The short answer? Yes! Orange juice contains no fat and is very low in calories, making it a great drink idea for weight loss.
Orange juice has plenty of other benefits in addition to assiting with weight loss. Oranges contain fiber that helps to keep you full, vitamins for immunity, and antioxidants to boost your mood. It can also promote heart health and help fight against certain diseases.
Other Benefits of Orange Juice
A glass or two of orange juice can assist with weight loss and is packed with other health benefits. Oranges are packed with vitamins and nutrients that will help your body stay healthy and strong.
The recommended daily fruit intake is two cups for the average adult, but most people fall short. Consuming orange juice daily is an easy, low-calorie, and sweet way to reach your nutritional goals.
Plus, orange juice is available year-round and is generally cost-effective.
Other benefits of orange juice include:
- Orange juice is great for your immunity
- The fiber in orange juice is great for your digestive system
- Orange juice can boost your mood
- Orange juice is good for your heart
Orange Juice Boosts Your Immunity
It’s no secret that it’s much harder to focus on weight loss or any goal if you’re feeling under the weather. Oranges are packed with Vitamin C, making them one of the best ways to strengthen your immune system and keep you from getting sick. Without enough Vitamin C, your body’s immune system can weaken, making it easier to catch a cold or virus.
Vitamin C has other benefits too. It promotes bone formation, helps the healing process, and even promotes gum health. Oranges also contain ascorbic acids which help your body’s tissue growth, which aids in fighting diseases.
Orange Juice Is Great for Your Digestive System
Oranges contain a high amount of fiber, which keeps you feeling full for longer. The fuller you feel, the fewer calories you consume, and the closer you are to a daily caloric deficit.
Fiber is also a key way to get your inner juices flowing, stimulating digestion. This helps regulate bowel movements and helps to prevent common digestion woes such as indigestion, diarrhea, and bloating.
Preventing bloating and promoting healthy bowel movements is great for weight loss as it helps you feel lighter and keep a lean abdominal area.
Orange Juice Can Improve Your Mood
Most people have had days where they have fallen into the temptation of unhealthy foods or skipping the gym because of a bad mood. Luckily, orange juice may be able to help counter this!
Orange juice is packed with antioxidants containing flavonoids, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid. Antioxidants work with the feel-good chemicals in your brain such as dopamine and serotonin.
These chemicals heighten mood and can contribute to a decrease in mental health issues.
Antioxidants may even help protect your body against chronic conditions such as cancer and diabetes.
Orange juice is one of the most popular sources of antioxidants in the average diet along with vegetables, wine, tea, and berries.
Orange Juice Is Good for Your Heart
One of the most important parts of weight loss is including cardio in your weekly routine. Cardio exercise focuses on increasing the heart rate, which means you need to prioritize your heart health to have an effective weight loss journey.
Studies have shown that orange juice may be correlated with reducing the risk for heart disease. In a study of over 100 individuals, it was found that those who drank orange juice long-term had lower “bad” cholesterol levels and blood pressure than those who didn’t drink orange juice. Not only that, but that same group had increased levels of “good” cholesterol, enjoying overall healthier bodies than the control group.
Orange juice also contains folate and Vitamin B9, which assist with blood circulation and the production of red blood cells. Drinking orange juice daily for only a month can improve the inner lining of your blood vessels!
Is Orange Juice Bad for Weight Loss?
Orange juice is only bad for weight loss if you drink too much of it. It’s important to remember that the key to weight loss is having a consistent caloric deficit. That means burning more calories than you eat or drink.
With any food or drink, moderation is important – especially when it comes to weight loss. The best way to lose weight is to exercise while consuming smaller portions of protein, fruit, and vegetables. These meals can, of course, include drinking a moderate amount of refreshing orange juice.
The Bottom Line: Is Orange Juice Good for Weight Loss?
Yes! Orange juice is good for weight loss. Orange juice has zero fat, is low in calories, and tastes sweet, making it a healthier alternative to sugary drinks like soda.
Orange juice is also packed with other vitamins and nutrients that can benefit your entire body. The Vitamin C in oranges can help boost your immunity, while the fiber in orange juice helps regulate bowel movements and bloating. Plus, the high amounts of antioxidants in orange juice can set off feel-good chemicals in your brain, making you feel happier.
If weight loss is your goal, remember that you can eat almost anything and still lose weight over time as long as you keep your body in a daily caloric deficit. By burning more calories than you consume, you will soon reach your fitness and weight loss goals.
