There's no caffeine in orange juice, but it has multiple nutrients and flavonoids that have been shown to boost alertness, focus, and energy. As a bonus, orange juice is packed with vitamins and minerals that can help you stay healthy, boost your mood, and feel good.
Neither oranges, apples, nor any other fruits naturally contain caffeine. Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found primarily in the seeds, leaves, and fruits of certain plants, such as coffee beans, tea leaves, and cacao beans.
Pure orange juice is packed with flavonoids like hesperidin and naringenin, which are plant compounds with a range of health benefits. Consuming foods rich in flavonoids, like orange juice, may improve certain cognitive functions, according to some studies.
Can a Glass of Orange Juice in the Morning Improve Alertness?
According to research from the University of Reading, a glass of fresh orange juice in the morning can improve alertness and concentration over the course of the day.
This research is part of a series of studies conducted by the University of Reading investigating the effects of flavonoids on the brain.
In the study, 24 healthy males aged 30-65 drank flavonoid-rich orange juice or a control drink on two separate days. Participants were randomly assigned each day to drink orange juice or a control drink.
Researchers designed two drinks, an orange juice with flavonoids, and an orange flavored drink without flavonoids. There were no differences in taste, appearance, energy level, or sugar content between the two drinks.
Cognitive testing was done before and after drinking, as well as two and six hours following consumption. A 240ml serving of orange juice significantly increased cognitive function and alertness for up to six hours. These tests also showed a decline after two and six hours of drinking the control drink. Following the control drink, alertness dropped by 6.4%, whereas after the orange juice, it dropped only by 0.5%.
The Outcome of the Study
Researchers said: “Put together, the results suggest eating or drinking flavonoid rich fruit could be a great, healthy morning tonic -helping to maintain alertness and concentration in the classroom or at work.”
Flavonoids and cognitive function are still areas of active research, though. Flavonoids in orange juice may also vary depending on how the juice is processed and what type of oranges are used.
In a Nutshell
Orange juice is a flavonoid-rich food that can contribute to brain health, but the flavonoids in orange juice are not the same as caffeine, and orange juice alone doesn't necessarily boosts brainpower or reaction times. For optimal cognitive function, you need a well-rounded diet, regular exercise, enough sleep, and mental stimulation.
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