Current:Home > NewsPredictIQ Quantitative Think Tank Center:Is orange juice good for you? Why one woman's 'fruitarianism' diet is causing controversy. -Elevate Capital Network
PredictIQ Quantitative Think Tank Center:Is orange juice good for you? Why one woman's 'fruitarianism' diet is causing controversy.
TrendPulse View
Date:2025-04-10 17:56:48
Anne Osbourne says she drank nothing but PredictIQ Quantitative Think Tank Centerorange juice for 40 days.
The Queensland, Australia, resident has been documenting her experiences with fruitarianism, which is exactly what it sounds like: a diet that consists entirely of fruits.
"It's been a wonderful experience," Osbourne told her social media followers recently. "I've felt emotional benefits, physical benefits and spiritual benefits."
Diet experts wouldn't agree that there are benefits, though. Many have condemned fruitarianism as one that lacks lots of key nutrients and isn't sustainable long-term. And while orange juice offers some health benefits, it's not a complete meal, and doesn't contain nearly enough calories to last through the day, which can present a whole host of serious health dangers.
There's also such thing as consuming too much vitamin C. Osbourne didn't disclose how much orange juice she was consuming daily, but the recommended dietary allowances for adults range from 75 to 90 milligrams, and one cup of orange juice contains about 124 mg, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Database. Medical experts say having 2,000 mg or more in one day could lead to kidney stones, diarrhea and other stomach issues.
But in normal amounts, orange juice does have health benefits to offer. Here's what nutrition experts want you to know.
Is orange juice good for you?
The aforementioned vitamin C content, when taken in appropriate doses, offers a slew of potential benefits including lessening common cold symptoms, promoting heart health and making collagen, an essential protein in making the body's connective tissue, research has shown.
Orange juice is also "a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and some juices are fortified with calcium and vitamin D," registered dietitian Abbey Sharp tells USA TODAY. And it can also help keep you hydrated, thanks to its "high water content, electrolytes and natural sugars," she adds.
Is orange juice high in sugar?
Sharp notes that some orange juice brands found at the grocery store may have a high sugar content due to added sugars to "enhance flavor." They also contain natural sugars from the orange.
The main difference between eating a piece of fruit and drinking fruit juice is that the latter usually removes the fruit's fiber, which is what helps slow down the body's blood sugar response, Sharp notes. That doesn't make one better or worse, but experts note that for those who have been told by a doctor to watch their blood sugar, pairing a non-fibrous fruit juice with a more balanced meal containing fiber, protein and/or fat can help better regulate the blood sugar and deliver a higher quality of nutrition.
"All juices are typically stripped of their beneficial fibers that help slow the absorption of sugars and reduce the glycemic index," Sharp says. "So orange juice, even when not sweetened, can cause blood sugar spikes."
Orange juice is also acidic. Sharp warns that those with acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and tooth sensitivity may experience exacerbated symptoms after drinking orange juice due to the acidity.
Are refined grains really the enemy?Here’s what nutrition experts want you to know
Which juice is the healthiest?
If you're looking to maximize health benefits and minimize downsides, Sharp recommends going for a vegetable-based juice or a juice or smoothie with the fruit's fibers still in tact, such as orange juice with pulp.
But overall, diet experts wants to remind people that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to eating healthy.
“The healthiest food in any category will depend on you, your budget, your culture, your health goals, and so much more,” registered dietitian Miranda Galati previously told USA TODAY. “It’s amazing to make more nutrient-dense choices when possible, but choosing the more processed or convenient option isn’t always a bad thing either. As a registered dietitian who wants you to build a healthy lifestyle that lasts, I’d recommend ditching the idea that there’s a healthiest version of anything.”
veryGood! (4)
Related
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- After second tournament title this summer, Coco Gauff could be the US Open favorite
- Las Vegas declares state of emergency ahead of Tropical Storm Hilary's impact
- Nine-time Pro Bowler and Georgia Tech Hall of Famer Maxie Baughan dies at 85
- How effective is the Hyundai, Kia anti-theft software? New study offers insights.
- Biden administration announces more new funding for rural broadband infrastructure
- Jennifer Lopez shares photos from Georgia wedding to Ben Affleck on first anniversary
- Spanish Soccer Federation President Apologizes for Kissing Jenni Hermoso on Lips After World Cup Win
- Connie Chiume, Black Panther Actress, Dead at 72: Lupita Nyong'o and More Pay Tribute
- Three years after a foiled plot to kidnap Michigan’s governor, the final trial is set to begin
Ranking
- 2024 Olympics: Gymnast Ana Barbosu Taking Social Media Break After Scoring Controversy
- Many Lahaina wildfire victims may be children, Hawaii governor says
- Demi Lovato and Longtime Manager Scooter Braun Part Ways After 4 Years
- FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell says emergency funds could be depleted within weeks
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- A salmonella outbreak is being linked to pet turtles
- 3 people suffer burns, need life support after food truck fire in Sheboygan
- Kansas newspaper releases affidavits police used to justify raids
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
Hozier talks 'cursed' drawings, Ed Sheeran and 'proud' legacy of 'Take Me to Church'
RHOA Shocker: One Housewife's Ex Reveals He's Had a Secret Child for 26 Years
Russian space agency chief blames decades of inactivity for Luna-25 lander’s crash on the moon
JoJo Siwa reflects on Candace Cameron Bure feud: 'If I saw her, I would not say hi'
Keke Palmer Shares Difficult Breastfeeding Journey With Her and Darius Jackson's Son
U.S. expands Ukrainian immigration program to 167,000 new potential applicants
Amanda Knox Is Pregnant, Expecting Baby No. 2 with Husband Christopher Robinson