Fruit juice has had a bad rap. But is it all bad?
- Orange juice contains Vitamin C, Magnesium, fibre, protein, Potassium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Iron, Selenium, Manganese, Copper and several B vitamins. It also contains the flavonoids naringenin and hesperedin which serve as powerful antioxidants in the body. These have been shown to play a role in slowing the aging process and reducing inflammation.
- Orange juice helps balance hormones. Low carb diets, especially those low in fruit, can lead to hormonal issues. The liver requires an adequate supply of glycogen to convert the thyroid hormone T4 to T3. The T3 hormone fuels your metabolism, producing energy and stimulating weight loss.
- Orange juice is an easy to digest carbohydrate, especially the smooth variety.
- Blood glucose levels are most frequently altered by what we eat or don’t eat. According to the American Diabetic Society, “The glycemic index (GI) is a ranking of carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 according to the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels after eating. Foods with a high GI are those which are rapidly digested and absorbed and result in marked fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Low-GI foods, by virtue of their slow digestion and absorption, produce gradual rises in blood sugar and insulin levels, and have proven benefits for health.” Foods high on the glycemic index should be limited with a higher intake of low and medium glycemic index foods. Interestingly, orange juice and most fruits are low to medium on the index and commonly consumed foods like bread, cereal and pasta high on the glycemic index.
- Orange juice can be an anti-stress drink.
