Is Orange Juice Bad For You?
Also Known As: OJ
Short answer
Orange juice provides several essential nutrients needed to maintain a healthy body. However, those nutrients can also be found in other products that are far safer than orange juice. OJ is fine in moderation, but can be detrimental in excess.
Recommended Alternative
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
It is common knowledge that orange juice is an essential part of any healthy diet, but hold on a minute. Sometimes “common knowledge” is incorrect. While it is certainly true that there are benefits to drinking orange juice (at least in moderation), it is not as healthy as you may have thought. Let's start with the benefits.
Orange juice does contain important nutrients, such as vitamin C (60% of the recommended daily intake is in ½ cup), vitamin A (4%), and calcium (2%). It also contains bioflavonoids, which are antioxidants that protect cells against free radicals that cause diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Additionally, orange juice with pulp contains fiber, which benefits the digestive system and works to prevent related diseases, such as colon cancer. Lastly, potassium is found in orange juice and is critical for good bone and brain health.
Despite the benefits given above, orange juice carries a high amount of fructose. Besides, contributing to a caloric level higher than that found in pop, having too much fructose increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Also, the acids found in orange juice can weaken tooth enamel, although this effect can be lessened by eating food at the same time.
Due to its high sugar content, orange juice should be enjoyed in moderation – or avoided, considering the nutrients found within are also found in several other healthier sources that do not contain such a high sugar content. If you are solely drinking orange juice to get your intake of vitamin C, try eating broccoli, red bell peppers, and kale instead. Once cup of any of those vegetables provides more vitamin C than one cup of orange juice and none of the sugar.
Possible short-term side effects
- gas
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bloating
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diarrhea
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blood sugar spike
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
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tooth decay
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heart disease
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metabolic syndrome
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diabetes
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- great source of:
-
vitamin a
-
vitamin c
-
potassium
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Lakewood Organic Orange Juice
- 100% natural
- Rich in Vitamin C
- USDA Organic
- No added sugars
- Non-GMO
Learn More!
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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