Like most foods and drinks, orange juice contains calories—nearly all of which are from sugar. Without any satiating, digestion-slowing nutrients like fiber, healthy fats,
or protein, orange juice can cause a spike and crash in blood sugar, which may cause weight gain in the same way that soda does, according to a study.
2. increase your risk of type 2 diabetes
Results from a 2013 study of over 180,000 participants that was conducted over the course of 24 years found that drinking a serving of fruit
juice every day was associated with as much as a 21% increased risk of developing diabetes,whereas greater whole-fruit consumptionwas significantly associated with a 23% lower risk of type 2 diabetes
3. You'll be closer to reaching your daily recommendation for fruit
if you drink OJ regularly, you are helping yourself meet your daily recommended intake of 1 to 2 cups of fruit
4. You may protect your brain
In a 2019 study, compared with less than 1 serving per month, daily consumption of orange juice was associated with substantially lower odds of poor subjective
cognitive function. The researchers hypothesized that the brain-supporting benefits of juice may stem from the high antioxidant and bioactive substance (including vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols)
content in some 100% fruit juices.
5. lower your blood pressure
After drinking 2 cups of orange juice each day for a month, the blood pressure of overweight men was reduced in one study.
Researchers believe the benefits may be linked to hesperidin: the major polyphenol in orange juice that has been shown to act in an anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic role.
6. support heart health
A study found that participants who drank more than half a cup of OJ a day for over 20 years had a lower incidence of hypertension—a precursor to cardiovascular disease.