that you use a straw. The acid content of the juice might erode the tooth enamel (outer surface of the teeth).⁶  

Moreover, you must follow general precautions and instructions given by your doctor while consuming orange juice regularly. Do not self-medicate and consult a doctor for advice on using any herb for health benefits. 

Interactions With Other Drugs:

Orange juice can interact with other drugs in the body. The drugs interacting with orange juice are given below. 

• Ferrous fumarate: Orange juice can significantly improve iron absorption and increase the effectiveness of ferrous fumarate in the case of aneamia.  
• Aluminum-containing antacids:  Orange juice intake can increase aluminum absorption leading to increased aluminium toxicity. So, you should avoid orange juice with any aluminium-containing antacids.  
• Blood pressure-lowering drugs: Orange juice can decrease the absorption of blood [pressure lowering drugs like atenolol, aliskiren, and celiprolol.  
• Orange juice can decrease the absorption and efficacy of drugs such as montelukast (a drug for asthma), alendronate (a drug for osteoporosis), fluoroquinolones (drugs used for bacterial infections), and clofazimine (a drug for leprosy).⁸  

So, you need to discuss your daily orange juice intake and details of different medicines prescribed to you for use with your Ayurvedic physician. They will tailor their prescription to suit your health needs.     

Also Read: Ash Gourd Juice: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. Favela-Hernández J, González-Santiago O, Ramírez-Cabrera M, Esquivel-Ferriño P, Camacho-Corona M. Chemistry and Pharmacology of Citrus sinensis. Molecules. 2016;21(2):247. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6273684/ 

2. Coelho RCLA, Hermsdorff HHM, Bressan J. Anti-inflammatory Properties of Orange Juice: Possible Favorable Molecular and Metabolic Effects. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition 2013 68:1 [Internet]. 2013 Feb 17 [cited 2022 Jun 9];68(1):1–10. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11130-013-0343-3 

3. PFAF Plant Database. Citrus sinensis Sweet Orange [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jun 9]. Available from: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Citrus+sinensis 

4. Cleveland Clinic. Pregnancy Diet: Foods To Eat While Pregnant [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jun 9]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/12593-pregnancy-nutrition 

5. Chen M, Zhou S yi, Fabriaga E, Zhang P hong, Zhou Q. Food-drug interactions precipitated by fruit juices other than grapefruit juice: An update review. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis. 2018 Apr 1;26(2):S61–71. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29703387/ 

6. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients [Internet]. 2017 Aug 12 [cited 2022 Jun 9];9(8). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28805671/ 

7. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Vitamin C: [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jun 9]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002404.htm 

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