Make Orange Juice Part of Your Daily Routine

(NC) - Once considered a breakfast staple, many calorie conscious people are now avoiding orange juice as a way to lose weight and reduce their carbohydrate intake. Unfortunately they may also be depriving themselves of some important health benefits.

According to The Florida Department of Citrus, when included as part of a balanced diet, citrus is a good way to supply your body with nutrients that it needs to stay healthy. The Canadian Health Network says that a 125 ml glass of orange juice provides 41-48 milligrams of vitamin C - almost half the daily requirements of an adult. (1)

Also, medical research has begun to show positive long term benefits of consumer fruits and vegetables. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, including a glass of citrus juice into the daily diet can help reduce the risk of stroke. In a study of over 114,000 men and women an additional one serving per day of citrus juice resulted in a 25% reduced risk for ischemic stroke. (2)

If you are concerned about reducing calories and carbohydrates look for products such as Minute Maid Light Orange Juice. One serving has half the calories and carbohydrates of regular orange juice but provides 120% of your daily value of vitamin C.

Why do we need vitamin C?

• As one of the most powerful antioxidants, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals to help fight cell and tissue damage that could lead to diseases, including cancer and heart disease.

• Vitamin C also helps the body fight infection

• Vitamin C is essential for both the expectant mother and baby as it is the cementing agent that holds new cells together. It helps babies grow and build strong bones and teeth. And, vitamin C helps the expectant mother's body absorb iron.

• Vitamin C is essential for tissue repair, wound and bone healing, and healthy skin

• Vitamin C is important in forming collagen, a protein that gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle and blood vessels. (3)

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- News Canada

1 The Canadian Health Network - Frequently asked health questions - Why do I need vitamin C? Should I take a supplement?

2 Joshipura KJ, Ascherio A, Manson JE, Stampfer MJ, Rimm EB, Speizer FE, Hennekens CH, Spiegelman D, Willet WC. Fruit and vegetable intake in relation to risk of ischemic stroke. JAMA. 1999;282:1233-1239.

3 Florida Department of Citrus, Nutrition and Health www.floridajuice.com/cm_nutrition_orange_facts.php