Orange juice is a liquid extract of the orange tree fruit, produced by squeezing or reaming oranges. It comes in several different varieties, including blood orange, navel oranges, valencia orange, clementine, and tangerine. As well as variations in oranges used, some varieties include differing amounts of juice vesicles, known as “pulp” in American English, and “(juicy) bits” in British English. These vesicles contain the juice of the orange and can be left in or removed during the manufacturing process. How juicy these vesicles are depended upon many factors, such as species, variety, and season. In American English, the beverage name is often abbreviated as “OJ“.

Commercial orange juice with a long shelf life is made by pasteurizing the juice and removing the oxygen from it. This removes much of the taste, necessitating the later addition of a flavor pack, generally made from orange products. Additionally, some juice is further processed by drying and later rehydrating the juice, or by concentrating the juice and later adding water to the concentrate.

Orange juice is the liquid that is extracted from an orange fruit. The juice is produced by squeezing oranges. It could be found in several different varieties such as navel oranges, blood orange, tangerine, clementine, and Valencia orange. Some varieties differ in the number of juice vesicles which is known as juicy bits in British English and pulp in American English. These vesicles possess the juice of an orange and could be left in or eliminated during the manufacturing process. The vesicles juicy are depending on factors such as variety, species, and season. The beverage name is abbreviated as “OJ” in American English.

Facts of Orange juice

The juice is extracted from mature oranges of Citrus sinensis species and hybrids thereof due to the importance of oranges to the state of Florida. It is regarded as an official beverage of Florida in 1967. This juice is offered to every visitor at the state’s five Florida Welcome Centers. Commercially, orange juice is made by drying and rehydrating juice or concentrating juice and adding water to the concentrate later. It has a long shelf life. Generally, prior to drying, the juice is pasteurized and oxygen is removed from it which demands the addition of a flavor pack later made from orange products.

Orange juice offers numerous health benefits due to the high content of vitamin C and the simple sugar content is high in comparison to soft drinks.

History

Lemons loaded with vitamin C are rejected by American soldiers during World War II due to their unappetizing taste. However, government explores for the food which requires the nutritional needs of soldiers with desirable taste and is able to prevent diseases such as scurvy.  The Florida Department of Citrus, the federal government with a group of scientists wanted to develop superior products to canned orange juice and resulted in frozen concentrated orange juice. After the war ended, frozen concentrated orange juice was developed after three years.

The orange juice processing plants found in Florida by 1949 produced over 10 million gallons of concentrated orange juice. Consumers got attracted to the idea of concentrated canned orange juice being a tasty, vitamin C-packed product, convenient, and also affordable. The preparation was so simple: thaw juice, add water, and then stir. Thus by the 1980s, food scientists formed fresh-tasting juice called reconstituted ready to serve juice. Eventually, not from concentrate (NFC) orange juice was developed in the 1990s and provided a new perspective on orange juice by transforming the product from can to freshness in a carton.

Health Benefits of Orange Juice

Oranges offer abundant Vitamin C as well as fiber. Healthwise, it provides benefits to the digestive system and promotes overall immunity to the body. Many people prefer to start their day with a glass of orange juice. Though this fruit is tropical or subtropical, it is found throughout the year. Research has shown that orange juice contains anti-inflammatory properties and high content of flavonoids. Orange juice contains impressive amounts of essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins required for healthy development and growth as well as overall well-being.

1. Strengthen immunity

Orange juice is known as the powerhouse of healing properties. It is also an excellent source of Vitamin C to be added to the diet. The single serving of Orange juice contains 200% of Vitamin C required for the body. Also called ascorbic acid, Vitamin C acts as a primary antioxidant in the body. It neutralizes and eradicates free radicals before it damages the body. The body requires Vitamin C for stimulation of other aspects of the immune system. Moreover, ascorbic acid is a vital component of collagen essential for repairing cells and for the growth of new tissues in the body.

2. Cancer prevention

Being an antioxidant, Vitamin C also assists to prevent cancer. It prevents the mutation of DNA cells to cancerous cells. Vitamin C is the first line of defense against cancer and other serious diseases. Besides Vitamin C, orange juice contains hesperidin which is an antioxidant that is related to lowering the growth of tumors and stimulates apoptosis or programmed cell death in cancerous cells. Still, the research is going on, it is positively associated to the prevention of colon cancer. Likely, hesperidin is effective for various types of cancer.

3. Detoxification

Orange juice has a high content of Vitamin A which acts as an antioxidant. Besides, it detoxifies the body by promoting kidney functions. Vitamin A is associated to eye health and the addition of Vitamin A to the diet prevents the chances of night blindness and macular degeneration. The serving size of orange juice grants 50% of the regular recommended intake.

4. Promotes blood circulation

Orange juice also contains folate which is a member of the B complex such as vitamin B9. This vitamin is required for DNA formation and new cells growth. It prevents mutation of cells which is free radical damage made to the body. Moreover, folate has a vital role in building new red blood cells and stimulating the flow of blood to extremities. It assures that the organs are working at full capacity and are well-oxygenated. It promotes the overall metabolism of the body and makes the functions of systems efficient.

5. Lowers inflammation

Citrus fruits are anti-inflammatory properties. Meals with high fat and high sugar result in inflammation of various body parts and result in the development of increased insulin resistance. This is responsible for atherosclerosis and types 2 diabetes. Study shows that orange juice inhibits the chances of insulin resistance by lowering inflammation, protecting the heart, and overall cardiovascular protection.

6. Reduce blood pressure

Orange juice contains hesperidin which is an antioxidant and protects the body against cancer and diseases. The water-soluble plant compounds affect the activity and function of small blood vessels. Research shows that this antioxidant lowers overall blood pressure and also chances of cardiovascular diseases.

7. Cholesterol balance

The high content of cholesterol is responsible for cardiovascular problems. Orange juice helps to lower the effects and presence of bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol in the body. It reduces the chances of heart attack, atherosclerosis, and strokes.

8. Helpful for smokers

Oranges have a high content of beta-cryptoxanthin which is a carotenoid. Laboratory studies show that beta-cryptoxanthin lowers tumors caused due to exposure to a chemical named NNK which is a carcinogenic byproduct of tobacco smoke. This also lowers inflammation of the lungs and also shortness of bread caused by tobacco smoke. Researchers suggested that eating whole foods such as oranges, sweet peppers and oranges help to lower the chances of lung tumors.

9. Anemia prevention

People with a vegetarian diet are prone to a low intake of iron. In this case, orange juice could be helpful in preventing anemia to some extent. Vitamin C assist in the absorption of iron from plant sources but this may not be sufficient for preventing anemia. One requires consuming a lot of iron-rich vegetables and also iron supplements if levels are too low.

10. Formation of kidney stones

Research has shown that orange juice is helpful for maintaining kidney health. Orange juice has citric acid which binds calcium to the body and prevents the formation of calcium phosphate or calcium oxalate stones which are two common types of kidney stones. It lowers the level of uric acid that causes kidney stones.

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How long is Orange juice good for?

The juice lasts for a long time which depends on how it is stored and the type of orange juice. An orange juice freshly squeezed which has not been processed will be good for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Processed orange juice which is opened will be good for 5 to 7 days in the fridge. An unopened orange juice will be good for two weeks.

Traditional uses

• This juice eliminates toxins from the body.
• It helps to maintain hydration.
• It is useful for stress and anxiety disorders.
• In Mexican traditional medicine, it is used for treating tuberculosis.
• Helpful in stomach upsets, promote appetite, and prevent constipation.
• In Chinese medicine, this juice is used as a cooling agent for coughs, respiratory disorders,s, and colds.
• It is also used to treat obesity.
• In France, orange juice is used for treating angina, diarrhea, hypertension, menstrual disorder, constipation, and palpitation.

Precautions   

• Too much consumption of Orange juice could be harmful.
• It is acidic and its excessive consumption can cause an upset stomach due to the presence of too much acidic liquid in the body.
• A lot of orange juice causes massive fluctuation in blood sugar levels and complicates the conditions for diabetic patients.
• Some people might experience intestinal problems and allergies.
• Drinking a lot of orange juice causes migraines and skin outbreaks which depend on the tolerance of each person.
• The excessive presence of fiber causes diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
• It is acidic so might cause severe heartburns.
• Its excessive intake causes vomiting, nausea, insomnia, bloating, and headaches.

How to Eat         

• Make smoothies by blending orange juice, banana, avocado, and a teaspoon of raw chocolate.
• Mix orange juice with seasonings such as oregano, fish, basil, thyme, and pepper.
• To make Asian style marinade, combine orange juice with ginger, soy sauce, cilantro, garlic, and sesame oil.
• Substitute water with orange juice in cake or quick bread recipes.
• Orange juice could be added to salads.
• It is a healthy beverage.
• It is used as a base for marinades and fat-free salad dressing.
• Add orange juice to baked goods, meringue pie, and cakes.
• It is used in glazes and sauces.
• It is added to appetizers and desserts.
• Squeeze orange juice over fruit salad to prevent browning.
• Orange juice could be blended with Vanilla ice cream.
• It is also used in savory dishes.

Other Facts        

In North America and Europe, orange juice is quite popular than fresh oranges.

References

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