Overview of Orange Juice
A glass of orange juice (200-250 ml) contains, on average, about 14% of the daily requirement in potassium, 7% in copper, 25% in folates, and about 100% in vitamin C. The primary ingredient in orange juice is, of course, oranges.
Nutritional Comparison with Whole Oranges
Orange juice and whole oranges are nutritionally similar, but there are some important differences. Compared to a whole orange, a serving of orange juice has significantly less fiber and about twice the calories and carbs, which are mostly fruit sugar.
Health Benefits and Concerns
Orange juice can be used to treat low blood sugar for people living with diabetes. It is high in sugar, so portion control is crucial to avoid overconsumption. Orange juice is packed with vitamin C, an essential nutrient and antioxidant. Folic Acid is another micronutrient found abundantly in orange juice.
What’s in Orange Juice?
An eight-ounce serving of orange juice contains about 97 milligrams of vitamin C, 30 grams of sugar on average, and is mostly water. Orange juice is a liquid extract of the orange tree fruit, high in vitamin C, folate, potassium, and thiamine.
Ingredients of 100% Orange Juice
Ingredients in 100% orange juice include water, orange juice concentrate, and vitamin C. An eight-ounce serving contains 30 grams of sugar. Both "from concentrate" and "not from concentrate" options are healthy choices.
Processing and Safety
Oranges are washed, squeezed, and pasteurized to ensure food safety. Natural components may separate during processing. Orange juice contains water, pectin, organic acids, sugars, and phenolic compounds. Additives may be included to enhance flavor, feel, and nutritional value, making orange juice not a pure substance.
Varieties and Recommendations
Different brands offer various types of orange juice with added ingredients like calcium phosphate, calcium lactate, and vitamin D3. It’s advised to consume orange juice earlier in the day and to choose options with no added sugars or flavors for better health benefits.