I love a glass of orange juice in the morning, and recently, I’ve discovered it’s not only delicious, it’s also a very healthful choice! I used to feel a little guilty because of the sugar that it contains, but no more. First of all, those sugars are natural, and secondly, the calories from the sugar in my orange juice are far outweighed by the benefits of the other nutrients. Are you still on the fence? Here are 7 reasons orange juice is good for you…
There aren’t a lot of sweet treats that are fat free or cholesterol free, but orange juice is both! It’s sweet and delicious, and can be enjoyed chilled from the fridge, or even frozen into a slush. Any way you choose to enjoy it, it’s guilt-free and won’t add fat or cholesterol to your diet.
Did you know the USDA recommends that most people get 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables very day? That number might be hard to reach for people who don’t’ like their veggies, but one 8-ounce glass of orange juice can give you one full serving… one down, only four to go!
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps slow the effects of cell aging and damage, and may even help boost your immune system! And you can get 100% of the USDA recommended allowance of this miracle vitamin by drinking just one 8-iunce glass each day…
Anyone like me who loves the gym can tell you that potassium (also found in bananas) is necessary for strong muscle cells, and in preventing cramps. A glass of orange juice doesn’t contain a lot of it (14% of your recommended daily allowance), but it’s certainly a good start!
Folic acid is important to all women, but it’s especially vital for women who are pregnant or who are trying to conceive. It helps prevent certain type of birth defects, and helps produce healthy red blood cells. I loved drinking orange juice when I was pregnant, too, because it always made the baby kick!
Calcium gives is strong, healthy teeth and bones, which is incredibly important for teens and young women, since those are the ages when our bodies are building up the reserves we’ll use later in life. Fortified orange juice is a great source of calcium, especially for young women who don’t like dairy.
Researchers have shown that the scent of oranges makes people happy. I believe them! The citrus scent smells like summer to me, like warm sunshine, and of course that boosts my mood. Yay, orange juice!
These are many of the reasons orange juice is a smart choice, and a healthful way to start your day. Make sure the juice you choose is 100% real orange juice (and not a “cocktail”), and you’ll start to reap the benefits after your first tiny 8-ounce glass! There’s even a low-acid version for people who suffer from heartburn! Do you like orange juice? Why or why not? What benefits do you enjoy from your sweet citrus treat?
Top Photo Credit: joey_joey_joey