Oranges are known for their high levels of natural antioxidants, including carotenoids and flavonoids, which protect cells from harmful environmental factors and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, a new study from the University of Hohenheim suggests that drinking orange juice may be a better source of these antioxidants than eating the whole fruit. The study found that humans absorb about twice as many carotenoids from pasteurized orange juice as they do from fresh oranges. This is due to the fact that the juicing process removes some of the fiber, which can interfere with the absorption of antioxidants in the body.
Despite the health benefits of oranges, orange juice has a bad reputation in the medical community due to its high sugar content, which is believed to contribute to obesity. However, the researchers behind this study argue that drinking 0.2 liters of orange juice per day can be a healthy addition to one’s diet. The study involved 12 human subjects who were given either whole oranges or orange juice for breakfast on separate occasions. Blood samples were taken after each meal to measure the levels of carotenoids in the body. The results showed that orange juice was a better source of carotenoids than whole oranges.
The study’s lead author, Julian Aschoff, believes that the findings of this study confirm the hypothesis put forward in a previous in vitro study. He also notes that the consistency of food is an important factor in the absorption of nutrients, as the intact cells in whole oranges can prevent the absorption of carotenoids. The researchers recommend drinking 200 milliliters of orange juice per day as a sensible contribution to a healthy diet. This study challenges the notion that orange juice is as unhealthy as soda and other sugary drinks, and suggests that it can be a valuable source of antioxidants for those looking to improve their health.
