Advantages and Disadvantages of Homemade Orange Juice

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Alongside apples, oranges have been considered among the healthiest fruit worldwide for centuries. Because they are rich in various nutrients, they quickly became of the most popular fruits, and nowadays, they are widely grown and cultivated in parts of the world with a tropical and subtropical climate.

Since the fruit is so praised and popular, naturally, orange juice became one of if not the most loved fruit juice globally and a staple of what is considered to be a healthy breakfast.

But is orange juice healthy as fruit? While it is certain that it contains high levels of vitamin C and other nutrients found in oranges, some scientists have concerns regarding the benefits of orange juice. Among the main reasons for these concerns is the level of calories in orange juice.

Nevertheless, there are big differences between the commercial option that you can buy in the supermarket and one that you squeeze with the best masticating juicer.

Pros and Cons of Fresh Orange Juice

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Undoubtedly, fresh orange juice that you squeeze at home is the healthiest of all types of this beverage. Although there are many advantages to drinking a glass of orange juice, there are also some downsides. We believe it is essential to have all the facts so you can decide whether and how much of it you want to drink daily.

Rich in Antioxidants

You have probably heard at some point that a lot of illnesses come as a result of the activity of unstable atoms in the body called free radicals. Well, one of the most significant advantages of orange juice is that it is packed with molecules that fight these harmful atoms, and they are called antioxidants. There is a lot of research that suggests that they are crucial for maintaining good overall condition with the emphasis on cardiovascular health, prevention against cancer, and so on. Antioxidants found in orange juice are ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and carotenoids.

Kidney Stone Prevention

One of the orange juice benefits is that it increases urine PH values and makes it more alkaline. Various studies are indicating that there is a correlation between urine PH and the formation of kidney stones.

Besides, homemade orange juice is full of potassium, calcium, and citrate, and all three play a role in the prevention of kidney stones. A study that involved 194, 095 participants showed that those who drank at least a glass of orange juice daily had 12% fewer risks of developing kidney stones compared to others who drank less than a glass weekly.

Less Fiber

One of the downsides of orange juice, when compared to whole oranges, is that it contains way less fiber. That’s because most fiber is found in a membrane that is around pieces of orange that you throw away when you squeeze the juice. When you are drinking the juice, you get only 0.7 grams of fiber which and your daily intake should be 30 to 38 if you are a man and 21 to 25 if you are a woman. So basically, with drinking orange juice, you get only 2 to 3 percent of recommended daily dose.

Boosts Immune System

This is something you probably know, but we feel it is worth mentioning. Because it contains high levels of vitamin C, orange juice does wonder for your immune system. It works wonderfully as prevention when you drink a glass per day but also helps you fight different viral infections such as cold or flu.

Doesn’t Last Long

When you squeeze oranges, you have to drink the juice almost immediately. Yes, some people make more juice and keep it in the fridge, but the thing is that it loses the health benefits that way. Moreover, if you leave it for a longer time, it will become more bitter.

Bone Health

People rarely think about this, but the calcium in orange juice plays a vital role in maintaining and improving your bone health. Additionally, antioxidants such as flavonoids have anti-inflammatory features. That’s why it is recommended that people who are suffering from arthritis take a glass per day.

Conclusion: Fresh homemade orange juice has as you can see way more benefits than it has downsides. Besides being super healthy, you can also make a fancy drink when you combine champagne and orange juice. The concern about an increase in calorie intake is related to industrial options. While they also have health benefits, the added sugar in them warns for caution as they can cause you to gain as much weight as when you are drinking Coke. Do you know some other benefits or downsides of orange juice?