Is orange juice good for COVID? This may be a question a lot of people want to have an answer to. Orange juice, with its high vitamin C content and immune-boosting properties, has gained attention as a potential ally in the fight against COVID-19. In this article, we will explore the benefits of this fruit juice drink and its potential impact on the immune system during these challenging times.
Given the fact that WHO has announced that the COVID-19 caused by Coronavirus is a global pandemic and the Coronavirus disease is spreading very quickly around the world, how to protect yourself from Coronavirus is a very important and necessary problem.
According to health experts, boosting the immune system is the best way to cope with this disease. Providing enough vitamins necessary for the body, especially Vitamin C will increase the ability of white blood cells to produce and boost the immune system.
However, the human body cannot produce or synthesize vitamin C itself but needs to be provided through foods to maintain health. Oranges are the first choice because they contain polyphenols that are anti-viral, which kill viruses from entering the body, thereby preventing infection.
Orange juice is a favorite beverage high in antioxidants and micronutrients like vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Regular consumption has been associated with several health benefits, including improved heart health, decreased inflammation, and a reduced risk of kidney stones.
5 health benefits of orange juice
Rich in several important nutrients
Orange juice is high in many nutrients, including vitamin C, folate, and potassium.
Orange juice is a concentrated source of vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin that doubles as a powerful antioxidant and plays a central role in immune function.
Additionally, vitamin C helps promote bone formation, wound healing, and gum health.
Orange juice is also rich in folate, which is needed for DNA synthesis and supports fetal growth and development.
Not to mention, it’s an excellent source of the mineral potassium, which regulates blood pressure, prevents bone loss, and protects against heart disease and stroke.
High in antioxidants
Antioxidants in orange juice promote health by preventing oxidative damage — an imbalance between antioxidants and unstable molecules known as free radicals.
Research shows that antioxidants are crucial to maintaining overall health. They may even help protect against chronic conditions, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Orange juice is a good source of antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid.
One 8-week study found that drinking 25 ounces (750 ml) of orange juice daily increased antioxidant status significantly.
Another study had similar findings, reporting that drinking 20 ounces (591 ml) of orange juice daily for 90 days increased total antioxidant status in 24 adults with high cholesterol and triglycerides.
Plus, in a study in over 4,000 adults, orange juice was considered one of the top sources of antioxidants in the average American diet — alongside tea, berries, wine, supplements, and vegetables.
May help prevent kidney stones
Kidney stones are small mineral deposits that accumulate in your kidneys, often causing symptoms like severe pain, nausea, or blood in your urine.
Orange juice can increase the pH or urine, making it more alkaline. Studies show that having a higher, more alkaline urinary pH may aid in preventing kidney stones.
One small study observed that orange juice was more effective than lemonade at reducing several kidney stone risk factors.
Another study in 194,095 people found that those who consumed orange juice at least once daily had a 12% lower risk of developing kidney stones than those who drank less than one serving a week.
Mayimprove heart health
Heart disease is a serious problem, accounting for over 17 million deaths worldwide each year.
Some studies show that drinking orange juice may reduce several risk factors for heart disease — such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol — and help keep your heart healthy and strong.
For example, one study in 129 people found that long-term orange juice consumption lowered levels of both total and “bad” LDL cholesterol.
Furthermore, a review of 19 studies noted that drinking fruit juice was effective at decreasing diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number of a reading) in adults.
Orange juice has also been shown to increase levels of “good” HDL cholesterol in people with elevated levels — which could improve heart health.
May decrease inflammation
Acute inflammation is a normal part of the immune response designed to protect against disease and infection.
However, sustaining high levels of inflammation long term is thought to contribute to the development of chronic disease.
Elevated markers of inflammation like C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) have all been seen in conditions like metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Some studies suggest that orange juice could decrease inflammation and problems tied to it.
One review found that orange juice possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce levels of specific inflammatory markers tied to chronic disease.
Moreover, an 8-week study in 22 people showed that drinking both fresh and commercial orange juice decreased markers of inflammation like CRP and IL-6 — which could potentially aid in disease prevention.
With its vitamin C content and immune-boosting properties, it can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet for supporting overall health and immune system function. While it cannot prevent or cure COVID-19, maintaining a strong immune system is important for overall well-being.