In an 8-ounce serving of orange juice, there's only about 1 to 2 grams of protein. So, if you're looking for a good source of protein, orange juice isn't going to cut it.
While orange juice is not a great protein source, it is loaded with vitamins and has many other health benefits.
Why is Protein So Important?
Protein is super important for our bodies. It helps us build and fix our tissues, make hormones, and keep our immune system strong. While many people think of meat, chicken, and fish as the main sources of protein, you can also get protein from plants.
As noted, orange juice doesn't really have much protein in it. It's mostly made up of water, sugars, vitamins, minerals, and a bit of dietary fiber. But when it comes to protein, orange juice doesn't have much at all.
Other Beneficial Nutrients in Orange Juice
Pure cold-pressed orange juice may not have much protein, but it still has a bunch of nutrients that can do wonders for your health. Check out some of the potential benefits:
1. Nutrient Profile
Orange juice is packed with important nutrients like folate, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin A. These nutrients are super essential for keeping our cells, nerves, heart, and vision in tip-top shape.
2. Vitamin C
Orange juice is packed with vitamin C, which is super important for boosting the immune system, helping the body make collagen, and shielding cells from harm as an antioxidant. It also helps heal wounds faster. So, don't forget to grab a glass of OJ to keep your immune system in tip-top shape.
3. Antioxidants
Orange juice is packed with antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C. These powerful antioxidants work to combat harmful free radicals in our bodies, reducing oxidative stress and potentially decreasing the chances of developing chronic diseases. So, go ahead and enjoy a refreshing glass of orange juice for a healthy boost.
4. Hydration
Orange juice is mostly made up of water, which makes it a great choice for staying hydrated. Hydration is super important for your overall health and helps your body function properly.
5. Digestive Health
Drinking orange juice, especially cold-pressed juice with the pulp, can be good for your digestion. It has dietary fiber that helps keep your bowel movements regular and prevents constipation. So, go ahead and enjoy a glass of OJ to keep your tummy happy.
6. Heart Health
According to some studies, drinking orange juice on a regular basis could be good for your heart. The antioxidants and nutrients found in orange juice may help lower inflammation, enhance the function of blood vessels, and promote a healthy cardiovascular system.
But remember, even though pure cold-pressed orange juice is good for you, it still has quite a bit of natural sugars and calories. So, don't go overboard. It's best to enjoy it as part of a balanced diet, rather than relying on orange juice alone for all your nutritional needs.
Cold and Fresh-Pressed vs. Store Bought
Supermarket orange juice may not be as straightforward as it seems. It goes through a complex, multi-step process and can be stored in large tanks for up to a year before being sold in stores. Most store-bought orange juices aren't simply made by squeezing fresh oranges and pouring the juice into containers. Instead, they undergo a carefully controlled process and can be stored for an extended period before packaging.
The oranges are cleaned and juiced using a machine. Then, they take out the pulp and oils. To make sure it lasts longer, the juice is heated up to kill any enzymes or microbes that could mess things up.
After that, they get rid of some of the oxygen, which helps keep the flavor and some nutrition from being damaged when stored. If they're turning it into frozen concentrate, they remove most of the water by evaporating it.
Unfortunately, when these processes are carried out, they end up taking away the compounds that give the juice its delightful smell and taste. However, some of these compounds are later reintroduced to the juice using specially crafted flavor packs. Additionally, some store-bought orange juices are fortified with Vitamin D and Calcium.
To ensure consistent quality, the juice from oranges picked at different times is sometimes combined before it is packaged. Additionally, pulp, which goes through even more processing after it is extracted, is sometimes added back to certain juices.
Cold-pressed juices have better nutrition profiles, taste and fiber than their store-bought alternatives. However, there is still the same negligible amount of protein per serving.
Conclusion
The point is, orange juice is definitely good for you, but if you're trying to get more protein, it's better to focus on things like lean meats, dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
But don't completely ditch OJ just because it's not high in protein. It still has plenty of other benefits that your body will appreciate.
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