Orange juice is low in calories and provides an instant energy boost. It also helps lower bad cholesterol levels, strengthens the immune system, and prevents common illnesses such as colds and flu.
Some Health Benefits of Orange Juice
Improves Digestion
Orange juice brings many benefits to the digestive system. It helps reduce stomach acid and gastric juices, supporting the healing of ulcers when consumed properly. Drinking a glass of orange juice in the morning can regulate bowel movements, relieve bloating, and aid the digestive process.
People who frequently suffer from diarrhea or constipation can also benefit from drinking orange juice. It helps cleanse the stomach, reduce inflammation, and prevent flatulence.
Boosts Immunity
Orange juice provides a rich source of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and helps prevent colds and coughs caused by weather changes. Vitamin C also fights free radicals that cause premature aging and supports the body’s absorption of essential nutrients such as iron and calcium. Moreover, vitamin C helps repair skin damage caused by sun exposure.
A single glass of orange juice can supply up to 200% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C. Regular intake of vitamin C boosts immunity, reduces the risk of disease, and helps the body fight off harmful bacteria and viruses.
Orange juice also contains vital nutrients needed for collagen production, aiding in cell repair and tissue growth.
Detoxifies the Body
Orange juice enhances kidney health and can help reduce pain caused by kidney stones. The citric acid present in orange juice lowers the risk of developing stones by preventing crystal formation.
Additionally, orange juice has an alkalizing effect, helping cleanse the blood by neutralizing acids and flushing out toxins through the kidneys.
Improves Blood Circulation
Orange juice is rich in folate, a nutrient essential for DNA synthesis and the normal development of body cells. Folate also protects cells from free-radical damage.
Drinking a glass of orange juice daily promotes healthy blood circulation, supports the production of new red blood cells, and slows down cellular oxidation.
Who Should Not Drink Orange Juice
Although orange juice has many health benefits, it is not suitable for everyone.
People with Stomach Ulcers or Pancreatitis
Individuals suffering from gastric or duodenal ulcers, or pancreatitis, should avoid orange juice. This beverage is highly acidic and can increase stomach acid, causing heartburn and worsening ulcers—especially when consumed on an empty stomach.
Those with digestive disorders should not drink too much orange juice, as it may aggravate symptoms and cause diarrhea.
People Recovering from Surgery
People who have recently undergone surgery—particularly digestive system surgery—should avoid orange juice. It contains citric acid in the form of sodium citrate, a compound that acts as an anticoagulant. Sodium citrate binds with calcium ions (Ca++) and interferes with thrombin and prothrombinase, two essential components in the blood clotting process.
For those recovering from gastrointestinal surgery, consuming oranges or tangerines may increase the risk of postoperative bleeding at the wound site.
People Taking Medication
Those taking medications—especially antibiotics—should not drink orange juice. The drink contains acids similar to naringin, which can deactivate the enzymes CYP3A4 and OATP1A2 responsible for drug metabolism and absorption.
Without these enzymes, the body cannot fully absorb the medication, potentially altering its chemical structure and reducing its antibacterial effectiveness, thus compromising treatment outcomes.
People with Kidney, Digestive, or Lung Diseases
Oranges are high in vitamin C. Research shows that eating three oranges can already meet the body’s daily vitamin C requirement. Consuming too much can cause an excess of vitamin C, increasing oxalic acid metabolism and leading to a higher risk of urinary or kidney stones.
People with kidney disease, weak digestion, or lung problems should avoid excessive orange consumption, as it may cause abdominal pain, lower back pain, or general discomfort.
People Who Recently Drank Milk
Milk contains proteins, while orange juice is rich in vitamin C and tartaric acid. When combined, these substances can react with each other, interfering with digestion and nutrient absorption. This may result in bloating, stomach pain, or diarrhea.
To prevent this, it’s best to consume milk and orange juice at least one hour apart.
In summary: Orange juice offers many remarkable health benefits—from strengthening immunity to detoxifying the body—but it should be consumed wisely and avoided by those with certain health conditions.
