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Humans have been eating oranges for thousands of years. It is believed they originated in Asia, with records of the fruit dating to at least 4,500 years ago in China.
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Although there are a variety of orange varieties, the sweet orange is the most popular. Other varieties include the blood orange, bitter orange, and mandarin oranges.
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One cup of fresh orange juice has 124 mg of vitamin C. This is 200% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for an adult.
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There are 20.83 grams of natural sugar in one cup of fresh orange juice. For this reason it is important to drink enough orange juice but not too much as it is high in carbohydrates which can increase blood sugar levels.
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Orange juice contains potassium, thiamin, and folate, which are all important nutrients for human health.
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Orange juice also contains vitamin A, protein, magnesium, hesperidin, and flavonoids.
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Orange juice is beneficial to the immune system. The vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, repairs cells, helps in the growth of new body tissues, and boosts the immune function to fight of disease and free radical damage.
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Antioxidants help to prevent cancer. The high level of antioxidants in orange juice means that it can help in the prevention of several cancers.
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The antioxidant hesperidin contained in orange juice is known to reduce the growth of tumors, and to aid in apoptosis. Apoptosis is the process in which cancer cells are killed off by programmed cell death.
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Orange juice contains vitamin A which is another antioxidant. Vitamin A increases kidney function, and improves eye health, and night vision. One cup of orange juice contains 50% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A.
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The folate contained in orange juice helps to stimulate new cell growth and it aids in DNA creation. Folate is extremely important for pregnant women, as it helps to ensure the development of a healthy baby.
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Despite being high in carbohydrates, moderate orange juice consumption can actually help prevent diabetes and insulin resistance. It helps to reduce inflammation, and protects against atherosclerosis.
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Orange juice can help to reduce bad cholesterol in the body, while increasing good cholesterol. This can help to prevent cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes when consumed regularly.
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In order to reduce the effects of orange juice on blood sugar in diabetics it is recommended that these people consume the orange so that the fiber is consumed. Most of the fiber is removed in orange juice and this is what slows down the absorption of sugars.
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