Orange Juice: Vitamin C, Folate, and Practical Health Insights

Orange juice stands as a rich source of vitamin C, which helps reduce fatigue and supports daily energy levels. A small glass supplies a significant portion of the daily vitamin C needs, and it also contains folate, a B vitamin that supports maternal tissue growth during pregnancy, aids normal immune function, and contributes to reduced fatigue.

This benefit is highlighted by nutrition experts and spokespeople from medical and scientific initiatives. Anna Bach, a vocal advocate of the campaign Juice, Seriously, notes that the World Health Organization recommends at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables per day. In this framework, one of the five daily servings can come from packaged fruit juice, including orange juice, making it a convenient option for many people.

Is it harmful to drink orange juice at night?

One common myth is that orange juice cures colds or flu. In reality, it does not cure these illnesses, but it can support the immune system. Regular consumption of vitamin C-rich beverages may bolster defenses during illness and help the body respond to infections more effectively.

Experts also note that drinking fruit juice through a straw can help minimize contact with teeth, potentially reducing the risk of cavities. A study from the University of Leeds indicated that tooth enamel is affected similarly whether fruit is eaten whole or consumed as juice, provided good oral health practices are followed.

Maintaining proper oral hygiene remains essential to protect enamel, regardless of juice consumption.

If you don’t drink it immediately, will juice lose its properties?

Regarding whether vitamins degrade after juicing, Bach explains that homemade orange juice retains vitamin C longer than many expect. Packaged fruit juices are processed and packaged in ways that help preserve vitamin content, often remaining close to the levels found in freshly squeezed juice.

Drink this water warm and on an empty stomach: you may notice weight changes

Common beliefs about the oxidation of vitamin C in fruit juice are not entirely supported by current science. Vitamin C in freshly squeezed juice does not vanish immediately; it can stay potent for several hours, with some studies showing preservation for up to 12 hours.

Most packaged fruit juices are pasteurized, and quality controls help minimize nutrient losses during processing. When juice is made at home, it is sensible to prepare only the amount that will be consumed to avoid bacterial growth. Over time, juice may taste more bitter, an organoleptic change linked more to taste than to nutrition. Significant decreases in vitamin C would require extreme conditions, such as heating juice well above typical kitchen temperatures.